Southwark fostering service statement of purpose 2024 to 25

The fostering service recognises that any allegation or complaint made by a child, or any other person, in respect of a foster carer must be taken seriously and investigated, although sometimes it does happen that false or mistaken allegations and complaints are made. 

The fostering service works closely with the children’s services quality assurance unit to ensure that a transparent and robust approach is maintained in regard to the prompt but thorough investigation of all complaints and allegations regarding foster carers. 

The fostering team managers are responsible for managing allegations, liaising with the local authority designated officer (LADO) and making sure that the person against whom an allegation has been made is kept informed of the progress of the investigation, and receives independent support during the investigation. 

At the end of the investigation a comprehensive summary of the allegation, investigation and outcome will be produced and a copy provided to the subject of the allegation. The foster carer’s suitability to continue to foster will then be reviewed. 

Any serious, substantiated allegation will always be notified to the fostering panel which will then make recommendations to the agency decision maker regarding continuation or variation of approval. A summary of any allegation and its resolution will be kept on the foster carer’s records, but unsubstantiated, unfounded or malicious allegations will not be included in references.

Ofsted 

Ofsted is the registration authority for Southwark’s fostering service. Any query relating to the registration of this service should be communicated to Ofsted: 

Compliance, Investigation and Enforcement, Ofsted
Freshford House
Redcliffe Way
Bristol
BS1 6NL

Call 08456 404 040