Agency decision makers: Their role and responsibilities for fostering and permanency panels

THEME

Decision makers in fostering and adoption agencies have a vital but often under-explored role. Many decision makers describe finding themselves in the role with little or no preparation, and with few arenas locally to share dilemmas or discuss best practice. What is the best process for reaching a sound decision? How can you avoid it simply becoming a ‘rubber-stamping’ exercise? What is your role in relation to the quality assurance of the panel’s activities? How should a decision maker appraise a panel chair? What does a reasonable decision look like? How should it be conveyed?

Statutory guidance and standards for adoption and fostering services have a good deal to say about the agency decision maker role and the decision making process. Based on the very latest guidance and research, this workshop will explore these issues and dilemmas and provide useful templates for self-audit and future decision making.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the day participants will have:

• Developed a good working knowledge of the implications of some of the most significant recent judgements related to agency decision making;
• Reflected upon the process of decision making in the context of the fostering, adoption and permanency legislative framework;
• Considered ways to ensure that the basis of the decision making is sound, and how to ensure decisions are communicated effectively;
• Reflected on quality assurance issues including quality of minutes.

PRESENTER

Laura Payne, Associate Trainer, CoramBAAF.

Laura Payne is a qualified Social Worker and Social Work Manager with over 25 years experience in Family Placement. Laura worked for Nottingham City Council from 1992 until 2012 as a Social Worker, Panel Advisor and latterly as Principal Manager. Between 2012 and 2021 Laura had Management and Senior Mangement roles in two different Voluntary Adoption Agencies in the East Midlands. Laura now works as an independent social worker, trainer, mentor and consultant specialising in adoption and fostering. Laura has a keen interest in the development of evidence-based assessment skills, assessing and supporting sibling placements, and post adoption contact. She has been involved in Adoption Support pre and post placement for many years and has worked extensively with adopted adults.

TIME

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Agency decision makers or those anticipating taking on an agency decision making role.

On open courses we can accommodate a maximum of four delegates from one organisation only. For a larger group booking, please see the information on commissioned training.

For social workers, reflection on this session may contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).

Total of 22 places available.

RECOMMENDED READING

Practice Note 70. The Fostering Decision-Maker (England)

This Practice Note offers guidance for fostering decision-makers in a range of matters to help them achieve high standards in undertaking this role.

Available free as a PDF version for all CoramBAAF members. Click here to find out more about becoming a member.

TIME

Registration 9.45 am
Start 10.00 am*
Close 4.00 pm*

*Times subject to change

FEES

Full or associate CoramBAAF member - £125.00 + £25.00 VAT = £150.00
Individual CoramBAAF member - £105.00 + £21.00 VAT = £126.00
Non-member -  £155.00 + £31.00 VAT = £186.00

*Please contact our events team via email to secure your place. 

CONTACT

Telephone 020 7520 2043
Email training@corambaaf.org.uk

MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT FOR OPEN COURSES

Don't forget to log into your account before checkout to receive your membership discount on your booking. Not a member of CoramBAAF? Read about the benefits of CoramBAAF membership for individuals and organisations.

Need help logging in? If you’re having trouble logging in, please see this page for help.