REVIEWS: Post Allegation/Serious Concern or Complaint Reviews

Doc. Creation: (01/10/14) | Doc. Revision: (00/00/00) Version: [1]

Policy
It is the policy of the agency to review the approval of each Foster Carer after any allegation/serious concern or complaint. In line with the Fostering Regulations the agency is committed to working with and supporting carers in providing a high level of care to children and young people.
  • Also refer to Fostering Panel Policy

Contents

  1. Purpose
  2. Frequency
  3. Process
  4. Flowchart/timescales

1. Purpose

The purpose of the review is:

  • To determine whether the carer’s current approval should be renewed or amended;
  • To make decisions and set actions, including learning and development, where necessary.

Training standards for foster carers need to be met. Personal professional development planslearning and development record must be completed for each carer and this should be linked to their review. Details of the carers' learning and development should be made available to agencies if the carer moves toanother fostering provider.

The reviewing process should not be treated as an academic exercise but should actively encourage an open and honest dialogue about the carer’s fostering experiences and make a recommendation about their continued approval.

2.Frequency

A post allegation/serious concern or complaint review should commence no later than 2 weeks after the conclusion of the strategy meeting.

The review will be held as soon as possible following the outcome of any allegation/serious concern or complaint whenever the fostering service provider considers it necessary. A review can therefore be requested by the agency at any time as part of the on-going support and supervision of carers.

3.Process

PRACTICE CONCERNS/ALLEGATIONS

A review will be held and presented to the Fostering Panel as soon as possible after any significant incidents/complaintsor allegations. Post Allegation/Serious Concerns or Complaint Review Report Part 1 (02-050a)and Part 2 (02-050b) must be completed. (It is important that all relevant paperwork, ie. Strategy Meeting Minutes (with LADO/LSCB consent) are made available to panel members).

Operations Manager will complete Post Allegation/Serious Concern or complaint review report Part 1 (02-050a).

The investigating Social Workerwill completea written report on thePost Allegation/Serious Concern or complaint review report Part 2 (02-050b). On completion, the report should be forwarded to the Operations Manager for QA and comments / signature (see Admin Procedures).

The SSW must take the report out to the foster carers, go through the report with them and request the foster carers to sign the report.

Presentation of Reviews to Panel

Foster carers will be invited and are expected to attend all reviews as part of their ongoing approval.

Foster carers will be advised verbally on the day of their review of the recommendation being made to the ADM.

Minutes of the meeting and the Panel Recommendation following Review of Foster Carer will be forwarded to the Agency Decision Maker

The decision of the Agency Decision Maker will be reported to Agency Staff, foster carers and panel members.

Foster Carers will be notified in writing of the proposal of the ADM. If a change of approval is proposed by the ADM and the foster carers are not in agreement, they will be invited to submit written representation to Fostering Solutions Fostering Panel (England, Scotland Wales) or the Independent Review Mechanism (England & Wales) within 28 days of the date of notice (see Policy – Representation to Fostering Solutions Panel & Independent Review Mechanism).

If no representation is made to Fostering Solutions Fostering Panel or Independent Review Mechanism (England & Wales) within 28 days, Fostering Solutions’ decision will be final.

NB: Foster carers can give notice or resignation in writing, at any time, with effect of 28 days of the day the notice is received (In such cases where there are any issues relating to practice, a review should still take place even if notice has been given). (Please refer to the agency’s resignation policy).

If the Foster Carers’ approval is to be terminated, the Agency Decision Maker will indicate on the Panel Recommendation form Part 2, whether or not a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service / Disclosure Scotland is to be made. Refer to Policy – Referring Names to the Disclosure and Barring Service / Disclosure Scotland.

4.Flowchart

OPERATIONS MANAGER

ADMIN TASKSSSW TASKS

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