Setting

Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit

Aire Building 35 Saltaire Road Shipley West Yorkshire BD18 3HH

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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. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 1

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Address

Aire Building, 35 Saltaire Road, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 3HH

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Fax No: Address

Aire Building, 35 Saltaire Road, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 3HH

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Date of latest registration certificate

Date of last inspection 20/10/03 Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 2 Date of Inspection Visit 18th October 2004 ID Code

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Date of latest registration certificate

Name of Inspector 1 Dave Stanford 071351

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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 Sarah Patrick - Manager Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 3

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D.3. Provider’s agreement

Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 4

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INTRODUCTION TO REPORT AND INSPECTION

Independent and local authority fostering services which fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) 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 CSCI in respect of Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit. 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 CSCI 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 and proposed action plan to address findings

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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. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED. The Bradford Adoption and Fostering Unit is a Local Authority provision offering a comprehensive and responsive service aiming to meet short and long term fostering needs as well as the permanency needs of children and young people. The service has also developed a number of other schemes to compliment and support the primary services, which include ‘fostering challenge’ that provides individual placements for young people who require more intense and additional psychological support due to their challenging

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INSPECTION VISITS

behavioural difficulties. There is now a psychologist employed on a sessional basis within the unit and also four family placement support workers, who provide direct work with the children and the carers whilst in placement and support to the family placement social workers. The service draws upon social workers who are independent of the authority to support carers through allegations or complaint investigations. The service’s office is based in Shipley. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit 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.) This announced inspection took place during October and November 2004. The service has been managed over the last year by a senior manager, due to the manager vacancy in the unit. A new manager has only recently been appointed in July 2004.

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This standard was not fully met

The service has revised the statement of purpose. It has been substantially reduced in size, whilst retaining most of the information necessary for such a document and is more accessible for the revision. There are, however, some minor omissions.

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Both of the standards assessed were met

The manager has suitable experience and is working towards completing an element of the necessary qualifications. There was evidence of a professional and competent approach to the management of the service.

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Both of the standards assessed were met

There is an established and clear set of guidelines for staff accountability and evidence indicated there is an effective monitoring of the provision of the service. The documentation provided to the Commission was completed in a thorough and timely fashion and discussions held with staff suggested there is a renewed and clear sense of direction to the service.

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All of the standards assessed were met

There was evidence available from discussions held with service users and foster carers and through the inspection of certain records that consideration is always given to ensuring the welfare of those receiving the service. There were good examples of practical and moral support noted.

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Six of the nine standards assessed were met

Discussions and interviews held with a range of staff indicated there is a clear professional understanding of the purpose of the unit with good levels of practice skill and an appreciation of the legislation that the unit works under. There are issues of concern related to the inconsistency of supervision for staff and the monitoring of workloads and that there are a number of carers without allocated link staff. There were good examples of the provision and support of appropriate training to carers. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 7

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One of the two standards assessed was met

Case records inspected were found to be up to date and sufficient in detail. Files inspected through a tracking process were also found to be up to date and contained information which can contribute to the service user’s understanding of their life events, however a general review and revision is necessary for the policies and procedures to be more reflective of current practice.

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This standard was assessed and not met

Whilst the building is appropriate and suitable for the purpose and the administrative systems are well managed and robust, the IT system fails to fully support the staff, due to the age of the hardware and associated software packages.

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Two of the three standards were assessed and both were met

There is a suitable fee structure and payment system that provides for a range of allowances. Foster carers spoken with felt that the allowance system was satisfactorily efficient, as were the administration of expenses.

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This standard was assessed and not met

There remains some difficulties for the make-up and consistent attendance of all the necessary members to the panel, though there is a clear improvement from the previous two inspections of this service.

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This standard was assessed and met

The service has established links with a shared care and support care scheme. Appropriate policies and guidance are in place to support consistency.

