CHESHIRE EAST COUNCIL FOSTERING SERVICE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE January 2014
CONTENTS Page No Introduction 3 Principles and Values 3 Aims and Objectives 4 The Fostering Service Values 4 Family and Friends Connected Carers 6 Recruitment and Assessment of Foster Carers 7 Services provided by Cheshire East Fostering Service 8 Profile of Cheshire East Fostering Service 9 Structure and Personnel 10 Priorities for 2013-14 11 Monitoring and Evaluation 11 Compliments and Complaints 11 Contacts 12 2
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Introduction The Cheshire East Council s Fostering Service Statement of Purpose has been prepared in accordance with the following requirements Fostering Service (England) Regulations 2011 Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 4: Fostering Services (2011) Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards (2011). This Statement of Purpose sets out the aims and objectives, principles and processes of the Fostering Service. It provides a range of information, which is intended for a wide audience including: Cheshire East Council staff Elected Members Children and young people in the care Foster Carers and Prospective Foster Carers Friend, Family and Connected Carers Cheshire East Council Fostering Panel Members Corporate Parent Children s Trust and partner agencies Parents of children in care This Statement of Purpose will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis, at least annually, and modified as necessary. You can access this statement via the following link: http://www.onlineprocedures.co.uk/cheshireeastchildcare/ Principles and Values The principles which underpin the policies and practice of the Fostering Service are consistent with the vision and values of Cheshire East Council for all Children and Families. Our vision We want Cheshire East to be a place where all children and young people are supported well to maximise their life chances. We want to provide responsive, locally based services, which make sense to children, young people and their families, that address their needs early and be a place where we leave no children or young people behind because we as organisations do not work together. To ensure that services provided to children and young people in the care of the local authority are of a high quality, cost effective and meet/exceed national minimum standards where applicable; Including children and young people with disabilities/complex needs. To enhance the life chances of children who are cared for by the local authority and contribute to narrowing the gap between outcomes for this group and those of their peers. In Cheshire East we would wish for all children to have secure relationships with family, friends and carers, be eager, excited, curious and engaged in learning, have self confidence, be able to co-operate and communicate socially and have the best possible health and development. 3
The Fostering Service is one of many services provided for children that help to achieve this vision. More information about children s services in Cheshire East can be found on the website www.cheshireeast.gov.uk AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children and young people in care The needs, wishes and safety of children in care are at the centre of Cheshire East s Fostering Service. We believe that all children and young people needing substitute care have the right to live within a safe, supportive and nurturing family environment, which meets their needs and enables them to realise their full potential. The Fostering Service will strive to: Provide the highest quality of care for children in the care through the provision of approved foster carers who can offer a safe, caring and supportive environment to children and young people. Promote an atmosphere of partnership and co-operation so that all those involved in the care of a child or young person are working together to promote their best interests and to meet their needs in respect of education, health, welfare, identity, ethnicity, culture and emotional wellbeing. Recruit, assess, train, support and supervise a wide range of foster carers who can meet the diverse needs of children and young people who need foster placements. This includes carers who provide short term, intermediate and long term fostering placements, as we as short breaks for disabled children and carers who can provide placements for sibling groups, teenagers and mother and baby placements. Assess, train, support and supervise friends, family and connected persons as carers who are specifically approved to care for a child who is a member of their extended family, or who is otherwise already known to them Provide support to carers in fulfilling their role as responsible parents ; in exercising delegated authority and in their role as a member of the team around the child in care planning. Provide a high quality service to approved foster carers through the provision of a range of support services and training programmes. THE FOSTERING SERVICE VALUES To make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of children and young people in care. To be Child Focused Keep children and young people in foster care, healthy and safe from harm Be positive about children and put them first 4
