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4.9.6 Supervision of Foster Carers

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This procedure applies to all approved foster carers


Contents

  1. Frequency of Visits
  2. Purpose of Supervision
  3. Agenda for Supervision
  4. Recording
  5. Unannounced Visits


1. Frequency of Visits

Each approved foster carer will be linked to a named supervising social worker, who will meet with the foster carer on a regular basis after approval has been given.

The supervising social worker or another qualified social worker from the Fostering Team will visit the foster carer between six and eight weeks while a child is placed (and more often if required), for the purpose of supervising and supporting the foster carer. While there is no child placed with the foster carer, such visits will be three monthly.

In addition, the supervising social worker will have regular telephone contact with the foster carer.

Where the foster carer requests a visit urgently, the supervising social worker will visit within 48 hours or as soon as practicable thereafter.


2. Purpose of Supervision

The supervising social worker will aim to ensure through supervision that the foster carer is aware of, understands, accepts and operates the standards, policies, procedures and guidance contained in this Manual and the Foster Carer’s Handbook.

Each supervision meeting will have a clear purpose and agenda.


3. Agenda for Supervision

Supervision is a positive, enabling and supportive opportunity for foster carers.

It should be seen as a two-way process and should provide foster carers with the opportunity to give feedback to the local authority on their experience in fostering and their views about the quantity and quality of support. Carers may provide a list of all the items they want to discuss prior to the visit.

Supervision should also help them to have:

  1. Their strengths and weaknesses recognised and developed
  2. Their skills and potential enhanced
  3. Their relationship with the local authority enhanced
  4. Their performance positively challenged and managed

The supervision agenda will include:

  1. An assessment of the understanding of and compliance with the standards, policies, procedures and guidance of the Fostering Service in relation to Looked After Children, including health and safety issues and what to do in emergencies (and guide carer to references in the handbook)
  2. An assessment of the understanding of and compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Fostering and the relevant Regulations
  3. Any placement issues including whether the foster carer has the necessary documentation for children in placement and any concerns about contact arrangements
  4. Plans and Strategies for the management of the behaviour of the children in placement.
  5. Any fostering household issues including changes in circumstances and health and safety issues.
  6. An assessment of the training needs of the foster carer and the identification of suitable ways of meeting those needs including the foster carer’s responsibility for their own development
  7. The need for any additional support or training
  8. A review of the foster carer’s record keeping to ensure that the Child’s Daily Record is being completed and stored appropriately; and that records of the child’s health, any incidents, absences and restraints are being kept in accordance with procedures
  9. The communication of any further information
  10. The date for the next supervision


4. Recording

Records of the supervisory meetings will be signed by the supervising social worker and the foster carer. Any differences of view should be noted. A copy should be retained on the foster carer’s record. Supervising Social Workers should use a duplicate recording form and leave the carer with a copy when they complete the visit.

The supervising social worker will also sign the records kept by the foster carer and indicate on the records the date when they were reviewed.


5. Unannounced Visits

The supervising social worker will also monitor and evaluate the performance of the foster carer by carrying out unannounced visits at least annually. The visits will take place between 9.00.a.m. and 7.00.p.m. Monday to Saturday and will include an examination of the foster children’s bedrooms as well as the communal areas.

After such a visit, the supervising social worker will record the observations on the standard monthly report and provide a copy to the foster carer, with a copy being placed on the foster carer’s case record. Any areas of concern will also be addressed during the next available supervision.

End