Hi
I'm new to the forum and this query may have been posted. The team is attempting to implement the workbooks with carers but this is proving an uphill battle. Does anyone have any examples of how they are doing this within their respective teams and are willing to share practice?
Thanks
We put on some training courses for carers, then gave them the workbooks and folders to put the evidence in. Those carers who are also doing NVQs in foster care are finding it easier as there is much correlation, and the evidence can be used for both. However some foster carers are not too keen and it is a lot of extra work for them and for us too. Also we are not clear on exactly what is required so we are dancing in the dark a bit. I will be reading what others say about this with interest...
Thanks for that. We have developed a training brief that is linked to the new standards and are trying to roll this out to all new and existing carers (even if it is a refresher course). We've also ordered portfolio binders to put evidence in and an actvivity log for each standard. Yes, those who have done NVQ's are finding it easier as you say. I went to a special interest group for our region looking at how other LA's are doing the books. Funnily enough, a CWDC rep was there so I think we a re less in the dark than before. Some carers are actively against this new way of working, mainly kinship carers. The CWDC rep said that we should attempt to engage them but in the event of them outright refusing, we just had to show that we'd made every effort for them to do it!!!
I'm working with an independent fostering agency as an assessor for their CWDC workbooks. Their training provider has begun a programme of courses targetted at covering each of the standards to ensure the basic knowledge is there. However she does feel that it's rather like 'teaching grandmothers to such eggs' as they say, particularly with the older experienced carers. This training includes worksheets which if completed have cross references to the standards they relate to (which makes it easier for me).
Carers are being encouraged to keep their workbooks and evidence in a binder but these have not been provided. Incidently being organised is in the standards so how they keep their workbooks and evidence is also evidence!!
I use a single page progress matrix which I ask carers to keep with their books as a quick guide to which standards have been met (subdivided into 1.1, 1.2 etc), and includes space to put when they were first approved and whether or not they have the NVQ (and anything else that might be relevant).
I have also written an information sheet which puts the CWDC standards in context with the other fostering competencies and standards (ie competency framework done during Form F assessment / followed by CWDC / followed by NVQ3 / followed by further options such as play therapy, social work, counselling, etc type training) which are being given to carers to keep with their workbooks. It's useful as a discussion point with some of the more reluctant carers to see how things fit in context (and is part of the 'professionalisation agenda').
As you say though the existing carers who have done the NVQ don't see much point in doing the workbook. Particulary since the unfortunate CWDC rep who came to talk to them before the books were introduced emphasised how simple the evidence needed to be and how easy it was and how much it was a lower 'qualification' than the NVQ which just made them worse!!!! From what she was saying she made it sound like the standad the CWDC are expecting is nearer an NVQ level 1 which didn't go down well at all. Really, really basic, she said, such as a birthday card from a child in placement saying thanks for being a great foster carer was given being evidence of communication skills.
As we don't have any kinship carers we don't have to deal with this, but putting myself in their shoes I really can't imagine many of them seeing the point in doing the workbooks so that will be an uphill struggle. Just a thought though, if they really won't do it with you, you could probably sign off a lot of their workbooks without their involvement - most of the evidence will be in SSW visit notes (and if you are their SSW from your own observations and knowledge of them, just write it in the evidence column), foster carer annual reviews, LAC reviews, etc, and can be taken from their file - and could be done as a 'paper exercise'. Although they may not have taken part in completing the workbook it will show to the CWDC that you have considered whether they meet the standards and will also give you an idea of where there are any gaps. And the 'gaps' can be filled in with 'oral questions' (NVQ term) which you can do during the general discussions during a SSW visit. This is only an idea and I don't know what the CWDC will say about it. If you tell the kinship carers you have done this make sure you don't let them think it's as good as them doing it with you otherwise the message will get round and some of the other carers might be less co-operative!!
On the CWDC website a carer from Cheshire has done a cross reference to the standards from the NVQ but unfortunately this is to the new NVQ and not the old CCYP (which many carers have still done fairly recently). Might be useful if you haven't seen it yet.
After general training on CWDC our trainers have now started focused training sessions on one of the competencies per session at a time for foster carers. We will see how it goes
After general training on CWDC our trainers have now started focused training sessions on one of the competencies per session at a time for foster carers. We will see how it goes.
Also only one workbook is now required to be filled in per household.
fairygodmother: Also only one workbook is now required to be filled in per household.
That's interesting. Will individual members of the household still be able to use the family CWDC workbook towards their NVQ if it's not personal to them?
