Support and Supervision

As a foster carer you will be well supported to ensure that plans for children in your care remain in their best interests. You are an important part of the team around the child, who will also support you. You will be actively involved in planning for the children in your care, and your views are valued by the Fostering Agency provider and will help to positively influence a child's progress.

You will face many challenges when you become a foster carer and you will also feel very rewarded when you see a placement progress in a positive way. Once approved you will be allocated a Supervising Social Worker. The primary task of the Supervising Social Worker is to supervise and support you to enable you to carry out your role as a foster carer. The support you receive from your Supervising Social Worker is also designed to help you to cope with the additional demands of fostering on your family life.

You will receive regular and effective supervision that is focused on children's experiences, needs, plans and feedback. Supervision is an important part of practice and as foster carers it is considered a key part of your training and development and an opportunity to reflect and learn from fostering experiences. Supervision also allows you time to consider complex dilemmas and give you space to think through and share strategies and ways of helping a child in your care with your Supervising Social Worker.

The Supervising Social Worker will ensure you have the necessary guidance including an understanding about working within the National Minimum Standards for Fostering and all the Fostering Agency's policies, procedures and guidance.

• To supervise Foster Carers practice;
• To ensure Foster Carers are adhering to all Agency policies and procedures, and relevant legislation, fostering standards and regulations;
• To ensure Foster Carers are meeting the Child or Young Person’s needs, taking into account the Child or Young Person’s wishes or feelings;
• To offer support and a framework to assess and evaluate Foster Carers performance and develop their skills, ensuring that Foster Carers understand the competency and evidential framework;
• Within a culture of openness and transparency and from the evidence received, to give feedback to Foster Carers in order to contribute to the development of their knowledge and skills;
• To undertake formal supervision of Foster Carers and make regular visits – including at least one unannounced visit per year;
• To provide support and talk to the Children of Foster Carers and any other people living in the Foster Carers household who play an important role in supporting Children and Young People in placement;
• To provide support to members of the wider family and friend support network who may play an important role in the lives of Children and Young People, where this is agreed by the team around the Child or Young Person to be appropriate;
• To attend relevant meetings with the Foster Carer in relation to planning for the Child or Young Person and the placement and any other meetings deemed appropriate;
• To ensure all necessary safeguarding checks are up to date including DBS checks, health and safety assessments, individual safer caring policies and risk assessments and to review these at regular intervals;
• To offer additional support to Foster Carers during any periods of difficulties in a placement to ensure Foster Carers are appropriately supported and to actively promote placement stability;
• To ensure Post Placement Meetings take place within timescales;
• To liaise with the Child or Young Person’s Social Worker and other professionals involved, keeping them updated promptly regarding all significant information and to highlight any difficulties in the placement, to ensure support is in place;
• To ensure that Foster Carers are aware of the process of the investigation if an allegation is made against them, and that they know how to access independent support and advice. The Supervising Social Worker will continue to provide support to Foster Carers during this process via visits and telephone calls. The Supervising Social Worker cannot advise on the content of the allegation or investigation but can provide information about the process;
• To complete the annual Foster Carer Review and to make a recommendation regarding continued suitability to foster in relation to the Foster Carers and their household and to review terms of approval. This will also include attendance at the Fostering Panel;
• To evaluate how training and support has increased Foster Carers skills and knowledge and how this has improved better outcomes for Children and Young People, particularly through the supervision and review process;
• To support and assist Foster Carers to complete their Training, Support, and Development Standards Workbook within the first 12 months of approval for Mainstream Foster Carers and 18 months of approval for Connected Foster Carers;
• To identify and discuss with Foster Carers their ongoing training needs, evidenced within the training log/personal development plan, which are necessary to develop their skills and knowledge;
• To encourage and enable Foster Carers to participate in support groups, any Foster Carers consultation opportunities, and local activities.

It is the social worker for the child/young person in the foster placement who holds responsibility for specific advice or support for the child and their Care Plan and Placement Plan.

During the working day the Supervising Social Worker is able to offer telephone support to Foster Carers to talk through any difficult situations. If the Supervising Social Worker is not available urgent support can be provided through the duty worker.

The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) is available to provide advice and support out of hours, after 5pm and before 9am on weekdays and anytime at weekends and bank holidays.

