Statement of Purpose Give a helping hand

Transcription

1 Tameside Fostering Service Statement of Purpose Give a helping hand

2 Contents Introduction Status and Constitution of the Fostering Service Tameside Fostering Service Five Key Points Tameside MBC Fostering Service Structure Senior Management Team Objectives Standards of Care Aims and Objectives of Tameside Fostering Service Service Location Service Provision Specialist Support Services Health Support Services Education Support Leaving Care and Independence Promoting Leisure Activities Placement Matching Recruitment, Assessment and Approval Foster Care Assessment Statutory Checks Foster Carer Training Foster Carer Reviews Managing Complaints and Allegations Staffing the Fostering Service Children Looked After - Current Numbers 3 March 2011 Key addresses and telephone numbers Back Page Give a helping hand 3

3 Introduction This Statement of Purpose has been developed in accordance with the following statute law including: The Care Standards Act (2000) The Fostering Service Regulations ( 2002 and 2011) The Children Act, Guidance and Regulations National Minimum Standards Fostering Services (2011) UK ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child This Statement of Purpose, produced in accordance with Fostering Service regulations includes: A statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service A statement of the services and facilities provided by the fostering service Assessment and approval of Foster Carers Training and support for Foster Carers A copy of the Statement of Purpose is provided to, and made available upon request, to: Ofsted The Local Authority responsible for managing the service Any person working for the purpose of the Fostering Service Children and Young People in foster care (subject to age and understanding) Parents or any person with parental responsibility Approved foster carers in Tameside Any placing authority of any child placed in Tameside Foster care The Statement of purpose is subject to regular review and whenever staffing changes occur in the provision of the service. Status and Constitution of the Fostering Service Placement with Tameside Local Authority foster carers is the preferred choice for the majority of children and young people who are unable to live with their birth parents or relatives. The provision of a high quality, effective child centred in house Foster Care Service is a core objective in Tameside s strategy for improving outcomes for children and young people and ensuring placement within local communities. Resources have been allocated to ensure increased placement choice for children and young people within the Tameside Local Authority area. All staff working within the Fostering Service are employed by Tameside Metropolitan Council and are appropriately trained and qualified to undertake the various tasks and responsibilities associated with providing an effective Fostering Service. There are clear lines of responsibility and agreed levels of accountability throughout the Fostering Service. Tameside Fostering Service Five Key Points At the core of Tameside s Fostering Service ethos are five key points, which underpin the way the service operates: The Fostering Service is proud of its Local Authority status working within and across Tameside s multi-cultural community The Fostering Service recognises that support, supervision and training of Foster carers as active partners, is crucial in providing a safe, caring and transparent service to vulnerable children and young people The Fostering Service provides a highly professional, flexible service which keeps the child at the centre through to eventual independence The Fostering Service continually strives to improve its service and deal with complaints in a fair, professional and child centred manner The Fostering Service recognises the contribution children and young people can make to the development of the service and will strive to ensure their voices are heard in developing and planning the service Tameside MBC Fostering Service Structure Business Support Clerks Chief Executive Steven Pleasant Executive Director Children, Economic and Learning Services Jim Taylor Assistant Executive Director Rafik Iddin Head of Service Looked After Children s Resources Joy Dunbavin Team Manager Fostering Service Anisa Patel Assistant Team Manager Fostering Service Christine Thornton Fostering Social s Fostering Support s 4 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 5

