Abstract
Indigo Fostering operates a comprehensive 7-part proactive care framework (PCF) which addresses how our collective policies form a robust and multi-faceted approach to compliance, addressing different and complementary aspects of standards and regulations, ensuring that Indigo Fostering operates not only in accordance with legal requirements but also materially upholds and exceeds the mandated quality and effectiveness of care.
Each part comprises our agency's policies which are designed using actionable frameworks that lead to measurable outcomes, forming a dynamic and integrated system which ensures our policies are lived practices rather than static documents. The PCF supports a comprehensive, compliant, effective, and adaptable approach to the provision of care for young people.
The PCF Compliance section illustrates where our policies align with the Fostering Regulations (2011), National Minimum Standards (NMS), and Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF) via the CQC Key Lines of Enquiry.
Actionable Care
Our collective policies form a robust and multi-faceted approach to compliance, addressing different and complementary aspects of standards and regulations.This ensures that Indigo Fostering operates not only in accordance with legal requirements but also upholds the quality and effectiveness of care that Ofsted, the NMS, and the SCCIF mandate. Additionally, our policies are designed using actionable frameworks which lead to measurable outcomes:
Detailed Policy Procedures: Our procedures provide staff and foster carers with step-by-step guidance on implementing policies, reducing ambiguity, and ensuring consistency across the agency.
Specific Examples of Compliance: By showcasing real-world applications of our experience applying our policies over time, we can illustrate adherence to standards and regulations, providing a clear model for staff and carers to follow.
Feedback Loops: Mechanisms for feedback allow us to listen to those affected by our policies and make adjustments based on their experiences, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness.
Audit and Review Schedules: Regular audits and reviews ensure that our policies remain relevant and effective over time, adapting to changes in regulatory requirements and the needs of children and foster carers.
Training Programs: Training ensures that all personnel are aware of our policies and understand their roles within them, promoting a well-informed and competent workforce.
Risk Management: Our risk management approach helps identify potential areas of non-compliance or policy weakness, allowing us to proactively address issues before they become problems.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engagement with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, ensures that our policies are aligned with current standards and expectations, reinforcing accountability and transparency.
Quality Assurance Measures: Quality assurance processes measure the effectiveness of our policies and the quality of care, ensuring that we not only meet but aims to exceed regulatory standards.
These focuses collectively form a dynamic and integrated system which ensures our policies are lived practices rather than static documents, thus supporting a comprehensive, effective, and adaptable approach to compliance and quality assurance.
Indigo Policy Suite
1. Values, Principles & Community Engagement
1.1 Core Values & Ethical Standards
1.2 Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
1.3 Public Resources
1.4 Social Integration & Responsibility
1.5 Contact & Family Reunification
2. Leadership, Management & Organisational Development
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity
2.2 Oversight Meetings, Monitoring & Review
2.3 Notifications of Significant Events
2.4 Managing Allegations Against Staff & Foster Carers
2.5 Complaints & Whistleblowing
2.6 Continuous Improvement & Development
2.7 Feedback & Improvement Mechanism
3. Foster Carer Recruitment, Training & Support
3.1 Fostering Panel & Agency Decision Maker
3.2 Placement Matching & Preparation
3.3 Suitability Assessment & Onboarding of Foster Carers
3.4 Supervision & Support of Foster Carers
3.5 Training & Development of Foster Carers
3.6 Review & Termination of Foster Carers
4. Child and Youth Development & Wellbeing
4.1 Children’s Views, Wishes, Feelings & Overall Experiences
4.2 Health & Wellbeing
4.3 Promoting Educational Attainment
4.4 Promoting Positive Identity
4.5 Countering Bullying & Discrimination
4.6 Digital Safety & Online Protection
4.7 Mental Health Support
4.8 Transition to Independence
5. Safeguarding, Safety & Welfare
5.1 Safeguarding
5.2 Safer Caring
5.3 Placement Allegations & Suspicions of Harm
5.4 Behaviour Management
5.5 Missing from Care
5.6 Incidents
5.7 Health & Safety in the Foster Home
5.8 Risk Assessment and Planning
6. Staff Operations
6.1 Staffing and Safe Recruitment
6.2 Staff Qualifications, Training & Development
6.3 Staff Supervision & Support
7. Administrative Compliance & Information Management
7.1 Access to Records
7.2 Data Protection & Privacy
7.3 Recording Policy & Guidelines
7.4 Information Sharing & Confidentiality
PCF Compliance
This part of the PCF highlights our policies in alignment with the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, National Minimum Standards, and Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF) via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Key Lines of Enquiry as applicable to independent fostering agencies in the UK. All Indigo Fostering policies are referenced across the regulations and standards addressing how our agency meets all statutory requirements.