The Fostering Agency also provides an out-of-hours telephone support and advice service. A Supervising Social Worker will be ‘on call’ after 5pm and until 12pm at all times. A Team Manager from the Fostering Agency will also be ‘on call’ 24 hours.

Birmingham Foster Care Association (BFCA) provides an additional telephone support and advice service to Foster Carers.

The relevant details and contact numbers will be provided by the Supervising Social Worker.

Foster Carers must give at least 6 weeks’ notice in advance of a respite placement being required. The Supervising Social Worker will record requests made for a respite placement by the Foster Carers due to planned holidays. The Foster Carers own identified support network will be a key consideration in relation to respite requests and in continuing to provide familiar adults to Children and Young People to whom they share a positive relationship and in consideration of continuity of care. The main people in the support network identified as potential respite carers will already be known to the Supervising Social Worker.

In the event that for various reasons this is not considered appropriate, respite Mainstream Foster Carers will subsequently be identified. Unless in exceptional circumstances, all respite placements will be planned to take into account the needs of the Child or Young Person. Respite for Connected Foster Carers would be considered in exceptional circumstances and tailored to the needs of the Child or Young Person in line with their Care Plan.

The Fostering Agency does not deem respite suitable for babies and very young Children (aged 0-2 years). During the placement planning process where a potential placement is identified matching in this area will be a primary consideration in relation to any pending holidays, Foster Carers have planned.

A Training Brochure is available for Foster Carers which details induction training, core training and other optional training courses.

Training assists and supports Foster Carers in developing skills and knowledge within their role and in meeting the needs of Children and Young People. It also ensures that Foster Carers are up to date on all recent developments, current issues and information relevant to their practice.

Foster Carers are encouraged to use their support network to enable them to attend training opportunities.

Following approval all Foster Carers will automatically become members of BFCA. BFCA is a registered charity run by Foster Carers. They offer a range of services to support and encourage cohesion within foster families. BFCA also provide a quarterly newsletter to update all Foster Carers on current information about their work and provide details of events and activities that Foster Carers and Children and Young People can attend.

The Max card is the UK's leading discount card for foster families and can be used at venues across the UK to get free or discounted admission on activities and days out. The Max Card can be used by the whole fostering family.

The BlueLightCard

In 2022/23, Birmingham foster carers will be able to request an ID card that allows them to show proof of their status as an approved foster carer. This will then allow all approved foster carers to apply for a BlueLightcard.

Foster Carers are encouraged to attend the support groups facilitated by the Fostering Agency and BFCA also facilitate certain support groups. Support groups offer the opportunity for Foster Carers to meet with other Foster Carers and share experiences and find out further information about other relevant services and current topic areas. The Supervising Social Worker will provide details of all the support groups available, dates, times, and location and any specific support groups of interest.

The is also a monthly support group specific for Connected Foster Carers which considers different topics each month and is considered as such as having a training element to this.

These groups aim to provide an additional support and opportunity for Foster Carers own Children to meet up with the shared interest of being part of a fostering family and providing the opportunity to share experiences and engage in activities with other Children and Young People.

Another area of support for Foster Carers is from other Foster Carers. The Fostering Agency and BFCA are committed to encouraging Foster Carers to use other Foster Carers for support. This is also of particular benefit for new Foster Carers.

The Fostering Agency ensures that Foster Carers have access to independent support, mediation and advice. Following approval, all Foster Carers benefit from becoming members of Fostering Network and the entitlements and benefits that this membership brings. Fostering network is independent of Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency.

There is a wide range of services available. The Supervising Social Worker and Child or Young Person’s Social Worker will discuss individual services available where this has been identified as appropriate in the Care Plan in supporting in meeting the Child or Young Person’s needs.

Foster Carers Consultation Meetings - These meetings take place twice yearly and provide the opportunity to Foster Carers to meet with Birmingham Children’s Trust Fostering Agency Trust Board and input into key areas.

Annual Award Ceremony - The Fostering Agency recognises the valuable contribution Foster Carers make to Children and Young People’s lives on a daily basis. This special award ceremony which takes place on an annual basis further recognises and rewards Foster Carers in all their hard work, dedication and commitment to our Children and Young People.

Other Events - The Fostering Agency will provide details of any forthcoming events for the whole fostering family during the year.