4 Senior Management Team Objectives Tameside Fostering Service is supported by a senior management team responsible for ensuring the service is resourced and managed to meet its aims and objectives. In this respect the key senior management team objectives include: Providing a strategic vision, direction and appropriate resources to meet objectives and statutory requirements Ensuring the provision of holistic services which embrace diversity and promotes equality of opportunity Promoting the Fostering Service in the context of Corporate Parenting and ensure all departments of the local authority make a contribution to improving outcomes for looked after children The development of quality assurance systems to monitor performance against agreed objectives and outcomes for children and young people Ensuring that in house Foster Care placements are developed and increased reducing the reliance on agency placements Ensuring compliance with relevant standards and legal obligations of the service Standards of Care Tameside Fostering Service provides a service to children and young people that adhere to statutory requirements and nationally recognised standards of care and codes of practice which include: Arrangements for the Placement of Children regulations (1991 & 2011) DoH Circulars LAC (94) 20 and Lac (98) 2 The Children Act (1989) and (2004) DoH Children Act Guidance Volume 3 Family Placements (1989) (2011) Codes of Practice on Recruitment, Assessment, Approval, Training, management and Support of Foster Carers (NFCA, 1999) Working Together (DoH 2010) Leaving Care Act (2000) Assessing Foster Carers. A social workers guide to competency Assessments (NFCA 1999) Engagement of the Voice of the Child in Care, where appropriate Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Carers (DoH 2000) Fostering Service Regulations (2002,2011) National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services (2002,2011) Aims and Objectives of Tameside Fostering Service Tameside Fostering Service works in partnership with all departments of the local authority to promote Corporate Parenting and with a wide range of partner agencies in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for looked after children. In addition, Tameside Fostering Service aims to continually develop and improve services and not compromise our own high standards of service. The primary aim of the Fostering Service is to provide the highest quality of substitute family care for looked after children. Tameside Fostering Service Aims To provide a safe caring environment with Foster Carers who will enable children and young people to develop their full potential To provide a Fostering Service which is conducted and managed by professionals with appropriate skills and experience and to do so ethically, effectively and efficiently To recruit, support and train a diverse range of Foster Carers across Tameside To provide supervision, support and training for our Foster carers, to ensure they look after the children and young people in their care safely and appropriately To provide a well-resourced local authority service that is respected in the community and which delivers excellence by providing a model of good practice enhancing the reputation and image of local authority Foster Care Tameside Fostering Service Objectives A focus on continuous improvement, quality assurance and high service provision To carefully match the needs of children and young people with the skills of Foster Carers To provide Foster Care placements where each child will have stability, security and a warm, safe nurturing environment in which they can develop and thrive To ensure the cultural and diversity needs of children and young people are adequately met To enable all looked after children to benefit from educational opportunities and are prepared for independence where appropriate To ensure a child s physical and emotional health care needs are met and a positive healthy life style is actively encouraged To promote contact with the birth family and significant others during a placement and to encourage and facilitate this where appropriate To ensure detailed Placement Plans are completed and acted upon within the timescales set at each review To work in partnership with Foster Carers ensuring access to training, guidance and the support of a fully qualified, designated supervising social worker at all times Provision of 24 hour support for Foster Cares, children and young people A commitment to the development of the service through service user/ stakeholder participation and consultation and the use of advocacy where appropriate To ensure the emotional health and wellbeing of all looked after children placed in foster care To ensure Foster Carers act as a responsible and reasonable parent in promoting the interests and welfare of children and young people in their care To provide children and young people with a range of social opportunities and experiences they may not previously have been able to access Service Location The Fostering Service s premises are situated close to the centre of Hyde on Union Street. At the front of the premises is Hyde Library. The entrance to the Fostering Service is located to the right hand side of the building. The offices are located on the first floor. The office is accessible either by stairs or a lift and visitors are greeted by a receptionist on entering the office. There is ample parking for visitors and the office is conveniently located close to the M60 and M67. 6 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 7

5 Service Provision The Fostering Service offers family placements to all looked after children and young people aged up to 19 years of age. Children and young people placed, will not, under any circumstances, be expected to share a bedroom with another child in placement or a child of the foster family. The only exceptions to this are for siblings subject to evaluation and risk assessment. Emergency and Unplanned Placements Where ever possible placements are planned, but there are circumstances where a child may need to be placed in an emergency. Some of our carers specialise in emergency and short term placements, these Foster Carers are able to work intensively with children and young people to resolve short term difficulties and support families whilst interventions are taking place. Respite Placements Respite placements offer families, children and young people respite or a break from complex family dynamics. Well planned respite services may prevent problems becoming too difficult to manage in the future and prevent longer term placement in foster or residential care. A break for parents struggling providing their own care means additional support can be provided to help them cope when their child returns to the family home. In addition respite can also be offered to our own foster carers and is available to support placement demands and needs. Task-Centred Placements Task-Centred care can be for a period of a few days, weeks or months, whilst plans are made for the child s future by the local authority children s social work service. This service is generally short term, goal orientated and task centred work with children and young people. In many instances children would have been considered at risk and may well be subject to care proceedings by the local authority. Placements may be made until the outcome of court proceedings are known or when assessments have been completed and a child or young person may be able to return home or to a family member. Task-Centred placements may involve the Foster Carers in the assessment process. This may involve looking at a child or young person s physical, emotional educational and spiritual needs to help determine appropriate future plans to be made for the child or young person. Task-Centred work involves preparation for moving a child on to adoption, other longer term foster placement or rehabilitation to birth parents or other family members. Task-Centred placements will usually involve Foster Carers working closely with other agencies involved in the child s care such as health and education. Foster carers will be expected to be actively involved in working in partnership with the local authority to ensure appropriate future planning which may require attendance at a range of children s reviews and planning meetings. Continued contact with birth families will also form a key part of Task- Centred care. 8 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 9