Promote and encourage carers competence and ability Challenge discrimination and promote anti-discriminatory practice Ensure children s views are heard Support young people in making a smooth transition towards adult life. Care for Foster Carers Value working with carers as partners Support carers to give their best and meet required standards Recruit as many carers as possible to meet the diverse needs of children in care Ensure we provide support for foster carers and their own children Provide access to support 365 days per year and 24 hours per day Work as a Team Embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to work Be receptive to feedback and act up on it Focus energy where it adds best value Go the extra mile in pursuit of excellent care Value and support each other Lead by Example Act with integrity Listen and act professionally Be receptive to new ideas Communicate effectively Be creative and flexible in seeking solutions Expect excellent performance at all times Strive to exceed targets Enjoy what we do Work with a range of partners to ensure a good standard of care 5
WE ARE COMMITTED TO The achievement of positive outcomes for all children in care by offering high quality foster care placements which meet the overall welfare and social needs of all children and young people. Encouraging team and personal development for both staff and foster carers. Anti-discriminatory policies, which promote equal opportunities for all and value diversity of both children in care and carers regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, age, religious beliefs, disability or marital status. Promote equality of access to recruitment of carers with due regard to reducing inequalities on the basis of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; race; religion or belief; sex or sexual orientation. Promoting fostering in a way that does not discriminate unfairly against anyone. We are supported by the Local Authority s Polices and Procedures, which acknowledge and recognise the contribution that can be made by family and friends as carers. FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONNECTED CARERS This is defined as a child living away from the parental home with family, friends or connected people as carers. The child placed with a relative, friend or connected person would otherwise be living with stranger foster carers, or living in residential care. These placements are initiated by the Local Authority and are subject to approval, regulation, training requirements, support, and supervision, as for all children in care. Friends, Family and Connected Carers are approved under the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations (England) 2010 and the Fostering Regulations 2011. Approval is for named child/children and is subject to review on an annual basis. The Local Authority has the same obligations towards Friends, Family and Connected Carers as for all foster carers. Children in Friends, Family and Connected persons placements are children in care and therefore the Local Authority has the same responsibilities, requirements and duties towards them as to all Children in Care. Approved Friends, Family and Connected Carers are eligible to receive a Fostering Allowance at the rate paid to all approved carers. The criteria for payments are specified in the Fostering Allowance Payment Guide. Friends, Family and Connected Carers are expected to undertake relevant training to support them and enhance placement stability. Training is provided on a general basis and within the Fostering Service and in Support Group settings. 6
RECRUITMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF FOSTER CARERS Recruitment Procedures and Processes Foster carers are recruited by various methods including regular advertising campaigns through the local press, radio and community resources throughout the year. This is supported by a dedicated Recruitment and Marketing officer. Enquirers receive an information pack within one working day of their enquiry. rospective carers who wish to have further information will be invited to an Open Evening and/or visited by a suitably qualified employee of the fostering service to explore further the process of becoming a carer and the services offered by the Fostering Service. All applicants to become Foster Carers are assessed by a supervising social worker. Mainstream applicants must undertake a course of pre-approval training during, and as part of, the assessment process. All Family and Friends carers are expected to engage with training to prepare them for the role. Full statutory checks and references are undertaken on all applicants and CRB checks on any member of the household over the age of 18 years. Assessments are undertaken in accordance with Fostering Service Regulations and are completed using the Fostering Network Competency Based Assessment. All applications are considered by the Cheshire East Fostering Panel, which makes recommendations to the agency decision maker on the terms of their approval. The agency decision maker is the Principal Manager Cared for Children, or, in their absence, the Head of Safeguarding and Specialists Services Information evenings are held monthly across the county and Skills to Foster Training is held four six times per year as per demand. The overall aim of the recruitment campaigns is to increase placement choice to enable the Fostering Team to place children with foster carers who can meet their particular individual needs. Cheshire East Council s Fostering Service aims to treat all potential carers consistently, fairly and inclusively whilst ensuring they have the capacity to meet the needs of children needing a foster placement. All preparation and assessment processes are organised and facilitated in order to encourage the attendance of Prospective Carers. Flexible options in terms of times, dates and venues are made available. Assessment of Friends, Family and Connected persons may follow a temporary approval route (Outlined in regulation 24 Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010) while a full assessment will be completed and presented to panel within a 16 week period for full approval as a family and friends foster carer for a named child. 7