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This standard was assessed and met

The service is sensitive to the needs of family and friends approved as carers, and these carers appear to be appropriately supported through assessment. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 8

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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:

Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 9

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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

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

1 23 FS26 The IT provision appears insufficiently robust for the demands of the service. The system must be reviewed and assessed for its fitness. 31/03/04

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Action is being taken by the Commission for Social Care Inspection to monitor

compliance with the above requirements. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 10

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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 1 st April 2005

Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 11

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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 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 19 FS16 Sufficient staff must be available, or a reorganisation of work methods must be completed to address the imbalance in workload distribution and the backlog of foster carer assessments. 01/06/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

2 19 FS18 Sufficient staff must be available, or work methods must be reorganised to ensure that all carers have an allocated link worker. 01/06/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

3 21(4) FS20 All staff must receive formal staff supervision on a regular and consistent basis. 31/03/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

4 23 FS26 The IT provision appears insufficiently robust for the demands of the service. The system must be reviewed and assessed for its fitness. 31/03/05

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STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

5 24 FS30 The fostering panel must be properly constituted. 31/03/05 Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 12

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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 FS1 The statement of purpose and children’s guide should contain information on the number and outcome of complaints and the current children’s guide should be reviewed.

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GOOD PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS INSPECTION

2 FS25 Over the last year some of the policies and procedures including those in the foster carer handbook have gradually become out of step as working practices have evolved due to the lack of direct managerial oversight. The manager should make a general review these policies and procedures.

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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. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 13

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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 11

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PART B INSPECTION METHODS & FINDINGS

Survey of placing authorities NO Foster carer survey YES Foster children survey YES Checks with other organisations and Individuals • Directors of Social services NO • Child protection officer NO • Specialist advisor (s) NO • Local Foster Care Association YES Tracking Individual welfare arrangements YES • 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 YES Observation of foster carer training NO Observation of foster panel YES 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 18/10/04 Time of Inspection 09.00 Duration Of Inspection (hrs) 90 Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 14 The following pages summarise the key findings and evidence from this inspection, together with the CSCI 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. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit 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 The service has revised the statement of purpose, which is comprehensive, and provides information about what the service can offer, and indicates a number of procedures in relation to the recruitment, training and support of foster carers. However, the document does not have details on the number and outcomes of the complaints made to the service. There is a separate document used throughout the Social Service Department entitled ‘In Good Care: You and Your Rights’, which is a service user guide to being in care. The service has now developed another guide, entitled ‘What is Fostering?’ which, is aimed at 0- 11 year old service users. It is felt, however, that this is too wide an age range for the document and consideration should be given to produce a more age appropriate document for the under 5’s. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit 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 Bradford Social Service Department has recently appointed a new manager to the fostering service (in July 2004). This manager has experience of managing a similar fostering service with another local authority and has a suitable previous work history. She is currently undertaking the Diploma in Management Studies and expects to complete this by February 2005, and is a qualified social worker, obtaining the CQSW in 1974. Other members managing the link worker teams (known as senior care managers) also have suitable and appropriate experience. Appropriate support to these senior care managers’ via the senior management structure is said to be available if the manager is away.

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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? 3 Staff records were inspected and proper and up to date checks are maintained on all staff. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit 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? 3 There remains an established and clear set of guidelines for staff accountability. Evidence from discussions held with all levels of staff, and through the inspection of various records, indicated there is an effective monitoring of the provision of the service to ensure the maintenance and consistency of the service.

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

Number of statutory notifications made to CSCI in last 12 months: 0

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

Death of a child placed with foster parents. X

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

unsuitable to work with children. X Serious illness or accident of a child. 1 Outbreak of serious infectious disease at a foster home. X Actual or suspected involvement of a child in prostitution. X

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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. X Initiation of child protection enquiry involving a child. 1

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

Number of complaints made to CSCI about the agency in the past 12 months: 0 Number of the above complaints which were substantiated: 0

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Standard 5 (5.1 - 5.4)

The fostering service is managed effectively and efficiently. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 3 Whilst acknowledging the manager was a recent appointment to the post, she was still well able to provide information and details of how the service is managed. The documentation provided to the Commission was completed in a thorough and timely fashion and discussions held with staff suggested there is a renewed and clear sense of direction to the service. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 18

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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 Visits were made to a randomly selected number of foster carers. These carers were involved in different schemes within the service and had differing lengths of experience. They were clear about the purpose of the placements and the potential for the length of the placement. Training on a range of topics was provided and seen as an appropriate and valuable tool. There was evidence of useful and comprehensive information being provided, though support on the best way to access and use this information could be further developed. Networking between carers was also facilitated and seen as a positive. Carers were aware of a complaints procedure and felt confident that issues could be raised. The homes were domestic, well decorated and furnished. There were a range of suitable facilities, with toys and playthings available which were appropriate to the ages of the

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

children. They also confirmed health and safety issues had featured as part of the discussions with the service and their link worker.

