YoVo 2017 – 18

Community (includes topics relating to general public well being, poverty, social exclusion affecting others, public security and public services) · Disability, basic health and welfare (includes health, health promotion, well-being) · Special protection · UN Theme

RQ: How can we improve information for LAC going into foster placement?

Methods: paper questionnaire for under 11-year-olds in primary schools across Neath Port Talbot; online survey for 11 – 18-year-olds across comprehensives and colleges in Neath Port Talbot.

Findings:

  • Older children received more information than younger children did
  • 30% of children have not been given information about foster care
  • Of the young people who received information about foster care
  • 31% were told why they are being cared for by foster carers/parents
  • 22% were told about living with foster carers/parents
  • 26% were told whether they were going to see their family
  • 21% were told how long they were likely to be in foster care

Before meeting foster carers/parents less than a quarter of the children had information on each of the following:

  • If their brother/sister was living with them 23%
  • Pets at the home 16%
  • Location 15%
  • Where they were going to school 13%
  • Rules 12%
  • If there were other children in the house 12% and
  • Internet access 9%

Outcomes/Impact:   

  • Raised project and request for action at Senior Management meeting and a sub group was formed.
  • Presented recommendations to the Performance and Analysis Manager, Principle Officer Fostering & LAC, Foster Team Manager and Fostering Deputy Manager; fully on board with changing practise to improve the information children and young people receive prior to placement. The following steps have been taken:
  • Fostering management update the existing family profile booklets
  • Information booklets will be completed by Foster Carers and made available to c&y
  • Books will be updated at regular intervals. C&Yp have reviews on Month 1, 3, 6 & 12 in the first year. Foster Carers have annual reviews. Throughout this process Social Workers will have the chance to maintain records. This task will be part of the Social Worker assessment.

QUOTE from gatekeeper/partner:

Lleisiau Bach gave YoVo members the tools and confidence to express their views, undertake research and improve services at a local authority level. The young people have been empowered, improved services and grown in confidence and self-esteem. They have even presented their research project to senior management, councillors, Welsh Government and local authorities. From a professional point of view the whole process and training has equipped me to continue the good work Lleisiau Bach has started and further promote the voice of the child.  

Impact Partners: NPT Corporate parenting team, NPT children’s services, Children’s Rights Unit NPT.