Kasper FosteringProcedures Manual

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Values and Principles

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This chapter provides the context for all procedures for the Fostering Agency.

It contains the overarching policy for the recruitment and supervision of carers and the provision of services to children and families. It should be read by all staff and carers before proceeding to the body of the manual.

RELATED CHAPTERS

Information Sharing and Confidentiality Procedure

Consultation and Participation Policy

Recording Policy and Guidelines

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Key Principles

1. Introduction

This policy sets out the framework within which the Fostering Agency works with carers and their families and children and young people in our placements.

It is underpinned by a range of legislation and guidance including, but not limited to:

• Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011;
• National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services 2011;
• Working Together to Safeguard Children;
• The Care Planning and Fostering (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2015;
• The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 4: Fostering Services.

2. Key Principles

The Fostering Agency is committed to:

• Delivering and maintaining services that enable our staff and carers to recognise and build on the strengths of children and young people from all cultures, religions, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability and backgrounds; in ways that meet their needs and help them to achieve their full potential;
• High-quality care in a fostering environment where the focus is on the specific needs of the individual child or young person;
• Delivering a holistic and integrated team approach, inclusive of social work, education, health and support professionals;
• The recruitment of foster carers from diverse backgrounds with a range of experiences;
• Making sure carers are fully informed about the information will we record on them and their families and understand how we will use this information, including who it may be shared with and how long we will keep it for;
• Maintaining the confidentiality of personal information, and only sharing data with third parties with the consent of the Data Subject or when necessary to safeguard the welfare of a child or adult at risk;
• Achieving stability and security for children and young people through building relationships with trusted adults that minimise disruption and afford protection from abuse and neglect;
• Retaining and supporting foster carers through a strategy and framework that ensures they are professionally supervised, developed and rewarded to ensure they are able to carry out their responsibilities effectively and efficiently;
• Understanding that fostering children and young people is a lifestyle choice that involves support not only for the carers, but for family members directly and indirectly concerned;
• Developing a workforce of Managers, practitioners and support staff who are appropriately qualified, trained and registered with their regulatory bodies, and supported in continuous professional development.