Action For Children services in Inverness praised by inspectors
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Services designed to help people in foster care have been praised by inspectors.
Inverness-based Action For Children Gael Og is a not-for-profit agency which is part of a broader service in Glasgow.
To ensure stability, security and consistency of support as youngsters in foster care transition into adulthood, its fostering service and adult placement continuing care service work together. It means young people can remain in their fostering family home after reaching 18 years old.
The services have the same staff and caregivers and the Care Inspectorate visited them simultaneously.
Both services were graded very good for how well they supports people's wellbeing as well as planned care and support.
Inspectors stated: "Caregivers were highly skilled at developing meaningful, trusting relationships, enabling young people to feel safe.
"Children and young people were aware of their human rights and involved in decision making and problem solving.
"Staff and caregivers were consistently child centred in their approach, and knowledgeable of the needs, wishes and preferences of the young people they looked after.
"Children and young people were learning new skills in education, community settings and employment. Young people participated in a wide range of local and agency activities and events, providing them with a positive network of responsible people.
"Caregivers were skilled in undertaking therapeutic life story work, helping young people to make sense of their history.
"Quality training provided to staff and applied in practice ensured young people experienced high-quality care and support."
Of the fostering service, they added: "Children and young people were claimed by their caregivers, with the offer of life-long relationships. They were valued family members, within an extended family network, and there was a real sense of being a family within a family which extended to the family of caregivers, family within the local agency and feeling part of a national organisation.
"Children were consulted and included in all family events, celebrations and holidays. Although short breaks were available, many children, young people and caregivers scheduled their interests and routines around having their own time and space, without inconveniencing anyone in the caregiver household.
"When children were not placed with their brothers and sisters, where appropriate, staff and caregivers supported them to meet, remain in touch, and have meaningful relationships. Where possible caregivers developed positive relationships with birth parents and facilitated family time arrangements, enabling the child to easily navigate time between their family networks. One young person benefited from the relationship between their caregiver and their father and grandparent, who were overnight guests at the young person's home a few times a year."
It went on: "Staff and caregivers knew the needs, strengths and vulnerabilities of the children they looked after, and they were protected through effective partnerships with key professionals. The limited availability of Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS) was recognised; however, caregivers were skilled at recognising changes in emotions and behaviours of the children and young people they looked after.
"Sensitive and patient approaches by caregivers supported young people to understand physical symptoms and underlying emotions, whilst developing strategies to minimise the impact of being overwhelmed by strong emotions. This reduced the frequency of high anxiety and improved outcomes."