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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 There continues to be an acknowledged shortfall of carers for Asian and Dual Heritage children. Efforts being made to address this shortfall include specific Asian recruitment and training programmes, using Asian radio and newspapers to advertise, and Asian link workers are employed by the service who provide co-working and are able to facilitate access to information and support on issues of diversity. Discussions with Asian carers indicated they held positive views on the recruitment and preparation process, though voiced some concerns on the timing of the panel meetings and other matters which conflicted with certain religious obligations. Children observed in placement and a number of completed questionnaires showed that suitable facilities and appropriate cultural, ethnic and religious

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

matters were being supported and preserved. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 19

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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 Generally placements are always attempted to be properly and suitably matched, however, this is not always realistically achievable due to the acknowledged occasional shortfalls in available resources. It is accepted that the service always strives to make the best match placement at all times and recognises these shortcomings. Recent changes have been made to further refine the process as the senior care managers have a more direct input in the matching process.

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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? 3 A range of training is available to foster carers in caring for children who may have been abused. Carers spoken with said the training was relevant and practical and support was also available on behaviour management, through the services of an in-house psychologist. Written guidelines are available to carers on how to care for children in a safe manner and discussions with several foster carers indicated that practical instruction and advice was given by link workers. Foster carers were clear that corporal punishment is unacceptable, and all those carers spoken to had developed reasonable methods of dealing with unacceptable behaviour that was understood and agreed with by the children. There are management systems in place to collate and evaluate information on allegations within the fostering service.

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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 Case records showed good supporting evidence that contact with family or with significant other people was properly supported. Files of foster carers examined showed that with the support of the link worker they were encouraged and enabled to maintain appropriate contact with birth families. Foster carers spoken with were aware of the importance and value of these arrangements. Children and young people spoken with talked of their contact arrangements positively and with an understanding of the purpose of the contact. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 20

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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 Discussions with and feedback from children showed that they are clear about their rights to be involved in decisions about their lives and circumstances. They are invited to contribute to and attend reviews and to make their day-to-day views known to their carers and social workers. Evidence was found of complaints being made and taken seriously.

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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 Most carers reported that they received information about the health needs of children placed with them in a timely manner. There was one exception and this matter was passed on to the manager of the service at the time of the inspection. Carers confirmed they received training on areas such as health and hygiene and first aid, and those spoken with were aware of their responsibilities with regard to promoting the full range of health needs for the children in their care. Specialist services are also available including a psychologist now working on a full time sessional basis in the unit.

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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 There was evidence found, in the sample of children’s files inspected, of Personal Education Plans. It was clear that the service places a proper emphasis on meeting the educational needs of looked after children and carers were fully committed to enabling children to meet their full potential. There was appropriate educational provision in place for all the children sampled and the support networks, including the children’s social workers, were geared towards supporting attendance and achievement. Carers understood their responsibilities in supporting children through assisting with homework and attending parents’ evenings or other school events. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 21

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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 Their was evidence in young peoples’ reviews of the development of links with the Independent Living Team and Connexions. These services were being used to discuss the future placements and pathway plans for the young people, which included the preparation of the child to move towards independent living. The service has recognised this issue requires further development to ensure a higher quality of support to both the young people and the foster carers. Work is in progress to develop the necessary required communication between the various agencies. Young people spoken to gave examples of age appropriate opportunities to develop their independence skills. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 22

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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 Bradford City Council Social Services have a thorough and clear recruitment policy, which includes taking up a third ‘random’ reference and the records retained in the unit showed references and police checks are properly sought and completed. There was evidence that the link workers, managers and other staff, including administrative staff, contracted to work with the service have suitable work experience and qualifications. Discussions and interviews held with a range of staff indicated there is a clear professional understanding of the purpose of the unit with good levels of practice skill and an appreciation of the legislation that the unit works under.