Services Provided By Cheshire East Fostering Service Our Commitment to Foster Carers and their families The Fostering Service will: Ensure that the services provided are flexible, responsive and supportive of carers Respect the ethnic origin, cultural background, religion and language of children and Foster Carers Work in partnership with all those involved in the care of Cared for Children, including children, their families and Foster Carers Respect Foster Carers as partners in the provision of a professional service Ensure that all Foster Carers have access to the relevant policies and procedures in respect of the fostering service and Cared for Children Ensure that Foster Carers have access to training and development opportunities Ensure that Foster Carers are supervised, supported, managed and trained in keeping with Regulations, Statutory Guidance and National Minimum Standards and the Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards for Foster Carers. Strive to ensure that Foster Carers receive the correct financial remuneration on time in respect of children in placement The Recruitment, Assessment and Training of Prospective Foster Carers The Fostering Service aims to develop and maintain a range of foster carer provision to meet the needs of the children of Cheshire East. This includes the recruitment and assessment of carers that offer short, intermediate, long term and short break placements as defined below: Short term care care up to 3 months in duration. Intermediate term care care up to 2 years duration or a period in keeping with the care plan for the child. Long term care offering permanence into adulthood to children who have been formally matched to their carers. Short term care respite care for children to support them in the community or with other Foster Carers. Short break care for disabled children care offering a series of regular and planned short stays (of not more than 17 days duration) up to a maximum of 75 nights per year 7. 8
Supervision, Support and Training of Foster Carers Training and Support All Foster Carers are supervised by a supervising social worker Foster Carers have access to a developing network of support groups Outside office hours, Foster Carers can access Cheshire East s Social Care Out of Hours Service. Foster Carers may access the Cared for Children Support Team for advice and support to ensure children s educational achievements are maximised and for support in achieving good emotional and mental health for Cared for Children. Foster Carers who are assessed as needing respite on a planned basis can access respite services with other foster carers Foster Carers may access direct support from Fostering Support Workers. Foster Carers have access to a multipurpose vehicle for up to one week s duration, to assist with transport arrangements where an ordinary car is not sufficient. Approved Foster Carers can make an application for the Capacity Scheme loans and grants A secure website is being developed to enable Foster Carers to access policy and procedures for the service, training opportunities, and general information for Foster Carers and Cared for Children. Foster Carers have membership of the Fostering Network. On approval Foster Carers are required to undertake a programme of continuing professional development as defined in their Personal Development Plan, and are offered other training that reflects their knowledge, skills and developmental needs. Reviews of Foster Carers All carer s registrations are reviewed annually. At the first review, every fourth review and any other review as required by the Annual Review of Foster Carers policy and procedures, the carers registration is considered by the Fostering Panel which makes recommendations to the agency decision maker as to the terms of any continued registration. Profile of Cheshire East Fostering Service As at 31 st December 2013 there were 156 approved foster carers who can look after children and young people on a short-term or longer term basis. It is anticipated that this number will increase by 160 by 31/03/2014. There are 32 Friends, Family and Connected Carers included in this figure. The numbers given relate to approved family units, not individuals. As at 31 st December 2013 Cheshire East are caring for 345 children, 70% of whom are in foster care. 170 children are in placement with Cheshire East Carers. This equates to 70% of those in foster care and 49% of the total cared for population. The Fostering Service has responsibility primarily for the recruitment of new Foster Carers to meet the placement needs for Cheshire East children. A comprehensive Recruitment Strategy is produced annually and is made available to all relevant professionals and agencies. 9
Structure and Personnel The Fostering Service is managed by the Principal Manager for Cared for Children Services. The service structure is attached as Appendix 1 to this Statement. The Fostering Service employs the following staff: 1 Group Manager 4 Practice Consultants (including a half time Panel Advisor) 18.5 (fte) Supervising Social Workers (0.5 vacant posts) 1 Supervising Social Worker - Training 1 Recruitment Officer I Recruitment and Training Administrator 1 Panel Administrator (25 hours) 4 (fte) Unit Coordinators ) 5 Fostering Support Workers In addition the Fostering Service accesses the services of the Placement Service which is managed within the Adoption Service. The Placement Service comprises the following: 1 Practice Consultant 1 Business and Information Officer 2.7 wte Unit Coordinators - Payments 2 wte Unit Coordinators - Placement Service 1 wte Cared for Children Contracts Officer (part of the Commissioning Team) All managers and supervising social workers are professionally qualified with a Degree/Diploma in Social Work or equivalent. Managers and supervising social workers have a range of experiences in child care settings and are experienced in the placement of children and support to Foster Carers. 10
