Sharing foster carer information
This online seminar will consider the challenges of sharing foster carer information across organisations
The information provided to local authorities about independent fostering agency (IFA) foster carers needs to be sufficient and detailed enough to enable an effective matching exercise to take place. It has long been common practice for IFAs to share a carer’s fostering assessment report. Over time, it has become increasingly recognised that this is not an appropriate document to use for the purpose of matching. Personal, sensitive information should be managed and shared both appropriately and lawfully.
On the one hand, local authorities need to know and understand enough about how a particular foster carer can meet a child's needs. Many fostering agencies have developed and offer foster carer profiles to offer a summary description of skills and experience.
Whilst, on the other hand, all of those working in fostering have to be compliant with the GDPR and inform procurement accountability. Can this all be achieved without creating additional, costly bureaucracy?
This online seminar will consider the NAFP guidance that was developed following joint workshops with local authorities and IFAs held in the spring of 2022. The workshops considered the challenges of sharing foster carer information across organisations. This is an opportunity to look collectively at this guidance and to give delegates the opportunity to share thoughts and experiences about its implementation to date.
Programme
Background to NAFP guidance, principles to consider in practice
Local authority information sharing agreements in commissioning, the challenges
How do foster carers feel about their information being shared? What seems reasonable and proportionate?
Breakout groups: sharing experiences, finding solutions
The GDPR implications of sharing foster carer information
Creating and using carer profiles, persuading local authorities to accept them