Using this Handbook
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 the information you require, consult your Supervising Social Worker.
Some people foster children they don’t know, others foster children that are part of their family or connected to them in another way. This handbook is applicable to all of our foster carers.
This handbook will be updated on a regular basis, usually annually unless there are significant changes that require more timely updates.
If you would like to suggest a change to the handbook discuss your suggestion with your line manager in the first instance.
This Handbook 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.
The handbook 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.
We have used the following terms and post titles:
| Supervising Social Worker | This means the allocated, social worker who is responsible for supervising and supporting you. |
| Child's Social Worker | This means the allocated social worker for East Sussex County Council who is responsible for managing the child's case. |
| Fostering Service | This means the service provided by East Sussex 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 child is placed 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 while staying with you. |
Every effort has been taken to ensure regulatory compliance. If you discover any errors or omissions, please alert your manager.
These procedures use the word ‘must’ where the provision is a legal requirement. The word ‘should’ is used where the provision should be complied with but is not a legal requirement, such as where it is taken from non-statutory government guidance or accepted good practice.
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Last Updated: September 30, 2024
v12
