• contents
• keywords & contacts
• quick guide
• values
• contact us
• search

Contents

1. Frequency
2. Purpose of Supervision
3. Agenda for Supervision
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 or another qualified social worker will visit the foster carer once every month while a child is placed, for the purpose of supervising and supporting the foster carer.  In addition, where the foster carer requests a visit urgently, the supervising social worker will visit within 48 hours or as soon as practicable thereafter.

Additionally, foster carers will be provided with support out of normal office hours, access to support groups and some specific insurance cover to supplement their own arrangements.

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 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. 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
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 carers have the necessary documentation for children in placement and any concerns about contact arrangements
4. Any fostering household issues including changes in circumstances
5. 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
6. The need for any additional support or training
7. A review of the foster carer’s record keeping to ensure that the Child’s Daily Record is being completed appropriately and appropriately stored and that records of the child’s health, any incidents, absences and Restraints (as part of a Physical Intervention) are being kept in accordance with procedures
8. The communication of any further information
9. 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.  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.

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