Soc procedure

[Foster29]

ive been a foster carer for 2 years with a placement 21 months.
has anyone had a standard of care against them ? I understand if no one wants to share but I’m really really upset and need some advise - I unwittingly made a error of judgement 8 months ago that did not result in any harm to my fc and I have had excellent feedback up to now - the incident was sent to laddo who deemed it not bad enough to in investigate and said to be dealt with in house
i do not believe that this is a standard of care issue because I didn’t give low standard of care - I’m petrified I will be de registered in not sleeping eating etc.
can anyone inbox me privately if they can offer any advice
thank you In advance

Hiya.

Ive not gone through it as I’m a social worker, not a carer.

but I’d advice you request a copy of the policy and procedure as this should explain exactly what should happen and why.

do you have membership to Foster Talk? If so you could approach them for independent support which can really help.

a standard of care enquiry can be a really helpful process which if done properly, can also highlight learning for the agency as well as you. It needn’t be a completely negative experience. Are they asking an independent person to carry it out?

I think the most important thing is that you’re open about what happened, not too defensive, and show willingness to reflect and learn from your error of judgment.

also remember that a standard of care issue doesn’t mean that your general care isn’t good, or even excellent. It also covers individual instances where things haven’t been managed appropriately. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they think that ALL your care is below standard.

anyway, that’s quite general advice as obviously I don’t know what happened.

Firstly this is why every foster carer needs to be a member of the specialist foster carer union the NUPFC (go to nupfc.com). The support offered by foster talk and fostering network is inferior. A trade union carries much more weight and the inroads they are making in defending their members and improving processes etc is huge. A matter of fact not opinion.

Secondly the standard of care investigation is a completely normal part of the process follwing a case being dismissed by the LADO. I am in completely the same situation and I was concerned too but the NUPFC were able to provide me with enormous reassurance and quoted the process to me thus removing all the worries that you have been going through.

Thirdly my advice would be to treat any engagement with the investigation process cautiously. One misplaced word could lead to problems. Words that you might use in general terms can have specific loaded meanings in care settings. Answer questions truthfully (obviously) but don't say more than what is necessary. Yes be open minded to learn from errors in judgement and be enthusiastic to go on whatever course you are sent on !

Finally if there was anything big to worry about your fc would have been removed long ago !

The whole allegation/LADO process is appalling and completely not fit for purpose and if a foster carer hasnt been forced into the process at some point then quite frankly they are just lucky.

Relax, hold you head up high and have faith that your agency/LA clearly think your standards of care are good or you wouldnt have a placement.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply and for the kind words I will look at joining one of the places you both suggested I have never heard of them - it’s just obv Wit the worrry of it all I’ve panicking they are going to deregister me - I’ve been told if it’s investigation it automatically has to go back to panel -
the error of judgement was to do with my work place and I have left my job now and offered to do any courses they want me to ans also not to work again when I have a placement - current fc due to return home anyway as planned. I don’t know what more I cam do - we have a meeting booked next week to discuss further