6 Long-Term Placements The fostering service offers permanent placements for children and young people, where either adoption or rehabilitation to family is not an option. These placements will normally be provided by Foster Carers who have had experience as task-centred carers and have a good understanding of a child or young person s long term developmental needs. Long term placements will provide support for a young person up to gaining independence and beyond as a member of the family. Sibling Placements Sibling placements are for brothers and sisters who are placed together in a Foster Care household. The Fostering Service strongly advocates that where ever possible siblings should be placed together within a family environment, unless it is clearly demonstrated that this would not be in the interest or welfare of either child concerned. Evidence and research shows that if siblings are not placed together at initial placement it is likely to lead to separate placement in the future. Parent and Child Placements This type of placement is for young people who have become parents at a young age who need support and guidance in caring for their own child. This has been identified as a key area for development and will involve Foster Carers with the appropriate training, skills and experience to manage a teenager and also have a knowledge of child development. Disabled Children and Young People The Fostering Service through its Family Link Scheme provides placements for parents with disabled children, under section 17 of the Children Act. The Local Authority, working in partnership with Health Services through Aiming Higher, are committed to providing more effective and accessible services for disabled children and their families. All Carers for disabled children are assessed and attend pre-approval training before being presented to Tameside Fostering Panel for recommendation. Specialist workers are supported and managed through the Fostering Service ensuring compliance with all fostering regulations and best fostering practice. Teenage Placements and Preparation for Independence and After care Services Tameside Fostering Service recognises the specific placement difficulties for teenagers in care. Many young people have been separated from their families and have suffered disruption and uncertainty over a number of years. The recruitment and training of Foster Carers for teenagers is a key priority for the Tameside Fostering Service in improving outcomes and reducing the numbers of young people placed outside the Tameside area. Specific training is provided for Foster Carers specialising in teenage placements. Tameside Fostering Service is committed to improve outcomes of care leavers. All the good work undertaken by Foster Carers can be undone if effective plans are not made for moving young people on to independence. The Fostering Service works closely and creatively with the Leaving Care Service to ensure plans are timely and focussed upon the individual needs of the young people which provide Foster Carers with clearly defined goals in supporting teenage placements. Asylum Seeker Placements Tameside Fostering Service has a number of Foster Carers who are skilled in advocacy, accessing services and working with unaccompanied children and young people from outside the UK. Kinship Placements Kinship Care is defined as the full time nurturing and protection of children, living apart from their birth parents, with their relatives and friends, Kinship Care is used to describe all arrangements where the Local Authority is involved in providing a service to children and families in partnership with their relatives and friends. There are unique advantages for children in experiencing normal family life in their own birth families and every effort should be made to maintain the child within their home setting. Specialist Support Services Many children and young people require specialist services to help them cope with the trauma they have suffered leading to their placement with Foster Carers. The Fostering service is able to provide a direct referral to Tameside s Child and Family Consultation Service. This service offers therapeutic services and assessment for children and young people placed in Foster Care. Consultation and support is also provided to Foster Carers, which includes information and advice in managing the impact of behaviour which may be a consequence of early years trauma. The Child and Family Consultation Service Team comprises a Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Social s with expertise and experience in working in children s mental and emotional health. There are two specialist mental health workers, skilled in the emotional health of looked after children, available to work directly with children and young people and support Foster Carers by providing advice, support, information and training. The Child and Family Consultation service and the Fostering Service has already established an Attachment Support Group for Foster Carers of children with serious attachment difficulties. The group offers invaluable support to Foster Carers in managing many challenging situations and has led to placement stability and a greater understanding of attachment difficulties of children and young people. The Child and Family Consultation service also provide a range of training opportunities for Foster Carers to increase the skill base and knowledge of Foster Carers, enabling placement stability. Health Support Services Improving health outcomes and promoting a healthy life style for looked after children is a major priority for the Fostering Service. Children and young people s annual health assessment and promotion of dental health have been the focus of much recent activity with our Foster Carers. An annual health promotion event is organised to promote healthy lifestyles and this is supported throughout the year by additional training for Foster Carers, annual reviews and information updates concerning health events in the Foster Care Magazine. A designated Looked After Children s nurse oversees Children s Health Assessments and provides support to both children and Foster Carers. In addition, a Teenage Pregnancy Advisor offers training, support, advice and information in the area of sexual health and development. Foster Carers are able to access a Speakeasy training course to help in engaging with young people concerning sexual health and relationship matters. The Fostering Service works closely with others across the local health authority to ensure children s health needs remain a priority and that these needs are met in a timely manner. Tameside s Corporate Parenting Group monitors health issues and outcomes for looked after children and attendance at the Corporate Health Strategy Group is a key requirement for the manager of the Fostering Service. 10 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 11

