Using this Handbook
1. About this Manual
This Handbook reflects all key policies and procedures spread across various sections e.g. About Us, Being a Foster Carer.
If you are unable to find information you require, consult your Supervising Social Worker.
2. Amendments
This manual will be updated on a regular basis. You will also find the detail of the next planned manual update in this section.
The Handbook will next be updated in March 2023.
If you would like to suggest a change to the procedures manual discuss your suggestion with your line manager in the first instance.3. Local Resources
This manual contains a local resource section which can be accessed via the navigation bar. This library is populated and maintained locally. If there is a resource that you think should be added talk in the first instance to your manager.
4. Glossary and National Contacts
The manual is accessed by readers who may find terms that they are not familiar with. Therefore, a glossary of definitions is available under the resource tab.
There is also a National Contacts resource populated with details of key national agencies and organisations likely to be relevant to procedures user.
Terminology
We have used the following terms and post titles:
Supervising Social Worker |
This means the allocated, suitably qualified social worker who is responsible for supervising and supporting you. |
Child's Social Worker |
This means the allocated social worker from the Placing Authority who is responsible for managing the child's case. |
Placing Authority |
This means the local authority with overall responsibility for the child's care. |
Fostering Service |
This means the service provided by the fostering service. |
Fostering Service Manager |
This means the registered manager of the service provided by the fostering service. |
Placement Plan |
This is the documentation drawn up by the child's social worker before the placement wherever possible (or where this is not possible, within 5 working days of the placement) which sets out in detail the arrangements for the child's care in the foster placement. |
5. Regulatory Compliance
Every effort has been taken to ensure regulatory compliance. If you discover any errors or omissions, please alert your manager.
6. Copyright
The content of this website can be accessed, printed and downloaded in an unaltered form, on a temporary basis, for personal study or reference purposes. Content printed or downloaded may not be sold, licensed, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or in or on any media to any person without the prior written consent of tri.x and Brent Fostering.
7. Accessibility
This website aims to achieve Double-A conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in accordance with government guidelines. In order to change font size or manual colour use the highlighted 'Accessibility' button at the top right hand corner of any page.
8. Printing and Retaining Copies
The Manual is intended to be viewed on line to ensure only the most up-to-date version of procedures are being used. It will be updated regularly so, in the unlikely event there is a requirement for hard copies they should be destroyed after 72 hours.
9. Browser Recommendations
It is recommended that this manual is viewed with the latest browsers, with Java Script and cookies enabled for maximum compatibility and functionality.
Recommended browsers are:
- Internet Explorer 11 (Windows 7, 8 and 8.1);
- Microsoft Edge (Windows 10);
- Google Chrome;
- Mozilla Firefox;
- Apple Safari.
10. Mobile/Tablet Compatibility
This manual has been tested on a variety of mobile devices to ensure that it displays correctly. If you are using an older mobile device it is possible that the manual will not display correctly.
If you would like the text to be larger, resize the text under the accessibility options, alternatively if you would also like the buttons and the rest of the layout to be enlarged you can use the zoom function within your browser.
The majority of devices have the functionality to allow a shortcut to be downloaded to the homescreen by loading the site using the 'url' and using the upload function and tapping 'Add to Home Screen'. The functionality may vary between devices, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions.