Setting

Service

The Cottage Avonvale Road Redfield Bristol BS5 9RH

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

Launched in April 2004, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the single inspectorate for social care in England.

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Commission for Social Care Inspection

The Commission combines the work formerly done by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), the SSI/Audit Commission Joint Review Team and the National Care Standards Commission.

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The role of CSCI is to:

• Promote improvement in social care • Inspect all social care - for adults and children - in the public, private and voluntary sectors • Publish annual reports to Parliament on the performance of social care and on the state of the social care market • Inspect and assess ‘Value for Money’ of council social services • Hold performance statistics on social care • Publish the ‘star ratings’ for council social services • Register and inspect services against national standards • Host the Children’s Rights Director role.

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Inspection Methods & Findings

SECTION B of this report summarises key findings and evidence from this inspection. The following 4-point scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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The 4-point scale ranges from:

4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls) 'O' or blank in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. '9' in the 'Standard met?' box denotes standard not applicable. 'X' is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 1

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Name of Authority

Bristol Social Services Fostering Service

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Address

The Cottage, Avonvale Road, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9RH

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Address

The Cottage, Avonvale Road, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9RH

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Date of first registration Date of latest registration certificate

Date of last inspection 24/03/03 Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 1st March 2004 ID Code

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inspections and bring a different

perspective to the inspection process. Name of Specialist (e.g.

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Name of Establishment Representative at

the time of inspection Christine Teller Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 3

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D.3. Provider’s Agreement

Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 4

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Independent and local authority fostering services which fall within the jurisdiction of the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC) are subject to inspection, to establish if the service is meeting the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and the requirements of the Care Standards Act 2000, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and the Children Act 1989 as amended.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

This document summarises the inspection findings of the NCSC in respect of Bristol Social Services Fostering Service. The inspection findings relate to the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services published by the Secretary of State under sections 23 and 49 of the Care Standards Act 2000, for independent and local authority fostering services respectively.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The Fostering Services Regulations 2002 are secondary legislation, with which a service provider must comply. Service providers are expected to comply fully with the National Minimum Standards. The National Minimum standards will form the basis for judgements by the NCSC in relation to independent fostering agencies regarding registration, the imposition and variation of registration conditions and any enforcement action, and in relation to local authority fostering services regarding notices to the local authority and reports to the Secretary of State under section 47 of the Care Standards Act 2000. The report follows the format of the National Minimum Standards and the numbering shown in the report corresponds to that of the standards.

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

The report will show the following: • Inspection methods used • Key findings and evidence • Overall ratings in relation to the standards • Compliance with the Regulations • Notifications to the Local Authority and Reports to the Secretary of State • Required actions on the part of the provider • Recommended good practice • Summary of the findings • Report of the Lay Assessor (where relevant) • Providers response

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INSPECTION VISITS

Inspections will be undertaken in line with the agreed regulatory framework with additional visits as required. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Care Standards Act 2000. The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report. The report represents the inspector's findings from the evidence found at the specified inspection dates. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. Bristol City Council social services were established on 1 st April 1996 as part of the local Government reorganisation. The council provides social services throughout the city. The fostering services team is part of the children’s services division and is based at Avonvale Road, in the area of the city known as Redfield.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The fostering service team undertake the following range of services:

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INSPECTION VISITS

• Fostering services • Adoption services • Step-parent adoption service • General Registry Office (Section 51 Counselling) service • Birth parent counselling service • Administration of letter box scheme • Fostering services panel • Adoption services panel

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INSPECTION VISITS

The council also provides a family link service for disabled children. This service is managed separately to the fostering service but was also included as part of this inspection.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The placement provision within the fostering service is currently arranged as follows:

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INSPECTION VISITS

• Mainstream Carers, who may care for children and young people on a short or long term (permanence) basis.

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INSPECTION VISITS

• Fostering Plus Carers, who provide a range of placements for children with complex needs. These carers have demonstrated experience of caring for or working with children and have considerable skills and understanding of children/young people’s needs. As well as the allowance paid for each child in placement these carers are paid an additional weekly fee for each child in placement.

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INSPECTION VISITS

The fostering service is divided into three teams with designated responsibilities:

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INSPECTION VISITS

1. Recruitment, assessment, short term support and training 2. Duty/placement request and referral, short term and emergency placements 3. Long term placements, adoption assessments and placements

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INSPECTION VISITS

Each team is managed separately, but all are located within the same building. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 6

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Inspector’s Summary

(This is an overview of the inspector’s findings, which includes good practice, quality issues, areas to be addressed or developed and any other concerns). Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 7

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Brief Introduction

Overall the family placement and family link services had made good progress towards meeting the standards and regulations. The staff and managers were positive and pro-active towards improving the services they provide and aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

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Brief Introduction

The inspection this year was over a much shorter period than the previous one and this is reflected in the degree of inspection that was carried out on this occasion. It is anticipated that the next inspection will be of longer duration and therefore more comprehensive.