7 Education Support The Virtual School plays a pivotal role in supporting children, young people and Foster Carers in promoting education opportunity and working on a one to one basis to improve education outcomes. The Virtual School will advocate on behalf of the child to ensure their specific educational needs are met in recognising the often unique circumstances experienced by the child and the impact this may have on their experience of education and their attainment. This involvement and support is proactively supported by the Fostering Service and recognised as a vital tool in helping looked after children enjoy and improve their education experience. Foster carers are expected to attend all Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings to promote and support the educational needs of the child looked after. Promotion of education and attainment are a significant part of the annual review process of Foster Carers. The managers of the Fostering Service and Virtual School meet on a regular basis to review and plan support for children in Foster Care placements. Information, developments and events are actively promoted by the Fostering Team through mail shots and supervisory visits to Foster Carers. Placement Plans have an increased emphasis on plans and support for education. The Virtual Schoolprovides resources and materials to Foster Carers including reading aids and access to a resource library which is continually updated. The Virtual School has been rolled out to support the needs of looked after children with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy to improve achievement at Key stages 1 and 2. The Fostering Service and Virtual School have worked closely to improve school attendance and monitor carefully any absences from school. There is a clear expectation and understanding with Foster Carers that children are not taken out of school for holidays. The Fostering Team ensures that only in exceptional circumstances can Foster Carers provide a holiday within normal term time. Foster Carers recognise the importance of consistent and regular school attendance. Poor attendance is closely linked with placement breakdown and other associated problems. Leaving Care and Independence Preparing young people for independence is a key goal of the Fostering Service and requires coordinated planning to provide a holistic approach in meeting the needs of young people. An excellent working relationship has been established with the Leaving Care Team, which is part of a multi-disciplinary team approach provided through a one stop shop service for young people 16 years and over. An advice drop in service is provided for housing, health and welfare rights issues facing young people as they prepare to make their own way in life, often with the continued support of their Foster Carers. The Fostering Service encourages and supports young people to remain in their foster placement up until their 19th birthday, if in line with their care plan,as continued support, help and advice is more effectively utilised with additional Foster Care support. Workshops and programmes in independent living skills are made available to Foster Carers who are able to implement and support young people in the transition to adulthood. All young people are provided with a survival kit prior to moving into independent accommodation. Planning for independence at an earlier stage is incorporated into care and placement plans to ensure this difficult transition is given priority at a much earlier stage in children s development. Promoting Leisure Activities The involvement of children and young people in positive leisure pursuits plays a key part in Foster Care provision and helps to promote a sense of self-worth, social integration and independence and achievement. Many younger children placed in Foster Care are encouraged to join local organisations such as Rainbows, Beavers, Guides and Scouts. Such activity has enhanced the quality of life of young people and enabled a sense of belonging and achievement. Foster Carers are now able to access free swimming passes and lessons and all children are encouraged to learn to swim. The Fostering Service promotes the use of other leisure facilities such as sport, music and other cultural activities. There are established links with Tameside s Sports Trust and with the two Manchester Premiere League football clubs who have provided community events for Tameside children. Information on play schemes, youth clubs and holiday activities are provided to carers on a regular basis through the Foster care magazine. The Fostering Service organises in house events which bring together Foster Carers and looked after children to celebrate their achievements through a range of organised activities such as swim and fun. These events are also important in providing peer support to our Foster Carers. Placement Matching This is the process where the needs of children and young people are matched to the skills, knowledge, experience and expertise of a particular Foster Carer(s). The Fostering Service works hard to provide placements to ensure that the needs of children and young people are met by the skills and experience of Foster Carers. Many of our Foster Carers have a wealth of experience or specialise in areas to meet the needs of children who have experienced abusive behaviour, have challenging behaviours or for children with very specific complex needs. The Duty Officer is the first point of contact for enquiries from children s social workers requiring a Foster Care placement. The Duty Officer will liaise closely with supervising social workers, foster carers and social worker in ensuring the best possible match is made for all children. Children and young people have individual needs and all placements are unique. The Fostering Service requires basic referral information and places great importance in trying to identify the needs of the child or young person. The particular attachment of the child to significant adults will often be a crucial factor in making a good match, particularly if the placement is requested in a short time frame. Accurate matching is known to produce better outcomes and increased placement stability. Good matching is also closely linked to a good professional assessment of Foster Carers in the approval process. 12 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 13