Alignment with Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011
Regulation |
Description |
Policy Alignment |
| Part 2: Statement of Purpose and Children’s Guide |
Requirement for a clear statement of purpose and a children's guide. |
1.3 Public Resources ensures we meet the requirements of providing clear, informative documents about our services and guidelines for children. |
| Part 3: Management and Control |
Requirements about the management and control of fostering services. |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity and 2.2 Monitoring & Review ensures proper management and oversight of the fostering service. |
| Part 4: Conduct of Fostering Services |
Requirements for the overall conduct of fostering services. |
1.1 Core Values & Ethical Standards, 1.2 Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity, and 2.2 Oversight, Monitoring & Review support conduct requirements, ensuring the service operates with integrity and respect for diversity. |
| Part 5: Approval, Reviews, and Changes in Circumstances of Foster Parents |
Guidelines for the approval process of foster parents, reviews, and changes in their circumstances. |
3.1 Suitability, Assessment & Onboarding of Foster Carers and 2.6 Review & Termination of Foster Carers align with these standards, outlining the process for approval and ongoing review. |
| Part 6: Placement of Children with Foster Parents |
Regulations governing the placement of children with foster parents. |
3.2 Placement Matching & Preparation and 5.1 Safeguarding ensure compliance with the placement regulations, focusing on the suitability and welfare of children in placements. |
| Part 7: Short-Term and Emergency Placements |
Provisions specific to short-term and emergency placements. |
1.1 Public Resources covers policies and procedures for short-term and emergency placements, ensuring they are managed appropriately. |
| Schedule 1: Matters to be Covered by the Statement of Purpose |
Details what must be included in the statement of purpose. |
1.1 Public Resources directly fulfils the requirements of this schedule by outlining the aims and objectives of the fostering service. |
| Schedule 2: Matters to be Included in the Children’s Guide |
Specifies content requirements for the children’s guide. |
1.1 Public Resources meets the criteria of this schedule, providing essential information to foster children in an accessible format. |
| Schedule 3: Suitability of Foster Parents |
Criteria for assessing the suitability of foster parents. |
3.3 Suitability, Assessment & Onboarding of Foster Carers includes criteria for assessing the suitability of foster parents, aligning with this schedule. |
| Schedule 4: Reviews of Foster Parents |
Outlines the process and criteria for reviews of foster parents. |
3.6 Review & Termination of Foster Carers ensures regular reviews of foster parents, in line with the schedule's requirements. |
| Schedule 5: Placement of Children with Foster Parents |
Details the considerations and process for placing children with foster parents. |
3.2 Placement Matching covers the considerations for placing children with foster parents, aligning with this schedule. |
| Schedule 6: Children’s Wishes and Feelings |
Focuses on considering the wishes and feelings of children in foster care. |
4.1 Children’s Views, Wishes, Feelings & Overall Experiences ensures the agency takes into account the wishes and feelings of children, as required by this schedule. |
| Schedule 7: Short-Term and Emergency Placements |
Specific requirements for short-term and emergency placements. |
1.1 Public Resources covers short-term and emergency placements to ensure compliance with this schedule. |
Alignment with Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards
NMS Standard |
Agency Alignment |
| 1. The Child’s Wishes and Feelings |
4.1 Children's Views, Wishes, Feelings & Overall Experiences ensures children's views and feelings are considered in all aspects of their care. |
| 2. Promoting a Positive Identity, Potential, and Valuing Diversity Through Individualised Care |
1.3 Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity and 4.4 Promoting Positive Identity supports children in developing a positive self-view and resilience. |
| 3. Promoting Positive Behaviour and Relationships |
4.4 Promoting Positive Identity, 5.4 Behaviour Management and 4.5 Countering Bullying & Discrimination guides fostering positive behaviour and relationships. |
| 4. Safeguarding Children |
5.1 Safeguarding and 5.2 Safer Caring ensure children feel safe and are protected from harm. |
| 5. Children Missing from Care |
5.5 Missing from Care addresses the risks and responses for children missing from care. |
| 6. Promoting Good Health and Wellbeing |
4.2 Health & Wellbeing and 4.7 Mental Health Support promotes physical, emotional, and psychological health. |
| 7. Leisure Activities |
1.4 Social Integration & Responsibility and 4.6 Digital Safety & Online Protection encourages children to engage in leisure activities and contribute positively. |
