Out of jurisdiction foster placement finding

In considering suitable foster care placements out of jurisdiction the Department will ensure that relevant information identifying the child's needs, as detailed in the Child's Plan, will be sent to as many Foster Care Placement Providers as possible within the identified areas of the United Kingdom. The primary consideration is securing the best match for the child or young person to provide them with the placement stability they need.

Where there is not already a Service Level Agreement in place the most recent Ofsted Inspection Reports, and any other supporting documents, are requested from the Foster Care Placement Provider and received prior to any further action being taken. These reports will include all relevant information i.e. full information on internal procedures specifically management of behaviour, how child protection allegations are been managed etc.
The Department should be led by the identified needs of the child or young person in identifying suitable provision.
Consideration must be given to all aspects of the Child's Plan.
The Childs Permanency Report will be linked to the Form F's provided on the prospective carers to ensure the best match.
Best practice is for the child's social worker and a Fostering and Adoption social worker to visit prospective placements together - with at least three potential placements being identified
If it has been identified in the child or young person's Child's Plan that they need therapeutic/educational support, consultation will take place with Guernsey's Clinical and or Educational Psychologist prior to any visit to prospective placements. This consultation will ensure that appropriate therapeutic provision or education support is provided.
Placement Plans Part 1 and 2 and Care Plans must be agreed.
Roles should be clearly identified between the Placing Agency and Providers prior to placement.
The Contract Services Manager will agree a contract with the Provider.
Frequency of visiting by the social worker should be agreed - Children placed out of the jurisdiction of Guernsey are amongst the most vulnerable children within the Looked After Children service. It is essential that a commitment to regular visiting and contact with the young person is established and maintained.
LAC Reviews must be held within one month of placement and thereafter three months later and then every six months.
The Independent Reviewing Officer within the review process will scrutinise the terms of the contract with the provider.
The Department will ensure that Housing Control are made aware of a planned move out of jurisdiction for any young person - The Department will advocate and support a child or young person retaining their local housing qualification.

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Tasks	Responsible Officer	Record	Timescale
Contact providers both known and unknown	Social WorkerFostering and Adoption Social Worker	Computer	Within one week of plan identified
Review Ofsted Reports and other appropriate documentation (i.e. relevant procedures)**Where a Service Level Agreement is not already in place.	Social WorkerFostering and Adoption Social Worker	Computer	On receipt of information
Consider options available Through consideration of Form Fs and Childs Permanency Report	Social WorkerFostering and Adoption Social WorkerClinical PsychologistEducational Psychologist	Computer	On receipt of information
Go to Complex Needs Panel	Social WorkerClinical PsychologistEducational Psychologist	Child's Plan	Next available Panel date
Arrange visits to placements	Social WorkerFostering and Adoption Social WorkerClinical PsychologistEducational PsychologistAdmin	Computer	Immediately
Visit placements	Social WorkerFostering and Adoption Social WorkerClinical PsychologistEducational Psychologist	Computer	As soon as possible
Multi-Agency Planning Meeting to consider most appropriate provision	Team ManagerSenior Practitioner	Computer	Within one week of visits
Case presented to Complex Needs Panel	Social WorkerClinical PsychologistEducational Psychologist	Child's Plan	Next available panel date
Introductions commence	Social WorkerFostering and Adoption Social Worker	Computer	Immediately

Out of jurisdiction foster placement finding

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