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Statement of Purpose (Standard 1)

This standard required some minor alterations to the statements of purpose and the children’s guides.

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Fitness to Provide or manage a fostering service (Standards 2-3)

1 of 2 standards assessed were met Gaps in staff records required amendment.

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Management of the fostering service (Standards 4-5)

0 of 2 standards assessed were met The service needs to ensure that the Commission is informed of all notifiable events. Managers need to be supplied with accurate job descriptions.

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(Standards 15-23)

8 of 9 standards assessed were met Staff need to be supplied with accurate job descriptions. It was recommended that the new telephone system and foster carer respite arrangements be reviewed.

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Fostering panels (Standard 30)

This standard was not assessed on this occasion due to current re-structuring of the panel. It will be fully assessed at the next inspection.

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Family and Friends as Carers (Standard 32)

This standard was not assessed at this inspection due to this service not yet falling within the Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 8 remit of the fostering service. It will be fully assessed at the next inspection. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 9

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

The following statutory Reports or Notifications are to be made under the Care Standards Act as a result of the findings of this inspection:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(3) of the Care Standards Act 2000 that the Commission considers the Local Authority's fostering service satisfies the regulatory requirements:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Notice to the Local Authority under section 47(5) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of failure(s) to satisfy regulatory requirements in their fostering service which are not substantial, and specifying the action the Commission considers the Authority should take to remedy the failure(s), informing the Secretary of State of that Notice: NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(4)(a) of the Care Standards Act of a failure by a Local Authority fostering service to satisfy regulatory requirements which is not considered substantial:

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(Local Authority Fostering Services Only)

NO Report to the Secretary of State under section 47(1) of the Care Standards Act 2000 of substantial failure to satisfy regulatory requirements by a Local Authority fostering service:

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The grounds for the above Report or Notice are:

Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 10

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Implementation of Statutory Requirements from Last Inspection

Requirements from last Inspection visit fully actioned? NO

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas not addressed from the last inspection report, which indicate a non-compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services Regulations 2002. No. Regulation Standard Required actions Timescale for action 1 21 FS16 Provide staff and mangers with accurate job descriptions. 30/09/04

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Action is being taken by the National Care Standards Commission to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 11

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registration are listed below, with the inspector's assessment of compliance from

the evidence at the time of this inspection.

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Date 13 th July 2004

Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 12

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING THIS INSPECTION

Action Plan: The appropriate Officer of the Local Authority or the Registered Person (as applicable) is requested to provide the Commission with an Action Plan, which indicates how requirements and recommendations are to be addressed. This action plan will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which indicate non- compliance with the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children Act 1989, the Fostering Services Regulations 2002, or the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services. The Authority or Registered Person(s) is/are required to comply within the given time scales in order to comply with the Regulatory Requirements for fostering services. No. Regulation Standard * Requirement Timescale for action

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

1 3 FS1 Amend statements of purpose and children’s guides as detailed in standard 1 of this report. 30/09/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Schedules 2 & 3 FS3 Ensure that staff records comply with the schedules detailed in standard 3 of this report. 30/09/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3 .21 FS20FS5 Provide managers and staff with accurate job descriptions. 30/09/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4 Schedule 5 FS9 Update foster care agreement as detailed in standard 9 of this report. 30/09/04

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

43 and schedule 8 FS4 Make notifications as detailed in standard 4 of this report. 01/03/04

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

Identified below are areas addressed in the main body of the report which relate to the National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice issues which should be considered for implementation by the Authority or Registered Person(s). No. Refer to Standard * Recommendation Action

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

1 FS16 Review the current telephone system as detailed in standard 16 of this report. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 13 2 FS21 Review respite arrangements as detailed in standard 21 of this report.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

3 FS26 Review premises and equipment used by the family placement teams as detailed in standard 26 of this report.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

* Note: You may refer to the relevant standard in the remainder of the report by omitting the 2-letter prefix e.g. FS10 refers to Standard 10.

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The following inspection methods have been used in the production of this report Number of Inspector days spent 7

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Survey of placing authorities YES Foster carer survey YES Foster children survey NO Checks with other organisations and Individuals NO • Directors of Social services NO • Child protection officer NO • Specialist advisor (s) NO • Local Foster Care Association NO Tracking Individual welfare arrangements NO • Interview with children YES • Interview with foster carers YES • Interview with agency staff YES • Contact with parents NO • Contact with supervising social workers YES • Examination of files YES Individual interview with manager YES Information from provider YES Individual interviews with key staff YES Group discussion with staff YES Interview with panel chair NO Observation of foster carer training NO Observation of foster panel NO Inspection of policy/practice documents YES Inspection of records YES Interview with individual child YES

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Date of Inspection 01/03/04 Time of Inspection 09:30 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 32.0 Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 14 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the NCSC assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards have been met. The following scale is used to indicate the extent to which standards have been met or not met by placing the assessed level alongside the phrase "Standard met?"

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

The scale ranges from: 4 - Standard Exceeded (Commendable) 3 - Standard Met (No Shortfalls) 2 - Standard Almost Met (Minor Shortfalls) 1 - Standard Not Met (Major Shortfalls)

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

"0" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion. "9" in the "Standard met?" box denotes standard not applicable. “X” is used where a percentage value or numerical value is not applicable. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 15

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• There is clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and the fostering service ensures that they meet those aims and objectives.

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There is a clear statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service and of

what facilities and services they provide. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Both the family placement team and the family link team now have statements of purpose and children’s guides. These have not yet been distributed as they are awaiting the commission’s approval. The statements of purpose were seen and need to include numbers of complaints made and their outcomes. The family link children’s guide was designed to be as accessible as possible to children with disabilities. The family placement children’s guide was aimed at and suitable for children and young people aged 11-18, but consideration needs to be given to producing a guide suitable for younger children. All guides need to include the contact details for the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 16

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is provided and managed by those with the appropriate

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

childcare and fostering to do so in a professional manner. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The family placement service is divided into three teams; recruitment, short-term and long- term including permanency. Each team is managed separately by appropriately qualified and experienced staff. The family link team is managed separately by an experienced and qualified manager.

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work efficiently and effectively and have the necessary knowledge and experience of

It was evident from our time spent with the managers that they collectively have a broad range of experience and expertise in management, children’s services and the provision of fostering services. They work closely and meet regularly to discuss service provision and progress. During the inspection the managers were seen to exercise effective leadership and organisational skills and feedback from staff interviews also supported this view.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

a business concerned with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The managers and staff are suitably qualified and experienced to provide fostering services.

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Any persons carrying on or managing the fostering service are suitable people to run

The personnel files showed evidence of appropriate employment histories and qualifications. Some gaps were still found on staff files in relation to the information required by schedules 1 & 2 of the Fostering Services Regulations 2002 and this needs to be rectified. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 17

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The intended outcomes for the following set of standards are:

• The fostering service is managed ethically and efficiently, delivering a good quality foster care service and avoiding confusion and conflicts of role.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

fostering service and ensuring quality performance. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Throughout the inspection it was evident that there are clear roles and lines of accountability for managers and staff.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

There is a budget allocated annually for the fostering service for which each team manager has responsibility for a part. The budgets are monitored monthly by the finance department who supply a statement of expenditure to each manager. Amounts paid to carers are set annually as a scale of age related payments for each child and a fostering plus fee if appropriate.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

It was noted that the fostering service has had 5 notifiable events during the past year but the commission has only received details of one of these. The service needs to supply information to the commission of all notifiable events.

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Number of statutory notifications made to NCSC in last 12 months: 1

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There are clear procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the

Death of a child placed with foster parents. 0

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Referral to Secretary of State of a person working for the service as

unsuitable to work with children. Serious illness or accident of a child. 0 Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. 0 Actual or suspected involvement of a child in prostitution. 0

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

foster home. Serious complaint about a foster parent. 2 Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. 2

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Serious incident relating to a foster child involving calling the police to a

Number of complaints made to NCSC about the agency in the past 12 months: 0 Number of the above complaints which were substantiated: 0 Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 18

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The level of delegation and responsibility of the managers is clearly defined in the organisational map. Managers still did not have accurate job descriptions and these are required. The management structure of each team now includes a senior practitioner. It was hoped that this new structure would allow the managers more time for development work, but the managers still felt that there was a shortage of time for this. Managers and staff both said that there was an ongoing process of clarifying and developing the role of the senior practitioners.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The managers plan their leave to ensure that one manager is always available. There are also two job-share service managers that assume operational accountability and responsibility in the team managers’ absence.

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The family link team manager is covered by the service manager for that service when absent or on leave. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 19

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The fostering service promotes and safeguards the child/young person's physical, mental and emotional welfare.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

nurturing environment. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 All foster carer homes visited during the inspection were well-furnished, decorated and maintained to a good standard of cleanliness and hygiene. The homes were seen to be free of avoidable hazards, and where younger children were placed, appropriate safety barriers were provided. The children’s bedrooms were seen to contain their own beds and age appropriate toys, clothes and equipment.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

Where carers are expected to provide transport for children, the fostering service provides car seats. The service also has two people carrier cars that are available for carers to borrow and their insurance and driving licence documents are checked when they use these vehicles. In addition the foster carer’s handbook has a section about the use of cars and associated safety requirements.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

The duty family placement social worker and locality children’s social workers now carry out risk assessments on room sharing. Social workers have had training in this. The family link risk assessments for this were seen and were satisfactory.

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The fostering service makes available foster carers who provide a safe, healthy and

The foster carer agreement includes the expectation that foster carers may be interviewed or visited as part of the Commission’s inspection process.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

provided with foster care services which value diversity and promote equality. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Diversity and equality are promoted within the service in a variety of ways: • In the carers’ preparation training and support and supervision sessions. • Information relating to the child’s gender, religion, ethnic origin, language, culture and any disabilities are requested on the placement referral form. • Children are matched with carers of the same ethnicity where possible. When this is not possible the service tries to maintain links with the child’s ethnic origin by placing them in a multi-racial area, supporting them to maintain links with any clubs that they belong to and arranging for them to continue with any religious services that they attend. • Children of dual-heritage have a family group conference before being placed to try to identify alternatives to foster care. • Child asylum seekers are provided with interpreters at school and when otherwise

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

needed. • Foster carers are provided with training and guidance in culturally appropriate hair care, cooking and toys. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 20 • Foster carers of disabled children are linked to specialist training and occupational therapists and are provided with appropriate aids and adaptations. • The family placement recruitment team have specific campaigns targeted at people from ethnic minority, gay, lesbian and deaf communities. The managers explained that they have continued to have difficulty recruiting carers from ethnic minorities. Evidence of the service’s efforts to value diversity and promote equality were seen on foster carer recruitment posters aimed at people from the above mentioned communities, in the foster carers’ handbook, in their integrated equalities policy and in the foster carers’ training plan.

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The fostering service ensures that children and young people, and their families, are

The foster carers visited were able to comment on ways that they had supported and advocated for children when they felt that they were being discriminated against. They were also able to tell the inspectors about hobbies and activities that they had supported and encouraged. This information is asked for on the placement referral form and the Looked After Children forms and can therefore be passed onto the carer at the time of placement. Feedback from carers still indicated inconsistency in the level of information that they received about a child from the child’s social worker.

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

authority is seeking a carer. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 At the time of this inspection the fostering service teams were still using their old database system for matching, however the local authority has recently installed a new computer system called PARIS. The family placement module for this will go live in September 2004. It is anticipated that this will assist with matching and monitoring of placements. The efficacy of the new system will be examined at the next inspection.

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

The demand for emergency and short-term placements still regularly exceeds the in-house provision and therefore careful matching is not always possible. When a placement is not ideal the family placement team ensures that extra support is given to the child and carers.

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

The duty officer collects all available information and history of the child at the point of referral. They then discuss the child’s needs with prospective carers to consider a match for placement. Evidence of these discussions was seen on the referral forms.

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carers only if they represent appropriate matches for a child for whom a local

The Family link team now get a copy of each child’s placement plan, which assists with matching and monitoring of placements. The family placement teams need to ensure that they also receive these so that they can monitor gaps in the matching process. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 21

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

neglect, exploitation and deprivation. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 The training programme for foster carers includes training in caring for a child who has been abused, safe caring skills and managing behaviour.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

Foster carers are asked to consider a safe caring policy for their individual homes at the time of induction and assessment. Evidence of this is in the form F assessments. Further written policy and guidance are found in the foster carers handbook.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

Carers sign an agreement, which states that corporal punishment is not acceptable. Signed copies of these were seen. The foster carer agreements have now been rewritten to comply with Schedule 5 of the Fostering Services Regulations 2002. A copy of this was seen and was satisfactory apart from the need to update with details of the new Commission for Social Care Inspection.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

A new anti-bullying policy and recording form has been written in draft and was seen to be appropriate, and the annual training programme includes sessions for carers on anti- bullying. The family link team is in the process of producing an anti-bullying policy using Makaton symbols.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

A system is in place to collate and evaluate information on the circumstances, number and outcome of all allegations of neglect or abuse of a child in foster care. Training is now provided on the process of dealing with allegations and the foster care agreement now states that outside support can be provided to carers in the event of them being the subject of an allegation. Training around complaints is now also available.