| 8. Promoting Educational Attainment |
4.3 Promoting Educational Attainment ensures children are supported to achieve their educational potential. |
| 9. Promoting and Supporting Contact |
1.5 Contact & Family Reunification ensures children have constructive contact with significant people in their lives. |
| 10. Providing a Suitable Physical Environment for the Foster Child |
5.7 Health & Safety in the Foster Home ensures children live in foster homes that provide adequate space and a suitable standard. |
| 11. Preparation for a Placement |
3.1 Fostering Panel & Agency Decision Maker and 3.2 Placement Matching & Preparation ensures children are welcomed and leave foster homes in a planned and sensitive manner. |
| 12. Promoting Independence and Moves to Adulthood and Leaving Care |
4.8 Transition to Independence supports children in preparing for and transitioning to adulthood. |
| 13. Recruiting and Assessing Foster Carers: |
3.3 Suitability, Assessment, & Onboarding of Foster Carers ensures a range of foster carers are recruited and assessed to meet the needs of children. |
| 14. Fostering Panels and the Fostering Service’s Decision-Maker |
3.1 Fostering Panel & Agency Decision Maker guides the fostering panel's operations and decision-making. |
| 15. Matching the Child with a Placement that Meets Their Assessed Needs |
3.2 Placement Matching & Preparation ensures children are matched with placements that meet their needs. |
| 16. Statement of Purpose and Children’s Guide |
1.1 Public Resources provides the Indigo Fostering Statement of Purpose and Children’s Guide. |
| 17. Fitness to Provide or Manage the Administration of a Fostering Service |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity ensures the service is provided and managed by suitable individuals. |
| 18. Financial Viability and Changes Affecting Business Continuity |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuityy maintains financial viability and plans for any major changes. |
| 19. Suitability to Work with Children |
6.1 Staffing & Safe Recruitment ensures only suitable individuals work with children. |
| 20. Learning and Development of Foster Carers |
3.5 Training & Development of Foster Carers ensures carers receive appropriate training. |
| 21. Supervision and Support of Foster Carers |
3.4 Supervision & Support of Foster Carers ensures foster carers are properly supported and supervised. |
| 22. Handling Allegations and Suspicions of Harm |
5.3 Placement Allegations & Suspicions of Harm aligns with this standard. |
| 23. Learning Development and Qualifications of Staff |
6.2 Staff Qualifications, Training & Development ensures staff are well-trained and qualified as per their staff development policies. |
| 24. Staff Support and Supervision |
6.3 Staff Supervision & Support ensures staff receive necessary support. |
| 25. Managing Effectively and Efficiently and Monitoring the Service |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity ensures management practices align with this standard./td>
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| 26. Records |
7.1 Access to Records, 7.3 Recording Policy & Guidelines and 7.4 Information Sharing & Confidentiality ensures proper record keeping. |
| 27. Fitness of Premises for Use as Fostering Service |
Indigo Fostering ensures its premises and systems meet these requirements. |
| 28. Payment to Carers |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity ensures foster carers receive fair and timely payments. |
| 29. Notification of Significant Events |
2.3 Notifications of Significant Events ensures notifying authorities of significant events as required. |
| 30. Family and Friends as Foster Carers |
3.4 Supervision and Support of Foster Carers considers the needs of family and friends foster carers. |
| 31. Placement Plan and Review |
3.4 Supervision and Support of Foster Carers supports foster carers in following and contributing to placement plans. |
Alignment with SCCIF via CQC Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) for Social Care Services
Standard |
Agency Alignment |
SAFE
S1: How do systems, processes, and practices keep people safe and safeguarded from abuse? |
5.1 Safeguarding ensures the safety and protection of children. This policy includes protocols for identifying, reporting, and managing abuse cases. Additionally, 5.3 Placement Allegations & Suspicions of Harm outlines the steps to take when abuse is suspected, ensuring a swift and appropriate response. |
| S2: How are risks to individuals and staff identified and managed? |
5.8 Risk Assessment & Planning includes methods for identifying potential risks to both children and staff, with clear strategies for mitigating these risks. This policy ensures that risk management is an integral part of daily operations, from the placement of children to the support and activities provided. |
| S3: How does the service make sure that staff have the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver safe care and treatment? |