8 Recruitment, Assessment and Approval Recruitment of Foster Carers Applications to become a Foster Carer are welcomed from people in Tameside and the surrounding area, regardless of gender, marital status, sexuality, race, disability, religion, and culture or employment status. The timescale between the initial home visit to applicants and approval will be approximately four months, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Any one over the age of 21 years may apply to become a Foster Carer. A welcoming and professional response is given to all enquiries. There is immediate exclusion of any applicant who has been convicted of an offence against a child or any serious offence against an adult. There is no upper age limit for Foster Carers. Any applicant must be healthy and active, to enable them to care appropriately for a child. It is a minimum requirement that all prospective Foster Carers have at least one spare bedroom unless the child is young enough to be in a cot which can be placed in the carer s bedroom. A robust recruitment strategy is in place which utilises current data regarding placements and placement shortfall. More places are needed for Black and Asian children, children with disabilities and sibling groups. Recruitment literature reflects recruitment requirements and has been successful in promoting specific target groups. The effectiveness of marketing strategies has been reviewed highlighting the simple effectiveness of large railing banners. Recently, involvement with other North West Fostering Services, has highlighted the impact of social marketing such as Facebook and Twitter as effective marketing tools. Coverage in the local media and across the departments of the local authority has had significant success in increasing the number of prospective Foster Carers. The 12 months from July 2010 to June 2011 has seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries and assessments undertaken with a subsequent increase in the number of Fostering Panel Meetings and approvals. Assessment of Foster Carers Any person contacting the Fostering Service, expressing an interest in fostering will be able to have an initial discussion with a fostering social worker. Basic information will be required at this stage and following the discussion, if the enquirer wishes to proceed an information pack and application form will be sent out the same day. On receipt of the application form, an initial screening will be undertaken by the manager or assistant team manager of the Fostering Service and if the application is deemed suitable an initial home visit will be arranged with the applicant(s) within 2 weeks. The Initial Home Assessment is undertaken to assess motivation to foster and discuss the implications of fostering with the applicants and any other family members. A check list of home conditions will be undertaken and some further basic information will be collected to enable an initial evaluation of the application. If all parties agree that fostering could be suitable for the family and basic criteria are met, an invitation to a training and preparation group is given. The preparation group training is based upon the Fostering Network Choosing to Foster Programme. The training includes: Skills to Foster Child development Separation and Loss Working Together Safer care Moving On Foster Care Assessment If successful with their application and preapproval training is completed satisfactorily, the Fostering Service will assign a qualified social worker to undertake a comprehensive assessment with the prospective carer and their family. The assessing social worker will produce a report, called a Form F, which covers individual profiles of applicants, relationships and partnerships, applicants support networks, children in the household, other adult members of the household, childlessness/ limitation of family size, description of family life, valuing diversity and parenting capacity. The assessing social worker will usually need to make between 6 to 8 visits to the home to spend time working with the applicants on their assessment and portfolio which will recognise them as a foster carer. The assessment is a joint project and requires full participation from the applicants and their family. Once the assessment is completed, the applicants will have an opportunity to read and discuss possible amendments contained in the assessment report. Once agreed, the report is presented to the Tameside Fostering Panel. The Fostering Panel is independent from Tameside Fostering Service and is made up of a variety of professionals and independent members including Foster Carers and people with experience of looked after children. The Fostering Panel has an experienced Independent Chair ensuring all assessments have been undertaken correctly and in accordance with national standards and regulations. The Panel will ask applicants and the assessing social worker relevant questions regarding the assessment. The Panel will make their recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker whether to approve, defer for further information or not approve the application to foster. Upon approval as a Foster Carer, Tameside Fostering Service will advise in writing within 72 hours and assign a qualified supervising social worker to support the Foster Carer in the fostering task. Statutory Checks During the assessment Tameside Fostering Service will undertake a variety of statutory checks to ensure the suitability of applicants and ensure children are protected. These checks will include: Enhanced Criminal Bureau Records (CRB) Check NSPCC Checks Local Authority checks Probation Service Check Employer Check School Health Visitor reports Medical reports and assessment Personal references (at least two and not from family members) Domestic Violence Checks Overseas checks where appropriate Ex-partners and children of an appropriate age will be contacted and where possible interviewed A health and safety inspection will also be undertaken 14 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 15