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The fostering service protects each child or young person from all forms of abuse,

The written procedure for use if a foster child is missing from home is provided for carers in the foster carers’ handbook.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

her/his care plan and/or foster placement agreement. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The foster carers’ preparation training includes guidance on the promotion of contact, the skills needed for this and the setting of boundaries. Issues around contact are monitored and reviewed by the carer’s social worker during supervision sessions. Written feedback from carers gave good illustrations of the ways in which they promote contact.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

There is no standard procedure within the fostering service for contact arrangements. This is done individually for each child and details are contained in the Looked After Children (LAC) forms that carers receive for each child. The foster carers’ handbook contains a section on children’s birth families, promoting contact and guidance on recording and reporting observations and concerns to the child’s social worker.

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encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships as set out in

Arrangements for contact are considered when finding a placement for a child. In addition transport and childcare costs are covered to ensure that contact takes place as needed. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 22 Overall the foster carers were positive about contact arrangements in their feedback.

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

daily life and their future. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The foster carers’ training programme includes guidance on listening to children and responding to what they say. The LAC review system provides opportunities for children to express their opinions about their daily life and children’s views are now included in foster carers’ annual reviews.

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others significant to the child, are sought over all issues that are likely to affect their

Information about making complaints is now included in the children’s guide in a child friendly format. Voice for the Child in Care has now been commissioned to provide an advocacy service for looked after children.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

in decisions about her/his health needs. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service now has two designated nurses, one of whom sits on the fostering panel. The nurses also provide training to foster carers and were viewed by team managers as providing a very useful addition to the service.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

There is a new service which will be available to looked after children called The Bristol Collaborative Service. This will be a 4 bed residential unit and outreach service to schools jointly run by health and social services.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

The assessment of carers includes a description of the area that they live in and the local healthcare facilities. This information is then used in the matching process. When placing a disabled child, the layout of the carer’s home is also taken into account. Occupational therapists assess the homes of family link carers and obtain appropriate adaptations for the children placed there.

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training appropriate to her/his age and understanding to enable informed participation

The placement referral form contains sections for health needs and records. This information can then be given to the carer at the time of the placement or before. Carers are also provided with training and guidance in the promotion of health and hygiene during their preparation training and in their handbook. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 23

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

her/his full potential. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster carers with the family placement teams described the active role that they take in helping children to attain their full educational potential. Carers interviewed described close working relationships with schools. In addition Personal Education Plans are now being introduced for all looked after children of school age.

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

The council has a separate service for the educational needs of children looked after (ECLA). They support children in school experiencing difficulties and can also provide education for a number of children out of school at their base for three days per week. The service now also has a policy regarding exclusions from school.

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child or young person in foster care and ensures that she/he is encouraged to attain

Foster homes visited provided space for homework and each foster carer household with children of 13 years and over have now been provided with a computer and internet access.

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The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

competence and knowledge necessary for adult living. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The service now has a policy on preparing children and young people for independent living. A copy of this was seen and was satisfactory. The family placement and after care teams are now also providing training for foster carers about this. Evidence of this was seen on the training plan.

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The fostering service ensures that their foster care services help to develop skills,

The family placement team managers felt that communication with the after care team had improved. This team also includes one personal advisor for disabled children. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 24

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The people who work in or for the fostering service are suitable to work with

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number of staff and carers and their range of qualifications and experience are

sufficient to achieve the purposes and functions of the organisation.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

children and young people and to safeguard and promote their welfare. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The council has appropriate written procedures for recruitment and checking prospective members of staff. The recruitment procedure showed a selection for interview process identifying candidates by numbers only to provide equal opportunities. All the managerial staff that engage in the selection and interviewing process are trained to do so.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

Inspection of fostering service staff files held at the HR department showed that these procedures were followed and that the social work staff employed in the fostering service are qualified, have experience of working with children and in the field of fostering. Telephone follow up to written references is now being done. Gaps in these records have already been referred to in standard 3 of this report.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

All the social work staff in the team hold appropriate qualifications, and in the course of interview discussion demonstrated an understanding of the legislation relevant to children and fostering. They had direct experience and training in the growth and development of children and evidence of their discussion with foster carers on this subject was also found in supervision records.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

Social work staff undertaking the assessment of foster carers are qualified and the team collectively have many years experience in this process.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

Assessment of prospective foster carers is supervised by the manager of the recruitment and training team, any assessments undertaken by students on placement in the team are directly supervised by their practice supervisor; the fostering panel also provides a quality control role in monitoring the standard of assessment.

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Any people working in or for the fostering service are suitable people to work with

Foster carers’ references and checks were found to meet the requirements of Regulation 27 and information required by Schedule 3.