6.2 Staff Qualifications, Training & Development ensures staff members are appropriately qualified and receive ongoing training. Such training covers safeguarding, risk management, and specific care needs of children. Furthermore, 2.7 Continuous Improvement & Development commits to ongoing staff development, ensuring that all team members are up-to-date with the latest practices and standards in child care and protection. |
| S4: How does the service ensure the proper and safe use of medicines, where the service is responsible? |
Relevant health and medication management is encompassed within 4.2 Health & Wellbeing to the extent of our duties in line with best practices and regulatory standards. |
| S5: How well are people protected by the prevention and control of infection? |
5.7 Health & Safety in the Foster Home covers infection control measures in adherence to health and safety standards. This policy provides guidelines on maintaining hygiene standards in foster homes and procedures for managing infectious illnesses, ensuring a healthy environment for children and staff. |
| S6: Are lessons learned and improvements made when things go wrong? |
2.7 Continuous Improvement & Development and 5.6 Incidents includes mechanisms for learning from incidents and feedback. This involves reviewing and updating policies and practices in response to incidents, ensuring that the service adapts and improves continually for better safety outcomes. |
EFFECTIVE
E1: Are people's needs and choices assessed and care, treatment, and support delivered in line with current legislation, standards, and evidence-based guidance to achieve effective outcomes?
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3.2 Placement Matching & Preparation and 5.8 Risk Assessment & Planning ensures assessment, care, and support align with legislative and standard requirements. This includes assessing physical, mental, emotional, and social needs, as well as cultural and religious preferences, to deliver effective, personalised care.
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| E2: How does the service make sure that staff have the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver effective care and support? |
6.2 Staff Qualifications, Training and Development ensures staff are properly trained and their skills are continuously updated. This includes keeping abreast of best practices and ensuring that staff have the necessary qualifications and experience to meet the assessed needs of young people in their care. |
| E3: How are people supported to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet? |
4.2 Health & Wellbeing addresses the nutritional needs of children and young adults, ensuring access to a balanced diet. This policy includes considerations for cultural and religious dietary preferences, as well as support for developing healthy eating habits. |
| E4: How well do staff teams and services within and across organizations work together to deliver effective care, support, and treatment? |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity sets out the agency’s approach to working with external organisations and internal teams. 4.1 Children’s Views, Wishes, Feelings & Overall Experiences, and 4.7 Mental Health Support ensures that transitions, educational needs, and mental health support are managed through effective collaboration, promoting seamless and coordinated care. |
| E5: How are people supported to live healthier lives, have access to healthcare services, and receive ongoing healthcare support? |
4.2 Health & Wellbeing ensures that children and young adults have access to necessary healthcare services. This policy guides staff in making timely referrals to healthcare services and in supporting individuals to understand and manage their healthcare needs effectively. |
| E6: How are people's individual needs met by the adaptation, design, and decoration of premises? |
5.2 Safer Caring and 5.7 Health and Safety in the Foster Home ensure that living environments are adapted to meet the individual needs of children and young adults, considering their comfort, safety, and personal preferences. |
| E7: Is consent to care and treatment always sought in line with legislation and guidance? |
7.4 Information Sharing & Confidentiality includes procedures for obtaining, recording, and managing consent, ensuring compliance with legal standards such as GDPR. Furthermore, 5.1 Safeguarding and 5.2 Safer Caring ensures that actions taken in the care and protection of children are with proper consent, aligning with safeguarding legislation and ethical guidelines. 4.2 Health & Wellbeing also addresses the process of consent for health-related decisions, thereby respecting the children's legal rights and personal preferences. |
CARING
C1: How does the service ensure that people are treated with kindness, respect and compassion, and that they are given emotional support when needed?