Priorities for 2013-2014 Cheshire East Cheshire East Children s Services has set the following priorities Recruit an additional (over current baseline) 15 foster carer households in 13/14 and 15 in 14/15 Increase the capacity of Cheshire East foster carers by revising terms of approval and by implementing the capital programme Providing high performing quality services Improving outcomes for Cared for Children Ensuring all children are effectively safeguarded in our placements Identifying need early and matching into appropriate placements Ensuring foster carer training is provided that meets or exceeds the requirements of the National Minimum Standards (a workforce development priority) The contribution that the Fostering Service aims to make to the achievement of these overall objectives is set out in more detail in the Fostering Service Plan 2103-2014 Monitoring and Evaluation of Service Overall responsibility for Children s Services rests with the Executive Member for Children s Services. The Children s Services Plan is assessed throughout the year and performance against key targets reported to Members. The Children s Services Executive receives reports of performance at agreed timescales throughout the year. The Corporate Parenting Board aims to secure member and cross-departmental involvement and commitment throughout the Council to deliver better outcomes for children in our care. It has a role in monitoring the Council s provision for Cared for Children and reports to the Children s Trust Board and the Scrutiny Committee on matters relating to Cared for Children. The Fostering Service has performance systems in place which produce detailed information about the use of the service. Evaluation of the information helps to identify shortfalls and likely demands on the service. Recruitment targets are then set and updated annually. Targets are aimed at recruiting an excess of carers in order to provide placement choice for children and young people. Details of children and young people likely to need placements, recruitment targets, priorities and recruitment activities are regularly monitored. Performance and progress against the aims and objectives of the Fostering Service are monitored regualry by the Children and Families Senior Management Team and the Fostering Service Management Team. Compliments and Complaints Cheshire East Council has a compliments and complaints procedure used by the fostering service. The full procedure is made available to all children, parents and Foster Carers. A guide to making compliments and complaints is also available for children who are placed with Foster Carers. Children s services have a contract with?? to provide advocacy services for those children who wish support and guidance. All complaints made to the service are the subject of a monitoring procedure. This assists service development and the development of good practice. 11
Foster Carers and children are also able to make complaints to OFSTED who are responsible for the inspection and registration of the fostering service. An inspector from OFSTED can be contacted at: Ofsted Piccadilly Gate Store Street Manchester M1 2WD Tel: 0300 123 1231 E-mail: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk Contacts The Headquarters of Cheshire East Borough Council is: Westfield s, Middlewich Road Sandbach CW11 1HZ Tel: 0300 123 5500 The Principal Manager for Cared for Children is Julie Lewis: Dalton House Dalton Way Middlewich Cheshire CW10 0HU Email: julie.lewis@cheshireeast.gov.uk The Registered Manager for the Cheshire East Fostering Service is Tracy Mese Cledford House Long Lane South Middlewich Cheshire CW10 0DB Email: tracy.mese@cheshireeast.gov.uk 12
Principal Manager Cared for Children APPENDIX 1: STRUCTURE OF THE CHESHIRE EAST FOSTERING SERVICE Group Manager Fostering MAINSTREAM FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOSTER CARER RECRUITMENT PLACEMENT TEAM Practice Consultant Gail Holbrook Practice Consultant Keri Payne Practice Consultant Georgina Hilton Practice Consultant and Panel Advisor Liz Lyne Practice Consultant Colin Freeth SSWs Dianne Grant Carol Evans Debbie Thomas Laura Hulse Unit Co-ordinator Sarah Walton Fostering Support Workers Julie Ashworth SSWs Wendy Bower Anne Reid Lorraine Hicks Judi Russell Audrey Holmes Unit Co-ordinator Una Cottrell Fostering Support Workers Cheryl Cox Michelle Roberts Supporting Foster Carers offering short / intermediate term placements (up to 2 years), and family finding for children who require long term placements SSWs Sue Cash Sarah Probert Wendy Bridle Becky Armitt Julie Harding Maureen Langer-Jones Dawn Ankers-Phillips Unit Co-ordinator Kathryn Dunkley Di-Ann Greig Fostering Support Workers Jane Lamptey Adele Townend Jenny Jones Supporting Foster Carers who provide a long term placement, or any placement to a family member or connected person. SSWs Tim Rhodes Helen Cullinane Angela Chambers Jane Davison Anne Fallows Recruitment Officer Stephen Kelly Training Officer Bev Grainger Panel Admin Alison Baskeyfield Recruitment/Training Admin Katie Patterson Suzanne Smith Fostering Support Workers Chris Storey Lorna Barratt Recruitment & assessment of new carers, and supporting training and panel for all carers. Business Support Officer Jacqui Hall Unit Co-ordinators Sophie Almond Debbie Carney Ellie Jackson Lucy Jennings Nick Lange Monitoring vacancies and initial screening for placement requests including agency searches. 13 All Cared for Children s payments.