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agency in the past 12 months:

Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 25

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

foster care service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The management, accountability and delegation structure of the service are detailed in standards 2, 4 and 5 of this report.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

Workloads are allocated in team meetings by mutual consent between the team manager and the social worker. Workloads are monitored during individual supervision sessions and team managers meet regularly to discuss team workloads.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

Team managers and the fostering panels ensure assessments, approvals and reviews of foster carers are managed and implemented effectively.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

Before independent agency carers are used, the agencies are asked to provide their statement of purpose, child protection and equal opportunities policies, proof of registration with the CSCI and foster carer assessment forms. Child care social workers are then expected to monitor the equality of care during their regular visits to the children placed with the agency.

p.27

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

Staff were able to confirm that they are offered opportunities for on-going training and development. Foster carers are also offered an annual programme of training and opportunities for development. Their training records were seen on their files and most had attended some of the training offered.

p.27

Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

Reception and information staff have been recruited since the last inspection. The family placement teams now have their own designated administrators, although these staff still have to take turns staffing the general reception area at Avonvale Road.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

The team managers felt that the anticipated improvements that would come with the reception and information staff had only partially materialised and commented that these staff were behind in updating the database due to a new phone system which has recently been installed.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

All staff interviewed felt that the new phone system was inappropriate for their needs as it does not allow carers to leave the detailed messages that they used to be able to leave on their social worker’s individual answer machine. Carers interviewed had a range of both positive and negative views on both the new and old systems. It is recommended that the new telephone system is reviewed to ensure that both staff and carers feel that it is the most effective system for the efficient running of the service.

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Staff are organised and managed in a way that delivers an efficient and effective

From discussion with family placement social workers it was evident that they have a clear understanding of their roles and how they can work effectively with the childcare social workers. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 26

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

people for whom it aims to provide a service. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Although the posts within the family placement teams that had been frozen at the time of the last inspection were now unfrozen, there were still vacancies within the teams that were causing operational problems. These posts had been appropriately advertised to resolve the situation.

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

The service actively promotes recruitment of a range of carers to meet the needs of the children and young people for whom it aims to provide a service.

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qualified staff and recruits a range of carers to meet the needs of children and young

Prospective carers are assessed appropriately using the form F method. Copies of theses were seen on carers’ files.

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

practices and good support for its staff and carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The discussion with staff and carers and inspection of their files showed that the service operates sound employment practices.

p.28

The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

An out of hours service is available to foster carers between 5pm and 12 midnight. Most foster carers commented in discussions and via questionnaires that they found this service useful and supportive. A duty support line is also available during the day if needed. Supervision of carers is detailed in Standard 21 of this report.

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

Staff receive a health and safety policy in their employment handbook. For foster carers this is covered in their handbook and foster care agreement.

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The fostering service is a fair and competent employer, with sound employment

We saw that the service has a whistle blowing policy which is available to all staff and carers.

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There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

staff up-to-date with professional and legal developments. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The team managers provide induction training for new social work staff within the team, this commences immediately they join the team. The team managers explained that they would expect an induction programme to take two weeks, it would cover all aspects of the service and provide a new member of staff with experience of working alongside experienced staff. Staff also have an annual appraisal with their manager.

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There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

The managers reported that the staff training programme was short staffed and therefore not providing the usual range of training opportunities.

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There is a good quality training programme to enhance individual skills and to keep

Senior practitioners new in post had had a series of meetings with the service manager and trainer in order to identify and meet their training needs. Team managers have also had discussions with senior practitioners about their roles and responsibilities and a working Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 27 party is planned to continue this process of role monitoring and evaluation.

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 Staff still do not have accurate job descriptions and need to be supplied with these.

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

Staff receive formal recorded supervision and appraisal from their team managers on a monthly basis, and informal supervision via the open door policy that team managers operate.

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

Team meetings are held weekly for the long term and short term teams and fortnightly for the recruitment team. They are held on Wednesdays to enable all staff (including those who job share) to attend. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 28

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The fostering service has a clear strategy for working with and supporting carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The strategy for working with foster carers is written in the foster carer agreement and the foster carers’ handbook.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

Carers interviewed individually and as a group were able to describe the support they received from the service. They each had an allocated social worker that visited them on a regular basis, every 4 to 6 weeks. It was difficult to evidence this from carers’ files as some of them had gaps in the running report. There have also been gaps in visits due to vacancies within the teams. Where this occurs telephone contact is maintained and visits made as needed by other team members. The service now has a proforma to be used for home visits to carers. Contact is made between the supervision visits by telephone either by the carer or social worker.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The service managers randomly audit foster carers files on a quarterly basis.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The family link team visit their carers every three months as a minimum and this was evidenced in the carers’ files.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

The service provides a duty advice line for carers throughout the day at the office and until midnight after office hours by a rota of team members. Carers appreciated the support provided out of hours and felt it was more useful than the service provided by the EDT.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

There are foster carer support groups throughout the city and carers find these groups particularly useful to link up with others in their area. One group was attended during the inspection.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

Feedback from carers indicated that many would like to see an improvement in respite arrangements. This was also identified as an area for improvement by the team managers. It is recommended that respite arrangements are reviewed in consultation with carers.

