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Contents

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

1. Frequency

Each approved foster carer is linked to a named supervising social worker, who will meet with the foster carer on a fortnightly basis for the first 2 months after approval has been given.  Thereafter, unless circumstances require otherwise, the supervising social worker will visit the foster carer once every four to six weeks in the first year of the carer's approval and once every three months thereafter, for the purpose of providing support and advice. Each time that the supervising social worker visits, this will be considered as a supervisory visit and recorded as such. In addition, there will be at least one telephone contact between the supervising social worker and the foster carer between each visit.

2. Purpose

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 of Children's Social Care Department as contained in this Manual and the Foster Carer's Handbook.  Each supervision meeting will have a clear purpose and agenda. The content of the supervisory discussions should be used in the preparation of the foster carers' Annual Review. See Review of Foster Carers Procedure

3. Agenda

Supervision is a positive, enabling and supportive opportunity for foster carers and should 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. The records that are kept in relation to the child including the Looked After Children's forms and whether or not they need to be updated. There will also be a discussion about the foster carer's recording and log book, incidents accidents etc.
2. An overview of the child/ren's progress in placement. This will include a discussion regarding: health and physical needs; education and educational support; family contact; the child's cultural, religious identity and leisure needs.
3. Observations of the child and behaviour management techniques and strategies including an exploration of the foster carer's understanding of the meaning of the child's behaviour. In relation to a child placed who has a disability; any special issues that relate to these needs and the carer's capability to meet them. This might include a discussion about additional support and respite services.
4. Any fostering household issues including safer caring techniques and child protection issues.
5. An assessment of the training and development 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. The supervising social worker will pass on information about support and training events.
6. Any health and safety issues and financial and practical arrangements.
7. The date for the next supervision

4. Recording

Records of the supervisory meetings will be kept by the supervising social worker and retained on the foster carer's case record. Supervising Social Workers should use the Supervision Recording Form.  A copy will also be sent to the foster carer.

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. These should be signed by the foster carer and the supervising social worker.

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.  After such a visit, the supervising social worker will provide a written report to the foster carer, a copy of which will be placed on the foster carer's case record. Any areas of concern will also be addressed during the next available supervision.

End