Fostering Independent Review Officer

Fee per review: £90

The Review Meeting is central to the Review process. It is where matters arising from the Review reports can be properly explored. The deliberations of the Review Meeting and the contents of the Review Report inform the Independent Review Officers' recommendation regarding the Foster Carers’ continuing approval as a Foster Carer and their Terms of Approval.

We require two Fostering Independent Review officers, one based in the top half of the region and one in the Somerset area. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Critically read the review paperwork prior to the Review for triangulation purposes.
2. Identify salient areas that should be discussed at the Review Meeting and any matters that need to be explored with relevant parties beforehand (via SSW/Line Manager).
3. Formulate an agenda covering all pertinent areas in the review meeting.
4. Chair the meeting in a facilitative, inclusive and rigorous manner.
5. To rigorously assess foster carers’ capability to meet the needs of children in foster care, incorporating their wishes and feelings as well as feedback from other professionals.
6. Make a substantiated and properly evidenced recommendation, drawing on the deliberation of the Review Meeting and the Review paperwork (using TSD Standards/Fostering Competencies).
7. Complete report / detailed review meeting minutes ensuring that all the above have been covered And reports are completed within regulatory timescales.
8. Where issues of professional practice arise in respect of staff or carers pertaining to their capability, performance or conduct, the reviewing officer must bring these to the attention of the region's Head of Fostering.

CHECKLIST

The following advise of areas for discussion during the Foster Carers Review. The list is not intended to be exhaustive and should be considered along with the information included in the Review paperwork:

1. Strengths of Foster Carers.
2. Outstanding actions from the last Review.
3. Significant changes since the last Review, including employment/finances/house. moves/health issues/household composition/impact of fostering on the family.
4. Emergency Placements/Exemptions in line with Regulations.
5. Issues emerging from updated statutory checks.
6. H & S/Risk Assessments, etc.
7. Any gaps in meeting/maintaining standards/competencies.
8. Complaints/Allegations.
9. Training and Development.
10. Communication/Recording.
11. Any changes to Approval and evidence to support any disagreements.
12. Additional support needs if a change of approval is recommended.

1. Referral to the Fostering Panel.
2. Training and Development needs.
3. Outstanding H & S/Safe Care.
4. Requirement for Re-assessment.
5. Others as identified during the Review Meeting.

1. A Social Work England (SWE) recognised Social Worker Qualification.
2. A genuine passion to create positive outcomes for children and young people.
3. Experience working in children’s services and recent fostering experience.
4. A good working knowledge of the fostering standards and regulatory framework.
5. A strong understanding of children’s safeguarding.
6. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
7. A good level of computer literacy.