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Standard 21 (21.1 - 21.6)

We found that communication between children’s social workers and fostering service social workers was good. Most family placement social workers now use e-mail in order to improve communication between teams. This has also been addressed in supervision sessions with social workers.

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The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

and helps them to develop their skills. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Foster carers receive and sign an agreement with the fostering service that explains the expectations of them and of the local authority.

p.30

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

The foster carers’ handbook was seen and the carers visited confirmed that they had been given a copy. The foster carers’ handbook has not been updated yet.

p.30

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

In addition, carers receive out of hours and social work support as previously mentioned, insurance cover and automatic membership to Avon Foster Carers Association.

p.30

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

Foster carers receive information about procedures for dealing with complaints. These can Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 29 be raised informally with the team managers or sent to the complaints department where they are formally recorded.

p.30

The fostering service is a managed one that provides supervision for foster carers

Information about the procedures for dealing with investigations into allegations is given to staff and is in the foster carers’ handbook. Children are given information about how to complain and this is included in the children’s guide.

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

their care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There are two social workers located in the recruitment, assessment and training team who have responsibility for providing training for foster carers. They produce an annual training programme and carers can select appropriate sessions they wish to attend. The effectiveness of training provided is evaluated from carers’ feedback after each session and at their annual reviews. Written feedback from carers showed a good level of attendance at training events amongst that sample.

p.31

provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

Experienced foster carers are used as co-trainers on the induction programme and other on- going training. Foster carers can also access training via the central training department, which provides them with opportunities to train alongside social work and residential staff.

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

Where two adults in one household apply to be approved as joint carers they are expected to complete all the induction training. There are specific training days identified in the annual programme for foster carers’ children and for male carers.

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

Training is organised at convenient times in local venues around the city. The council also provides reasonable expenses for childcare.

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provide high quality care and meet the needs of each child/young person placed in

Foster carers are able to access NVQ training in childcare via the central training section in the city. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 30

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• All appropriate records are kept and are accessible in relation to the fostering services and the individual foster carers and foster children.

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maintained for each child or young person in foster care which details the nature and

quality of care provided and contributes to an understanding of her/his life events.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

anyone involved in her/his care. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There was a good understanding between childcare and family placement teams regarding their respective responsibility for record keeping.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

The placement referral form contains information about the legal status, care plan and background of the child and the duty social workers told us that they discuss this information with the carers when matching.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

The assessment and supervision of carers includes guidance on helping children to record life events and understand their history. The childcare social workers also assist with this.

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Relevant information from the case records is made available to the child and to

Foster carers are given guidance by their social workers on safe storage of information and those visited demonstrated a good understanding of confidentiality.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

relevant to the running of the foster care service and as required by regulations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There are separate records kept for staff, carers and children. The managers monitor the quality and adequacy of records by supervision. Foster carer files are now checked and monitored regularly by team managers.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

Records are stored in secure cabinets and the computer system is password protected. The building has a burglar alarm. There is a written policy on case recording and for access to confidential records.

p.32

The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

The family placement module of the new computer system PARIS will be going live in September 2004. The service still has difficulty in providing some of the statistics required below using the current system and was unable to provide some of them at this brief inspection. These statistics will be sought at the next inspection. The 589 placements refer only to those made by the family placement teams, whilst the numbers of carers approved and de-registered are for both the family placement and family link teams. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 31 Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: 589 Number of placements made by the agency in the last 12 months: X

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months:

X Number of new foster carers approved during the last 12 months: 37 Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: 33

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Maximum £

168.49 Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 32

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The intended outcome for the following standard is:

• The premises used as offices by the fostering service are suitable for the purpose.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

Premises used as offices by the fostering service are appropriate for the purpose. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The premises used by the teams were the same as at the last inspection. The team managers reported that they had lost a meeting room which was previously available for their use. This has meant that staff meetings have been difficult to hold as the teams meet on the same days. Managers also reported that they felt there were not enough computers, telephones or desks for their staff and that accommodation continued to be cramped.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

It is recommended that the local authority reviews the premises used by the teams to ensure that the accommodation and equipment is sufficient for the number of staff employed.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

The managers reported that the foster carer trainers now have the use of an OHP, TV and video to support delivery of training sessions.