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6.2 Staff Qualifications, Training & Development, 3.5 Training & Development of Foster Carers, 1.2 Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity emphasise diversity and disability training, and 3.4 Suitability, Assessment & Onboarding of Foster Carers ensures caregivers are selected based on their ability to provide compassionate care. |
| C2: How does the service support people to express their views and be actively involved in making decisions about their care, support, and treatment as far as possible?
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2.9 Feedback & Improvement Mechanism and 4.1 Children’s Views, Wishes, Feelings & Overall Experiences actively involves children in feedback processes, ensuring their voices are heard in care decisions and that they are empowered to express their views and preferences regarding their care plans. |
| C3: How are people's privacy, dignity and independence respected and promoted? |
5.2 Safer Caring and 7.2 Data Protection & Privacy cover the aspects of privacy and dignity by setting clear guidelines for confidentiality and respectful care. The emphasis on safer caring that supports young people’s aspirations and independence while ensuring data protection affirms the agency’s compliance with promoting privacy, dignity, and independence. |
RESPONSIVE
R1: How do people receive personalised care that is responsive to their needs?
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3.2 Placement Matching & Preparation, 5.8 Risk Assessment & Planning, 4.2 Health & Wellbeing and 4.1 Children’s Views, Wishes, Feelings & Overall Experiences guide the process of tailoring care plans to the individual needs of young people, ensuring these plans are reviewed and adjusted as needed. Activities and interests are considered through 5.2 Safer Caring facilitating community engagement and personal development. |
| R2: How are people’s concerns and complaints listened to and responded to and used to improve the quality of care? |
2.5 Complaints & Whistleblowing, 2.4 Managing Allegations Against Staff & Foster Carers and 5.2 Placement Allegations & Suspicions of Harm suggest a robust mechanism for handling and learning from complaints. This includes transparent processing of complaints, regular updates to complainants, and ensuring that any lessons learned are integrated into service improvements. Additionally, 2.9 Feedback & Improvement Mechanism and 2.7 Continuous Improvement & Development directly addresses concerns to enhance care quality. |
| R3: How are people supported at the end of their life to have a comfortable, dignified and pain-free death? |
This area is not directly applicable to Indigo Fostering as we do not provide end-of-life care due to the nature of our services focusing on fostering for children and young adults. |
WELL-LED
W1: Is there a clear vision and credible strategy to deliver high-quality care and support and promote a positive culture that is person-centered, open, inclusive, and empowering, which achieves good outcomes for people? |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity and 2.7 Continuous Improvement & Development supports a clear vision and credible strategy for promoting a positive culture through diversity and inclusivity training, ensuring a well-led organization that values feedback and engages with stakeholders to maintain a high standard of care. |
| W2: Does the governance framework ensure that responsibilities are clear and that quality performance, risks, and regulatory requirements are understood and managed? |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity outlines clear responsibilities, supported by 2.7 Continuous Improvement & Development and 5.8 Risk Assessment & Planning which addresses quality performance and risk management. 7.2 Data Protection & Privacy and 7.4 Information Sharing & Confidentiality suggests a robust approach to confidentiality and integrity, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. |
| W3: How are the people who use the service, the public, and staff engaged and involved? |
2.9 Feedback & Improvement Mechanism encourages feedback from young people and foster carers, and the use of Children's Panels for reviews. 2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity highlights our commitment to open communication and stakeholder involvement, fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute to service development. |
| W4: How does the service continuously learn, improve, innovate, and ensure sustainability? |
2.7 Continuous Improvement & Development embeds a culture of ongoing learning and improvement, and fosters an environment of innovation. 2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity ensures clarity of roles, fostering accountability and sustainability. Our commitment to learning from our experiences and openness to staff feedback on new working methods further supports this compliance. |
| W5: How does the service work in partnership with other agencies? |
2.1 Leadership, Management & Business Continuity guides our partnerships with other agencies. This policy outlines a commitment to transparent, honest, and open collaboration, which is crucial for joined-up care and service development. By engaging with local authorities, safeguarding teams, and clinical commissioning groups, we ensure that care is coordinated and that we actively participate in the wider care community. |