Frequency of supervision meetings will be agreed between you and your Supervising Social Worker and as appears necessary in the interest of the children placed with you. Your allocated Supervising Social Worker will agree times and dates. Each session will be recorded and you should receive a copy of this

.Supervision should be seen as a two way process between the supervising social worker and the foster carer. They should also include all approved foster carers in the household.

• To be a primary source of support for Foster Carers, recognising the demands and challenges of the job and ensuring that appropriate support is available;
• To ensure that Foster Carers understand and carry out their role and responsibilities in accordance with relevant legislation, standards and regulations and the Fostering Agency’s policies and procedures including working within and contributing effectively to the Care Plan, Contact Plan and Placement Plan;
• To advise Foster Carers of developments in policies and procedures and any other Agency developments;
• To monitor, review and promote the Foster Carers training log/personal development plan and consider relevant training needs and development opportunities;
• To gather evidence of how outcomes for Children and Young People are being met and identify together any gaps in knowledge and skills that require an action plan along with a timescale;
• This includes evidencing Children and Young People’s fostering journey from their starting point at the beginning of the placement and throughout the placement duration. Evidence gathered should demonstrate Children and Young People’s experiences and measurable progress in relation to achieving outcomes through the care provided by Foster Carers in all aspects of development;
• To recognise Foster Carers achievements, continued development and good practice;
• To provide regular and constructive feedback to Foster Carers;
• To ensure that Foster Carers have the opportunity to raise any issues of concern of importance to themselves, their own Children and family and to have these addressed appropriately. This includes any personal issues that are currently being experienced and any changes in circumstances;
• It should be noted that any significant concerns a Foster Carer has should be shared at the time they occur and will not wait until a supervision visit;
• It should also be noted that in the event of any significant concerns expressed concerning a Foster Carers practice, these will be shared at the time they occur and will not wait until a supervision visit;
• To enable the Supervising Social Worker to monitor the Foster Carers recording ensuring this is factual, up-to-date, evidences outcomes for Children and Young People including their experiences and progress. The Supervising Social Worker will sign and date each record entry during supervision;
• To discuss life story work for each Child and Young Person in placement and how Foster Carers are contributing towards this from the point of placement and for the duration of placement. This will include keeping meaningful records and collecting memorabilia for Children and Young People in many various forms;
• To consider other relevant matters including health and safety and safer caring practices in placement and any other matters arising;
• To discuss and monitor financial matters in relation to Children and Young People including pocket money allowance, savings and where appropriate use of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children and Young People under 16 years or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for Young People 16 years and over;
• To discuss and monitor any matters arising under schedule 6 and 7 of the Fostering Regulations 2011.

Your Supervising Social Worker should ensure the following tasks are done:

After Approval

1. Ensure you complete the induction programme and that your support, development and training needs are assessed and met so that you meet the standards and achieve the Training, Support and Development Standards certificate of completion by your first annual review, or soon after if extra support is required;
2. Give the Foster Care Agreement to you: 2 copies to be signed and one returned and placed on your file;
3. Support you with any specialist issues for disabled children for e.g. support in completing applications for relevant entitlements etc.

Before Placement

4. Complete risk assessments surrounding bedroom sharing (each child over 3 has their own bedroom or, where this is not possible, the sharing of the bedroom has been agreed by the child's social worker), mixing with other children in the home, etc. if it is a placement made in emergency these should be completed without delay;
5. Discuss and check equipment (especially in the child's bedroom) and ensure it is appropriate to the age of the child to be placed;
6. Take part in discussions about potential placements and planning meetings;
7. Ensure that the child's social worker gives you full information about children, including a history of abuse or suspected abuse and the reason for the placement;
8. Discuss contact with birth parents and family members;
9. Discuss how the child's health needs are promoted and how children should be encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle;
10. Help you in dealing with services such as health and education;
11. Help you with training needs for safer care practice, including skills to care for children who have been abused or training on issues affecting disabled children;
12. Discuss financial issues with you: allowances, pocket money, leisure activities, toiletries and travelling and the importance of your insurance policy;
13. Find out about holiday plans you have made, and whether the child is going with you? If not the child's social worker must be informed so alternative arrangements can be made;
14. Exchange contact numbers with all relevant members of the family, including out of hours support;
15. Ensure that arrangements are made for the provision of specialist equipment for disabled children;
16. Set a date for a first visit after a child is placed with you.

