Ofsted Consultation on Fostering Inspection Framework
Alison Bailey, Ofsted lead on adoption and fostering, attended two NAFP region meetings to consult members about changes to the inspection framework.
National Minimum Standards - bedrooms
DfE have published a note giving further clarification on this (17 June 2011).
National Minimum Standards
Alison Bailey, Ofsted lead on adoption and fostering, gave a presentation on the NMS at the Midlands Joint Forum on 5 May. Harvey Gallagher, NAFP's chief executive, spoke about the impact on IFPs.
Young People's Guide to Placement Moves
Published by the Office of the Children's Rights Director, the Young People's Guide to Placement Moves offers advice to young people if they are unhappy about a proposed move.
Vetting and Barring Scheme - Important Announcement
July registration halted as VBS is remodelled
The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has issued a statement to the House of Commons which confirms the stated intention of the coalition Government to review the Vetting & Barring and criminal records regimes to ensure that they are scaled back to common sense levels.
The Written Ministerial Statement reads:
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
HOME OFFICE
Vetting and Barring Scheme
Secretary of State for the Home Department (Theresa May):
I am announcing today that the commencement of voluntary registration with the new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which was due to begin on 26 July, will be brought to a halt as of today.
The Government has made clear its intention to bring the criminal records and Vetting and Barring regimes back to common sense levels. Until this remodelling has taken place, we have decided to maintain those aspects of the new Scheme which are already in place, but not to introduce further elements.
The safety of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance to the new government. We will therefore maintain the current arrangements under which the Independent Safeguarding Authority is able to bar from "regulated activities" those considered unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults, and appropriate cases must be referred to them. Criminal records checks will also remain available for those eligible to receive them, and will continue to be required for certain posts where regulations are already in place.
However it is vital that we take a measured approach in these matters. Vulnerable groups must be properly protected in a way that is proportionate and sensible. The remodelling of the VBS will ensure this happens.
The terms of reference for the remodelling of the VBS and of the criminal records regime are currently being considered and a further announcement will be made in due course.
Review of National Minimum Standards (2002) - December 2009
Following a well-attended Seminar with the DCSF on 30th November, 2009, NAFP submitted a formal response to the consultation on 17th December 2009.
Download our response here
Disclosure Checks for Individuals who are Involved in the Care of a Fostered Child but who are not Approved Foster Carers
This guidance, which is aimed at fostering providers, provides clarification on eligibility for disclosure checks. The guidance outlines the government's expectation of when these checks should be requested.
It responds to concerns raised with us by fostering providers, and other key stakeholders, around disclosure checks. In particular there were concerns about individuals who may be involved in the care of children in foster care, or who have unsupervised access to these children.
This guidance is aimed at fostering providers (both local authorities and independent providers) who are responsible for requesting checks on foster carers. It is also aimed at others who may be involved in the care of a child in foster care.
This guidance is available at www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/resources-and-practice/IG00246/