On the CWDC website faqs, quote:
Q 5. Do both partners have to complete the standards? Updated 29 January 2009 A Yes , they must complete the standards however they may use one workbook.The current national minimum standard 23.4 indicates that "where 2 adults in one household are approved as joint carers, both successfully complete all training".DCSF have now agreed that where a couple are approved as joint carers they may now use one TSD standards workbook to demonstrate their evidence. Each carer`s evidence must be clearly marked and where it is joint this must be made clear. The portfolio could then include joint evidence relating to both carers as well as any specific individual examples. Examples of evidence can include annual review reports and supervision notes. Personal Development Plans must still be created to fit he needs of each foster carer, as well as those of the provider.The Certificate of successful completion would identify that both carers have successfully completed the standards
Well if CWDC are OK with two people sharing a workbook! Bit of a nightmare making sure it's clear who has completed what though! Especially as in many households carers take it in turns to attend training and in other households the 'second' carer often does not attend training at all. Might get a bit confusing.
Hello, we are just in the process of setting up workshops with our foster carers and are enlisting the help of some of the more knowledgeable carers to assist. The idea of seven workshops, one for each standard seems appealing any thoughts??
Hello,
We are doing exactly this, we are holding a rolling programme of seven workshops and so far it is proving to be reaching our foster carers and providing what they need to complete the induction workbooks and port folio.
Like others have already mentioned I do believe we have been left by CWDC to wade through the treacle on our own, and every agency and LA I have spoken to seem to be undertaking this task in different ways.
Having been to a CWDC event yesterday regarding the changes that they are about to implement for training the child care workforce, it would very much seem that this is going to be the case across the board.
Ann
Healey: Hello, we are just in the process of setting up workshops with our foster carers and are enlisting the help of some of the more knowledgeable carers to assist. The idea of seven workshops, one for each standard seems appealing any thoughts??
I think if it's done right it can work but if it is done as 'training' there is a risk that some carers will end up with the sense of 'grandmothers and sucking eggs syndrome'. I've experienced in this format and it got a mixed reaction from the carers, mostly negative. If it's a group 'ticking boxes' exercise then that's not really what the workbooks are about, but it does get the job done!!
Most of the 'evidence' carers need for their workbooks are actually in what their supervising social worker has (hopefully) written as part of their regular home visits and annual reports. Shove a photocopy of these in the back of the workbook, along with copies of any training certificates - don't forget to add any niceties that might be around, such as a thank you card from a yp in placement or a grateful SW or anyone else that seems relevant. Much of this should be on file but carers will have the only copy of some items (like a card from a yp). Depending on how much the social worker is willing and able to do for the carer what then needs to happen is to x-ref these reports with the workbook. If carers are told to bring their copies of these documents and/or are supplied with them on the day then a workshop where they help each other do the x-ref'ing should work fine. However confidentiality might be an issue. Any 'missing' evidence can be filled in by asking the carer a couple of questions about the topic, by whoever is signing off the workbook pages, that person should ideally make some kind of note about the question and answer which can then be added to the rest of the copies of 'evidence' to be kept with the workbook. NVQ units can also be included for carers who have already done this.
It's a bit like an NVQ portfolio, only at around Level 1-2 rather than the Level 3 in Care. Which means it's another administrative exercise. But good practice for doing the NVQ later on (if not already obtained).
For new carers, who have 12 months from approval to get this done, the ideal way is for the SSW to include this in their regular supervision visits, perhaps taking one section at a time.
Another thing that will help is if any annual reviews are written with the standards in mind - perhaps in the same way as the 'five outcomes' have found their way into the headings of lots of reports that are written.
Like many other replies here, we have set up a rolling programme of workshops, for each standard. I would also stress that we waded through the mud like everyone else and it has been a very painful process. We are now in the position of getting all carers through by 2011, having only just worked out what we need to do. We have found that most of the evidence is in our Foster Carers' Handbook (assuming you are satisfied that carers know the relevant content) reviews, carers' annual reviews, supervising workers' case records and training logs (we have worked out which of our courses meets which standards). The onus has been placed upon workers to assemble an induction plan they are happy will enable carers to meet the standard. I have developed the model we have been using & am happy to email it to anyone who wants to see a copy. We pretty much binned the workbooks, and now have the induction plans in a4 folders with the CWDC workbook front page in a sleeve on the front, and the evidence behind the plan. It is probably organised in much the same way that an NVQ portfolio is, and we are mapping NVQ's, rather than asking carers to do both. I am happy to email induction plans & evidence to anyone who would like it, just give me your email address, it might help or it might be confusing!