9 Foster Carer Training The provision of post approval training is central in maintaining high standards of care by ensuring the personal and professional development of Foster Carers. Training provides Foster Carers with the necessary skills and knowledge to continue to provide a high quality service to children and young people. It is also the key to safeguarding children, Foster Carers and their families. The changing requirements of providing effective and safe foster care means that even the most experienced Foster Carers benefit from the opportunity to learn new skills and refresh their previous learning. The Fostering Service has a clear strategy that highlights safeguarding as the main priority area for Foster Carer training and this forms the compulsory core components for all approved Foster Carers. The introduction of the Children s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) Workbook training has also been identified as an essential element in the training strategy. A comprehensive rolling programme of training is available to meet the on-going professional development of Foster Carers throughout their fostering career. The introduction of the new minimum standards reinforces the role of training in respect of developing Foster Carers as professional partners in the care of children and young people. A key aspect of training is the positive involvement of experienced Foster Carers and care experienced young people, making the training experience relevant, vibrant and stimulating. The current training programme is wide ranging and covers; Child development Listening to children Safe caring Supporting Parents Foster changes Recording Promoting self esteem Bullying Self-harm Safeguarding and child protection Children s rights Total respect training Valuing diversity Children with attachment difficulties Children and mental health All approved Foster Carers must undertake the following core training: First aid training Health and safety in the home Food Hygiene training Child Protection Child Development Communicating with children Equality and Diversity 25 Carers have achieved the NVQ 3 award in health and social care and all are undertaking the CWDC Workbook training to ensure compliance with the necessary skills and knowledge required to be effective Foster Carers. The CWDC workbook training will commence at the assessment stage to ensure all Foster carers are aware of their responsibility to undertake professional training that enhances their role. Foster Carer Reviews The process for undertaking Foster Carer annual reviews has been evaluated and key changes have been made to ensure a more objective and thorough process which is centred on the child in placement. The review form and format has changed to enable the Foster Carer to undertake a self-assessment and also to incorporate the views of the child, if age appropriate, regarding the placement. The reviews are conducted by the manager or assistant team manager of the Fostering Service. Reports are presented to the Fostering Panel and evaluations sent to all social workers of children and young people placed in foster care. 16 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 17

