The local authority was subject to a short notice inspection by staff from the Care Inspectorate in April this year, which covered both the fostering and adoption areas of service delivery.
The Fostering and Adoption Service received gradings of 5 (Very Good) in both categories in which it was assessed, which included quality of care and support, and the quality of staffing. These grades indicate a continued improvement in the Fostering and Adoption Service over recent years.
Inspectors noted that the service is delivered by a highly skilled and effective staff team based in Stirling. It was also noted that the service recruits and supports carer families to provide a range of high quality fostering placements.
The Care Inspectorate report stated, “We found a highly motivated and well trained staff team who were confident about being able to provide the necessary practical and emotional support to foster carers, children and young people. Staff were all knowledgeable and experienced in all areas of fostering.”
Convenor of the Social Care and Health Committee, Councillor Scott Farmer, said, “This is an excellent report that reflects tremendously well on our staff, who deserve the highest praise for maintaining such high standards. The inspectors themselves indicated that the staff team were highly motivated, well trained and immersed in good practice.
“We must now resolve to maintain this high standard of care, while also looking to develop the Fostering and Adoption Service so that we can continue to help children and young people in the future.”