During Placement

17. Check and follow up on all issues raised during the placement planning. Discuss any concerns with you and ensure appropriate support is provided straight away rather than waiting for reviews;
18. Provide you with breaks from caring as needed, which must meet the needs of placed children;
19. Take part in any Strategy Meetings and Section 47 Enquiry relating to your foster family. Be involved in interviews/support as agreed if allegations are made against you;
20. Ensure you receive invitations to a child's Child in Care Reviews and Child Protection Conferences, and attend when appropriate;
21. Prepare for and attend your Review meetings;
22. Ensure the training programme is updated and accessed by you and your family and children;
23. Visit regularly;
24. Make unannounced visits as required;
25. Update Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on members of your family every three years, including those reaching 18, and other persons who come to live at the home, who are 18 or over;
26. Update medicals on you every 3 years or as necessary;
27. Record all contact with you;
28. Assess and review any health and safety issues within the fostering household including the addition of any new pets and the environment in which they are kept;
29. Provide reports for panel as required under the relevant procedures;
30. Where appropriate contribute to Court Reports as agreed with child's social worker;
31. Discuss how you can support young people into adulthood.

At the End of a Placement

32. Support your family in what can be a difficult time;
33. Discuss with you and your family all the issues that have led to any unplanned end of a placement and identify any learning opportunities;
34. Support you to complete an end of placement report;
35. Attend Placement Disruption Meetings as required.

If your Supervising Social Worker has any concerns about your care or feels you need extra support, they will not wait until supervision meetings or reviews but deal with any issues as they arise.

Foster Carers and Supervising Social Workers will read through together and sign a supervision agreement following initial approval which acknowledges the commitment and expectations of both parties to engage actively in the process, be prepared for supervision visits and work openly together. Foster Carers will receive a copy of this signed agreement and a copy will be placed on their electronic file. This agreement will be re-visited in light of any difficulties occurring in the supervision process.

• All visits undertaken by the Supervising Social Worker are supervision visits however a specific supervision record form will be 4 weekly before TSD completion and or full approval and 6 weekly following approval and completion of TSD standards;
• It is essential that supervision visits take place as planned;
• In the event of any cancellation, it is a requirement that the supervision visit is rescheduled as a matter of urgency. This is a joint responsibility for both Supervising Social Workers and Foster Carers. In the event of difficulties regarding accessing supervision, Foster Carers are requested to discuss this with the Supervising Social Worker in the first instance however should any difficulties persist Foster Carers are advised to bring this to the attention of the Supervising Social Worker’s Team Manager.

In accordance with the Fostering Regulations 2011, the Supervising Social Worker will undertake at least one unannounced visit per year, in Birmingham we believe it is good practice to conduct at least two per year. There is a specific form used for this purpose which is then stored on the Foster Carers electronic file.

During the unannounced visit the Supervising Social Worker will check:

• Who is present in the home;
• Who is looking after the Children or Young People;
• Speak to Foster Carers;
• Speak to the Children and Young People in placement;
• Speak to the Foster Carers own Children (where applicable);
• Speak to any other members of the household;
• Check health and safety in the home by inspecting each room in the home;
• Review safe caring practices;
• Check Foster Carers records;
• Provide an update of placements;
• Conclude with a summary of outcome of visit.

Where an unannounced visit has not been successful i.e. no-one is at home the Supervising Social Worker will record that this has been attempted. A further unannounced visit/s will be then undertaken.

• All areas and matters discussed in supervision visits must be recorded on the supervision record form and signed by the Foster Carers and Supervising Social Worker. A copy of this record will be held on the Foster Carers electronic file;
• Actions identified within supervision visits will be clearly stated along with identifying the person responsible for completing the action and the timescale;
• The actions identified will be reviewed at the beginning of the next supervision visit unless there is need to review these earlier dependent on what the action relates to;
• The Supervising Social Worker will ensure that Foster Carers receive a copy of their supervision record following their supervision and in a timely manner. Foster Carers are advised to make a note of any actions required to ensure there is no delay in progressing actions whilst the supervision record is awaited.