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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? 2 The service manager and team managers demonstrated clarity in the structure of the organisation and were able to show that there are systems in place to deliver support and monitor performance. Interviews with staff, however, indicated a somewhat inconsistent picture on management support, as there remains a view that the level of professional supervision and the monitoring of workloads was not always sufficient, though informal support mechanisms were seen as a valuable and positive aspect within the unit. It also appears the distribution of workloads continues to be an issue as the staff structure has become skewed due to experienced staff leaving, compounded by the success of recruitment campaigns, thus creating a backlog of assessment work for new foster carers. Some staff expressed a concern that these demands, if not attended to, could lead to best practice being

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

compromised. Other concerns expressed by staff related to the organisation of the ‘duty’ system, which has developed a number of informal and ad hoc systems in an attempt to support its effectiveness. These matters indicate there is a need for the new manager to review the manner in which workloads are organised and to develop a strategic plan to meet current shortfalls. It is acknowledged that this matter has already been prioritised for action by the management team. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 23

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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 There has been a number of staff changes over this last year that has had an impact on some areas of the service, as indicated in other standards. The use of Agency staff continues to be necessary whilst the staff recruitment process proceeds. The service does have a staff team with an appropriate range of skills and experience in working with foster carers and in administration, many of whom have worked in the service for a considerable time. There are other staff with specific roles to compliment and support the work of the unit; these include a recently appointed marketing officer, a full time psychologist and three placement support workers. There is a foster carer recruitment policy and strategy in place that is aimed at recruiting a range of carers, from all parts of the community, which aspires to meet the diverse needs of children requiring placement. The carer assessment process is

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

based on a competence evaluation and is a thorough and comprehensive procedure.

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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? 2 The authority has a range of policies and practices in place that are designed to protect workers and carers, including well structured grievance and disciplinary procedures. An out of hours service is available to carers and there is a system for appraisal and support. Discussions held individually with a number of carers and a representative carers group known as B.A.F.A. indicated that in the main support was valued and seen as both practical and useful, though some comments suggested there were some inconsistencies, related to staffing issues in the unit. There are a number of carers who do not have allocated workers which means the provision of support is less predictable as this is managed through the team managers.

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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 service links into the departmental training programme and there is also specific training provision based on staff appraisal. Discussions held with staff members in a group meeting indicated that some staff feel there are limitations to the breadth and depth of the training available and it was said that the specialist nature of their work was not provided for within the training unit strategy as the focus was more to do with direct field work practice. Individual discussions with managers and staff suggested there is a proper appreciation and intent to ensure appropriate and relevant training to all staff. There are appraisal schemes in place to assess individual training needs and evidence of a good range of training accessible both in-house and (though geographical location may be problematic) externally.

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

Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 24

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Standard 20 (20.1 - 20.5)

All staff are properly accountable and supported. Key Findings and Evidence Standard met? 2 All staff have job descriptions and were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Formal staff supervision has some degree of inconsistency and is an issue that the management team are in the process of reviewing. Appraisals are taking place at suitable intervals. There are both weekly team and monthly unit meetings held where professional issues as well as practical matters can be raised.

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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 There is a clear and explicit strategy developed by the unit for working with and supporting carers. Foster carers spoken with talked of good relationships and an understanding of the differing roles between the ‘link worker’ and the children’s social worker. Annual reviews are held and carers experienced this as a positive process and in most cases as a support and incentive to develop their practice.

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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 are provided with a handbook containing a wide range of information, including details of how the unit will provide support and how carers can access the range of services available. Whilst carers spoken with were acknowledging of the value of this handbook, there was a clear view that it was a daunting document and caused some to worry and have a sense of being overloaded, unfortunately contradicting its purpose. There are a range of methods through which supervision takes place, including meetings with individual and in groups. Complaint procedures were available, with carers understanding how to make proper use of them and all those spoken with knew how allegations would be progressed and that they could access independent support, for example through the B.A.F.A. group.

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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 was evidence of a range of training accessible to carers. This is made available from the pre- approval through to the induction stage and then forms part of a yearly cycle where there is a clear expectation that carers will attend. The issue is addressed at the annual appraisal and carers are encouraged to attend courses that will support their practice development. There is an appropriate range of training available and courses may also be attended by professionals from both social and health care bodies. There were some comments about the space available for the training that takes place in the unit, which was felt to have been encroached upon. Comments made by some Muslim carers pointed out how a lack of privacy impinged on their time for prayer. Some carers are in the process of NVQ competences, and another group, led by a link worker, is for the children of foster

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

carers. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 25

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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 is clear guidance in the procedure provided to foster carers on the content and standards of maintaining case files. Case records inspected were found to be up to date and sufficient in detail. Files inspected through a tracking process were also found to be up to date and contained information which can contribute to the service user’s understanding of their life events. Foster carers confirmed they had been tutored in ways to record and maintain information of significance to the child. Files are kept in a secure environment.