Please Email me a copy of the Model Induction Plan. My wife & I have been Foster Carers for some years and have been doing things automatically. My Email address is raycf@tiscali.co.uk , Many Thanks, Ray Franklin.
Hello Helen
I would be grateful if you will email me the model you have been using for CWDC, i am new to this site and am presuming my email address will be provided automatically, thank you for your help.
Kind regards
Mary
Hi Mary, your email address is not automatically provided.
to anyone else who would like to look at our plan, I will email, and apologise for the delay. There are also some great guidelines on Derbyshire's website.
Hi Helen
I am just about to embark on this task and looking for any help i can get, so i would like to take you up on your offer of " have developed the model we have been using & am happy to email it to anyone who wants to see a copy"
my email is nichola_bennett@hotmail.com
thanka nichola
Thank you for your reply, my email address: callan642000@yahoo.com thank you again.
Hi Mary,
I am a foster carer in Croydon and I am having sleepless nights worrying about this!
Thanks so much for the offer of help by sharing your plan. I will also look at Derbyshire's website.
My email is susiebaker87@hotmail.com
I'd be very grateful for a copy of said info. My email is - glynnmcdonald@hotmail.com
Thanks in advance
Glynn
Hi Helen,
sounds like you have put a lot of working into trying to sort all this out - I'd very much appreciate an email of the model too please :) My email is katyw1968@hotmail.co.uk
Thank you!
Helen please email detail of what I percieve to be an excellent tool... well done!
s.thornmurr@yahoo.co.uk
Any help with the CWDC would be great.
yours rajo
Hello Helen,
We've been fostering successfully for 9 years & have also brought our family up so we now have grandchildren. Experience doesn't seem to count these days & we find we need to obtain this CWDC standard & possibly the NVQ.
If the workbook had used ordinary everyday English it might have been easier to understand for us older carers.
We'd appreciate it if you could you possibly email me a copy of the model you are using please & hopefully it will show us the way forward filling in this workbook.
Many Thanks in advance,
JoanD (frankiemac50@googlemail.com)
I can't send you anything without your email address!
Sorry for the confusion. The email address I'd like the info sent to is on the post frankiemac50@googlemail.com .
Thank you for taking the trouble to help.
Joan
Ooops apologies
Thanks in advance for your support!
Sorry for not forwarding my email Helen for the CWDC its rajo@blueyonder.co.uk
Hi Helen, I would be really grateful if you could send me a copy. my email address is mandajaneb1@gmail.com
thanks Amanda
I hope I have now sent the CWDC model induction plans to everyone who asked for one, but I have lost track a bit, so resend me your email address if you haven't had it! Apologies.
Good Morning Helen
Thank you for sending me the CWDC model induction plan, i am still very confused and am wondering if there are any examples of work that have been completed? are there any websites or books i can look at or other foster carers who have completed the CWDC and are willing to help me? my email address is callan642000@yahoo.com.
me too!
I will email you an (anonymised) induction plan I completed for a carer in the hope that this helps. All we have done is abandoned the workbooks and worked out what carers need to know/do to meet the standards. The induction plans I have been emailing out are based on the workbooks but they list evidence all carers in Leicestershire have access to. Obviously these then need to be tailored to individual carers using the evidence listed below:
Evidence is available in the form of:
Training Courses carers have already attended.
Contributions carers make to Children’s Reviews of Arrangements (ROA's)
Contributions carers make to PEP's & Statement Reviews.
Case discussions workers have with carers during home visits or supervision visits.
We are then asking carers to complete some reflective writing about their own experience of fostering, as their worker, I can usually think of something significant that the carers have reflected on already and which meets the standard.
You and your team may have different ideas about what evidence you need to meet the Standards, we used the prompts in the workbook to give us some ideas, and then created handouts, found leaflets, or used our handbook.
We all need to remember that these are induction standards, and if carers have been fostering for some time, the evidence will be available to you which proves they meet these standards!
Hi Helen, Please Please Please could you email me the model for CWDC!!. my email is ally_m68@hotmail.com
Many thanks
I would really appreciate a copy too. My email is deborahschmidt100@hotmail.com
Thank you very very much!
Debbie
Any induction plans or information would help with the CWDC
my email is rajo@blueyonder.co.uk
rachael
Please can you e-mail me a copy. I am a new carer and your help will be very much appreciated.
Best wishes,
Angie