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Devon considers supervision, and the relationship between supervising social worker and carer, to be a fundamental mainstay in the support to carers.  The supervisor must ensure that the carer is informed of and complies with all standards, policies and guidance within Devon.  The supervisor also has primary responsibility for assisting in the career development of the carer, establishing training needs and planning how these can best be met.

Devon’s commitments regarding supervision are that:

• Every carer has a qualified supervising social worker from their local fostering team who will be available and accessible to the carer
• There is an expectation that supervision between supervisor and carer occurs formally monthly as a minimum.  This will usually be face to face, but in agreed cases may be by telephone contact
• A written record is kept of these meetings signed by worker and carer; one copy is placed on file, one copy retained by the carer
• The supervisor will make the occasional unannounced visit; carers are aware such a visit will take place approximately once a year
• The supervisor will ensure that matters of concern to the carer are addressed
• The supervisor will act as a link between the carer and other members of the organisation
• The supervisor will maintain close links with social workers for individual children in placement
• The supervisor will be available to support and advise the carer in preparing for meetings (e.g. Care Planning or Reviews)
• •general support is available from the Fostering Service e.g. in handling practical or financial issues, providing extra support via Fostering Support Workers

Annual Review

Devon follows a specific format for undertaking the annual review of each approved foster carer.  This is co-ordinated by their supervising social worker.

The annual review provides an opportunity for an overview of the carer’s development over the previous year.  It should be used by both carer and supervisor to highlight strengths and expertise which can be built upon, and also areas where the carer may require support and specific training.  The formal report will therefore address the future training, development and support needs of the carer (and their family) over the coming year.  This report will either be presented to Foster Panel (first review, or where there are specific areas of concern), or to the Practice Manager with responsibility for overseeing reviews.

Practical Supports

It is also recognised that practical issues provide very important elements of support.  Where the carer is undertaking a demanding and stressful placement, the following can be of crucial importance:

• The child’s social worker providing regular information and support relevant to the child placed and monitoring the care plan
• Adhering to foster placement agreements
• All professionals involved providing prompt and adequate information
• The Directorate has an  Emergency Duty Service available to carers at all other times
• Prompt responses to emergencies
• Practical support including respite in demanding placements
• Support to carers children from the fostering support workers
• Acting on complaints and listening to carers’ views
• Prompt payment of allowances and additional expenses
• Insurance cover in certain areas not covered by carers’ own household policy
• Local support groups meeting regularly to discuss fostering issues, or provide social meetings
• A peer support system from those with longer service and greater experience including an out of hours support service
• County membership of Fostering Network
• Foster Care Strategy Group as forum for foster carer representatives from each area meeting Senior Managers re local issues

All of the above supports and training opportunities provide a broad and integral support network for carers in the demanding task of caring, in their own homes, for children and young people looked after.  

Devon keeps its support strategy under review, listening to carers’ views and needs, and ensuring that when a carer does cease to foster s/he has the opportunity to discuss their reasons.  Any developmental or practice issues arising from this interview are passed to the appropriate manager within the Directorate.

Contact with Ofsted

If carers have any comments or complaints about the fostering service which they cannot deal with via the service itself, then Ofsted can pursue complaints on their behalf.

Ofsted

Royal Exchange Buildings, St Ann's Square

Manchester M2 7LA

Tel 08456 404045 about education, adult skills, or DCC children's services

Tel 08456 404040 about any other aspect of our work.

Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk