UPDATE NO 229 13 January 2017

Research on Foster Care Placement Success

In December, Vania Pinto wrote asking for a volunteer authority to join Bracknell Forest, Medway and Milton Keynes as collaborators in a research study.

No-one has came forward over the holiday period, so here is the request again:  

Perspectives on assessing foster carers: A cross-country comparison of the factors that are associated with successful placements

This research (ADCS approval – ref: RGE160425) aims to achieve a deeper understanding of successful fostering, through analysing which foster carers’ attributes are associated with looked after children’s emotional, social and behavioural outcomes and potential for placement stability. It will test out standardised measures which could be useful in future for the selection and training process of foster carers. It will also look at the relationship between foster carers’ attributes and looked after children’s outcomes in England and in Portugal.

What are the benefits for your local authority?

Your collaboration in this research is very valuable. To start, the researcher can offer a training session about placement success to the foster carers that take part in this study. After the study is completed, the researcher will offer to spend a day in your service, with social workers and foster carers, where the main findings will be presented, and training can be provided.

In the longer term you will be contributing towards a deeper understanding of the factors associated with looked after children’s outcomes and placement stability. This study may contribute to the use of standardised questionnaires for the selection and training processes of foster carers.

What are the benefits for your foster carers?

The foster carers that decide to take part in this study will attend a training session, will receive a packet of Portuguese tea and will be entered in a draw for one of ten £50 vouchers.

If you wish to be involved in this study or if you would like to receive further information please get in touch with Vania Pinto.

Implementing change for hidden young carers

Michelle Gregory of The Children’s Society Include Programme has written to advertise

Henley Conference: Implementing change for hidden young carers

22^nd February 2017, 10am – 5pm

Meadow Suite, WhiteKnights Campus, University of Reading, RG6 6UA

A conference for practitioners, directors of services and commissioners to provide updates on the current national picture for young carers, share models of effective identification and whole family support for young carers and their families. In particular the afternoon will focus on families affected by stigmatised illness and those often hidden from support.

Please forward this invitation to any relevant colleagues.

Delegates will hear about the current National perspective for young carers and their families, including a review of the national legislation and guidance; hearing from the Department of Health about the new Carers Strategy (due for launch early 2017) and exploring how local authorities and communities can successfully implement whole family working.

The afternoon will consist of a series of interactive ‘mini-lectures’ showcasing national and local implementation models from across England.

In order to secure your place please click on the following link

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/henley-conference-implementing-change-for-hidden-young-carers-tickets-29886598621

Please note that sending in a booking form does not guarantee you a place – a confirmation email will be sent to confirm your attendance with further information. All confirmations will be sent by 1st February 2017. 

Data Benchmarking Group

This week, colleagues from the Data Benchmarking Group have issued data collection sheets for

Social Care Benchmarking data collection- 2016-17 Q3

and a reminder about ALB Quarterly return Q3

The deadline for submission is Monday 13^th February, with the report expected to be published by the 28^th February. Contact details below if you have any questions.

Self Evaluation Framework 2016 – now called SE DCS Peer Challenge

This week the programme for the opening event to be held at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre on 23 January from 9.30-4.30 has been sent out, together with the handbook for the newly titled SE DCS Peer Challenge. (Previously called Self Evaluation Framework 2016). 

If you have not received this from Anna Wright, and you want to participate in the event on 23 January, please contact her direct Anna on 07415 099245.

Topical Peer Challenge Round 9

The next Topical Peer Challenge will be a visit to Bracknell Forest on the topic on LSCB on 26 and 27 January. Alison Jeffery (Portsmouth) will lead the visiting team including Ann Domeney (Medway), Gill Rigg (Kent) and Deborah Maynard (Windsor and Maidenhead).

If anyone has interest in looking forward to a possible Topical Peer Challenge Round 10, with field work in Autumn/Winter 2017/18, please contact Richard Tyndall (details below).

Leadership Development

We continue to offer our successful portfolio of Leadership Development Courses all of which have been positively evaluated by delegates.

We are offering LAs the opportunity to train their own trainers for all our courses. Our aim is to increase the capacity and capability across the region  to ensure future sustainability within LAs. Courses can also be delivered with adult services and/or for schools. Please contact Di Smith, details below, if this is of interest to you. 

All courses are run in-house in the LA who provides the venue. Each course is accompanied by a range of training resources for the delegates including a comprehensive handbook. The current courses on offer are as follows and details of each course and the costs for each can be found by downloading the April 2016 Leadership Development Prospectus. 

Coaching to Improve Performance

Embedding a Coaching Culture

Leading Change in Times of Austerity

Step Up to Leadership   

We can also arrange one-to-one coaching, especially to support newly appointed 2nd and 3rd tier managers

If you require further details or wish to book a course please get in touch with Di Smith (contact details below)