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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? 2 The “Information, Policies and Practice Manual” was examined. This contained relevant documentation and, whilst there was good and clear guidelines for carer’s on the use of restraint, the application and use of sanctions and a whistle blowing policy that has been adapted for use by foster carers, elements did not accord with current practice. A general review and revision is necessary for the records to be more reflective of this current practice. Over the last year some of the policies and procedures including those in the foster carer handbook have gradually become out of step as working practices have evolved due to the lack of direct managerial oversight. The administrative records are maintained in a secure environment.

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The fostering service's administrative records contain all significant information

Number of current foster placements supported by the agency: 331 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: 26 Number of foster carers who left the agency during the last 12 months: 1

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Maximum £

529.18 Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 26

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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? 2 Whilst the building is appropriate and suitable for the purpose and the administrative systems are well managed and robust, the IT system fails to fully support the staff, due to the age of the hardware and associated software packages. Suitable security arrangements are in place throughout the building. It may be beneficial to the management of the service if the use of the rooms in the building are reviewed, as there has been a gradual intrusion and consequent erosion of room space, due to activities and work related to other aspects of the children’s services division. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 27

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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.

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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 This service forms part of Bradford Social Services, which in turn forms part of the Council’s overall Financial Plan.

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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? 0 This standard was not assessed at this inspection.

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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 fee structure and payment system that provides for a range of allowances. The structure relates to the nature of the particular scheme the carer is on and provides an incentive for carers to attend training. Increases in fee payments also depend on the outcome of the annual review and the number of placements that have occurred. Foster carers spoken with felt that the allowance system was satisfactorily efficient, as were the administration of expenses. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 28

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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

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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? 2 Two panels operate within this service, one was attended and a subsequent interview was held with the chairperson of that panel. There remains some difficulties for the make-up and consistent attendance of all the necessary members to the panel, though there is a clear improvement from the previous two inspections of this service. Due to the period of time that often elapses between the carer application and attendance at panel some of the statutory checks and references can be to the point of being out of date, which could invalidate the recommendation. It is understood that the service is reviewing the application procedure so that the references will be applied for later, whilst continuing to accept that it will still take some time for the whole process to be completed. It has become custom and practice to

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

hold panels on a Friday, this day is not always convenient to practising members of the Muslim community and is a matter that should be reviewed. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 29

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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 service has established links with a shared care and support care scheme. Appropriate policies and guidance are in place to support consistency. Comments from the foster carer group (B.A.F.A) indicated the system is seen as a supportive scheme. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 30

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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? 3 The service is sensitive to the needs of family and friends approved as carers, and these carers appear to be appropriately supported through assessment. Training and subsequent post approval support, though, is not fully matched and consistent with the other areas of the service. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 31

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Date

Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 32

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

We would welcome comments on the content of this report relating to the Inspection conducted on 18 th October 2004 and any factual inaccuracies:

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

Please limit your comments to one side of A4 if possible Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 33

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

Amendments to the report were necessary YES

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

Comments were received from the provider

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

Provider comments/factual amendments were incorporated into the final inspection report

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

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

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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. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 34

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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

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report:

Provider has declined to provide an action plan

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Public reports

It should be noted that all CSCI inspection reports are public documents. Reports on children’s homes are only obtainable on personal application to CSCI offices. Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit Page 35

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

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

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relating to the inspection conducted on the above date and that I agree with

the statutory requirements made and will seek to comply with these.

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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.

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Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit / 18th October 2004

Commission for Social Care Inspection 33 Greycoat Street London SW1P 2QF

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Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit / 18th October 2004

Telephone: 020 7979 2000 Fax: 020 7979 2111

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Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit / 18th October 2004

National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 www.csci.org.uk

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Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit / 18th October 2004

S0000051085.V183270.R03 © This report may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection

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Bradford Adoption & Fostering Unit / 18th October 2004

The paper used in this document is supplied from a sustainable source

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