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Standard 26 (26.1 - 26.5)

The canteen at Avonvale Road is being refurbished for the use of staff. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 33

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• The agency fostering services are financially viable and appropriate and timely payments are made to foster carers.

p.35

The agency ensures it is financially viable at all times and has sufficient financial

resources to fulfil its obligations. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The fostering services are funded as part of the local authority social services department. There is an annual allocated budget, and the service plan determines how the budget will be spent. Each manager receives a monthly breakdown of expenditure to monitor spending patterns. The finance department provide advice in relation to budgeting matters.

p.35

The agency ensures it is financially viable at all times and has sufficient financial

The local authority payroll services ensure regular payment of staff salaries, including deduction of income tax and national insurance.

p.35

The financial processes/systems of the agency are properly operated and maintained

in accordance with sound and appropriate accounting standards and practice. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The chief executive, chief elected member and the director of social services determine how the overall budget will be allocated. The budget is held centrally and delegated to the team managers for management of individual budgets. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 34

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cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

made promptly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 There is a written policy on fostering allowances which is contained in the foster carers’ handbook, and details about allowances are published in recruitment information. The policy states clearly what expenses the allowances are expected to cover. Further payments are made automatically throughout the year.

p.36

cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are

Since the last inspection foster carers have had their fostering allowance rate increased. Holiday payments can be negotiated with the locality children’s team managers. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 35

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Fostering panels are organised efficiently and effectively so as to ensure that

p.37

Fostering panels have clear written policies and procedures, which are implemented

in practice, about the handling of their functions. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 At the time of this inspection the fostering panel was in the process of changing its structure to meet the standard and regulations for fostering panels. As this process was not complete at the time, it was agreed that this standard would not be assessed on this occasion and that the new panel would be assessed at the next inspection. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 36

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• When foster care is provided as a short-term break for a child, the arrangement recognises that the parents remain the main carers for the child.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

of children receiving short-term breaks. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 The family link team was inspected as part of the fostering service inspection this year and information about their service has been included throughout this report.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

At the time of the inspection the team supported 80 carers and 93 placements. The team manager reported that new recruitment strategies were being tried, such as advertising in hospitals, and that numbers of carers have increased over the past year.

p.38

have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

The family link team approves family and friends as carers where this is possible and appropriate.

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have policies and procedures, implemented in practice, to meet the particular needs

Children placed for more than 120 days per year are monitored and reviewed in accordance with the Looked After Children system. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 37

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The intended outcome for the following set of standards is:

• Local authority fostering services' policies and procedures for assessing,

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there is recognition of the particular relationship and position of family and friend

carers. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 0 The service has advertised for a kinship carer social worker to join the family placement long-term team. This has been done to bring responsibility for kinship carers within the remit of the fostering service. The managers reported however that they have had difficulty in recruiting to this post and at the time of the inspection it remained vacant. This standard could not therefore be properly assessed on this occasion and will form part of the next inspection. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 38

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Date

Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 39

p.41

comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

We would welcome comments on the content of this Draft report relating to the Inspection conducted on 1 st March 2004 of announced inspection at Bristol Social Services Fostering Services and any factual inaccuracies:

p.41

comments/confirmation relating to the content and accuracy of the report for

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 40

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to the provider’s comments:

Amendments to the report were necessary NO

p.42

Action taken by the NCSC in response to the provider’s comments:

Comments were received from the provider YES

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Action taken by the NCSC in response to the provider’s comments:

Provider comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report NO

p.42

Action taken by the NCSC in response to the provider’s comments:

YES Provider comments are available on file at the Area Office but have not been incorporated into the final inspection report. The inspector believes the report to be factually accurate

p.42

Note:

In instances where there is a major difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider responsible Local Authority fostering service Manager both views will be made available on request to the Area Office.

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report:

Action plan was received at the point of publication YES

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report:

Action plan covers all the statutory requirements in a timely fashion YES

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report:

Action plan did not cover all the statutory requirements and required further discussion NO

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan NO

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Public reports

It should be noted that all NCSC inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to NCSC offices. Bristol Social Services Fostering Service Page 41

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Registered Person’s or responsible Local Authority Manager’s statement of

agreement/comments: Please complete the relevant section that applies.

p.43

Date

Note: In instance where there is a profound difference of view between the Inspector and the Registered Provider both views will be reported. Please attach any extra pages, as applicable.

p.43