10 Concerns regarding a Foster Carers progress or change in circumstances can lead to a review being called at any time. The Carer or the Fostering Service can request a review at any time. All Foster Carers have updated CRB and medical reports updated every three years. Reviews provide an opportunity to positively evaluate progress and practice over the previous year and plan training and development to support the carer throughout the coming year. Managing Complaints and Allegations A new complaints and allegations procedure was introduced in June 2011 to provide a fair, transparent and effective means of dealing with any concerns raised by third parties regarding the care provided by Foster Carers. At the heart of the new procedure is the clear understanding that the protection, welfare and interests of the child or young person must come first. There is a clear procedure which is set within realistic time frames to ensure any issue is investigated fairly and with due respect to the Foster Carer. The Fostering Service recognise that investigating complaints or allegations made against Foster Carers can be a very daunting and uncertain experience for Foster Carers. The new procedure ensures that any complaints or allegations are not investigated by the supervising social worker, who can continue to support the Foster Carer through the process. The investigation will normally be undertaken by a Fostering social worker and the child s social worker where appropriate. The Foster Carer will also have access to an independent advisory support service to help them through the investigation process. Staffing the Fostering Service The skills, knowledge and experience of the Fostering Service staff are the cornerstone to providing a safe and effective service to children and young people. All staff employed are appropriately trained and qualified and many have significant experience in working in different fostering services. There is a significant commitment to ensuring the professional development of all staff working in the Fostering Service and staff are encouraged to undertake a range of post qualifying courses leading to further qualifications. All staff are subject to an annual appraisal where future training and development needs are identified for the following year. Full staff details are provided below: Name Role Date started in social care Date started on fostering team Anisa Patel Team Manager Qualification and Christine Thornton Kath Cook Joanne Miller Sue Phillips PQ status Full Child Care Award 2003 BA Hons degree 1998, Post Graduate In Social Work 2000 and completed NVQ level 4 in management in Anisa has worked as a field social worker in child protection team and specialist assessment team. Further experience in working as a Independent Reviewing Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. Assistant Team Manager PQ to start in years experience in working with children and young people in a variety of settings, including residential work and youth offending teams. Christine qualified as a social worker in PQ1, June 2002 CSS Kath has worked in residential, Leaving Care and fieldwork childcare teams. She has management experience and supervised student workers MA in social work Joanne has experience in working with children with disabilities. Joanne at present is undertaking PQ Starting SEP08 DIPSW qualified, Sue has 13 years experience within Services for Children and Young People in various teams. 18 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 19

11 Name Role Date started in social care Date started on fostering team PQ status Name Role Date started in social care Date started on fostering team PQ status Ann Burrows-Dey Completed PQ1 In Feb 2003 Megan Cowle Not Yet Achieved BA Hons. Degree 1999, in Social Work studies. DIPSW Ann has worked in residential childcare, child protection assessment and care management and family support services. Qualification and Megan completed MA in Social Work in Megan has experience in Mental Health, Disabilities and Welfare Rights. Megan started as a Fostering Social in 2011 Chiemeka Animba Consolidation award pq1 Changez Khan Not Yet Achieved Ma in social work. Support worker in a private children s home 2003 and Rehab in a forensic psychiatric hospital A Residential Child Care Officer Trafford 2006 to 2007 s/w on Adoption Team between 2007/08 MA in Social Work. Changes has 2 years experience working in children and families setting. David Ibboston Completed PQ1in June 2002 Level 3 Pract DIPSW David is a long-standing member of the team and worked in a variety of residential establishments prior to his fostering career. He takes a lead in the Units recruitment strategy. Julie Askey Support N/A NNEB twenty years experience as children s centre worker and achieved NVQ level 3 in 2009 Donna Roberts Completed PQ1 in June 2003 Gemma Hughes Business Support Clerk N/A DIPSW Donna works part-time and her background is in Residential Child Care. NVQ Level 1 in IT and currently undertaking NVQ Level 2 in Business Admin. Beverley Harrison Qualification and Not Yet Achieved Beverley has seven years experience working with children and families and holds an MA in Social Work. Jeanne Smith Business Support N/A Qualification and CLAIT, Managing Health & Safety 1990 Emma Mylott Business Support N/A Qualification and BTec Level 3 Business Management. NVQ Level 2 Admin. 20 Tameside Fostering Service Give a helping hand 21

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13 Key addresses and telephone numbers Children s Rights Service Natalie Doran, 86 Stamford Street, Ashton under Lyne, OL6 6QH Tel: OFSTED Royal Exchange Buildings, St Ann s Square, Manchester, M2 7LA Tel: Tameside Fostering Service Union Street, Hyde, SK14 1ND Tel: Fax: fostering.unit@tameside.gov.uk Give a helping hand Foster for Tameside Tameside Design Print Services