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Tag: Social Work Tips

Special Guardianship Order Reports: Tips and Hints

21st February 2019 Published by

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Special guardianship assessments are one of the most detailed and extensive assessments to complete within Children’s Social Care Services. An SGO serves to grant parental responsibility to one of more special guardians (usually kinship carers or sometimes foster carers) whilst not severing the bond with birth parents. It was introduced in 2005 as a permanency option and once granted is expected to last until the child/ren reach the age of 18 years.

The amount of information needed to formulate the assessment can be daunting and very time consuming. As such, I have put together some vital information and tips to consider during the assessment process.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Legislation and Guidance” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • The Special Guardianship Regulations 2005
  • The Special Guardianship (Amendment) Regulations 2016
  • Children Act 1989
  • Adoption and Children Act 1989
  • Re B-S judgement
  • Special Guardianship Guidance 2017 (updated from 2005)
  • DfE Impact of the Family Justice Reforms on Front-line Practice Pase Two: Special Guardianship Orders – research report – August 2015
  • DfE The impacts of abuse and neglect on children; and comparison of different placement options – Review – March 2017

Supervision Orders have quite commonly been attached to SGO’s due to remaining doubts about the prospective guardian’s ability to care for the child/ren on a long term basis. However, the government have reported that “it is vitally important for the Local Authority analysis to be robust, supported by strong and independent evaluation” so as to reduce the need for Supervision Order applications.

The report will encompass a detailed assessment and analysis of the child/ren, both birth parents and the applicants. Below is not an exhaustive list, but may help in some aspects to consider:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Family history” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • When interviewing parent’s and prospective special guardians, ensure all family names, dates of birth, places of birth, any deaths and explanations for deaths are gathered and the dynamics of each relationship. This will enable you to consider the support network and any conflict within the family that should be explored further.
  • A short personal history of the parents and special guardians should include occupation, health care difficulties, any risk factor in respect of alcohol use, drug use, criminal activity, mental health or psychological difficulties. In addition, the way in which each special guardian was parented and what have they learned from their own past experiences etc.
  • Analysis of their early life and teenage years to include any involvement with the Local Authority, any welfare or child protection concerns. Include any physical abuse, sexual abuse, how their emotional needs were met and any negligent patterns of parenting.
  • An analysis of the special guardian’s relationships with each birth parent including any risk factors.
  • Consider family conferencing to enable the wider family to provide support for the placement sustainability.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Educational history” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Undertake a chronology of educational placements for each special guardian. This needs to include any qualifications gained, changes in schools and why, experiences of bullying or being bullied, special educational needs, school attendance, attainment and exclusions, their values regarding education.
  • Include any college courses and/or university courses and whether these were completed.
  • Previous, current and future career goals and aspirations and how these can be achieved as a special guardian.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Occupational history” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • A full chronology of the special guardian’s employment to include explanations for leaving employment (whether sacked and reasons why), periods of time out of work and if they were in the forces (if dishonourably discharged) and possible mental health implications from such employment.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Medical history” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Undertake an analysis from the special guardian’s own self reporting in respect of their childhood and adulthood to include any serious illnesses, accidents, injuries or operations (including head trauma).
  • The impact that any medical or health care problem has had upon their ability to parent or quality of life.
  • Medical records should be made available and should be considered. The medical records can also be cross-referenced with other aspects of the assessment. For example, drugs, alcohol misuse and mental health.
  • Special guardian’s overall physical health and age should be taken into account, including any illnesses that are degenerative, any patterns of health problems in the family, hereditary illnesses, smoking, diet and exercise.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Psychiatric/psychological history” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Consider whether mental health services were involved when the prospective special guardians – whether as children or as adults.
  • The Recent Life Events questionnaire and the Adult Wellbeing Scale are useful tools to use.
  • Consider whether the special guardian has attempted to take their own life, self-harmed or had suicidal ideation. Detail here when each event happened and in what context etc.
  • Consider any medications taken and the reasons for such medication.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Drug and alcohol history” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Create a chronology in respect of the use of alcohol and drug use to include all substances. For example, cannabis, heroin, cocaine, glue, gas, amphetamines and psycho-active substances. Detail here when any problematic use started and the context etc.
  • The Alcohol Use Questionnaire should be undertaken.
  • The medical records should be cross-referenced in respect of drug and alcohol use.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Criminal history” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Complete a detailed analysis of the applicant’s forensic history to include all involvement with the police and courts.
  • Discuss all relevant convictions with the applicant and set out their response within the body of the assessment report. Cross reference with their respective criminal records.
  • Identify any patterns of behaviour and any risks regarding illegal activity upon the child/ren.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”History of relationships and children from those relationships” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Complete a detailed account or chronology of each special guardian’s relationship history, the children from the relationships (on-going contact etc.) their involvement with those children and any concerns about those children.
  • This section should include any relationship issues, such as domestic violence, reasons for relationship breakdowns, child deaths etc.
  • Interview previous partners and their experiences of the prospective special guardians.
  • Stability of current relationship, any periods of separation, how disagreements are solved, how each applicant views the others characteristics etc.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”The relationship between applicants and child/ren” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Include how long they have known the child/ren, and in what context, how much involvement they have had, their understanding of the needs of the child.
  • Their on-going understanding of the longer term needs of the child up until 18 years of age and any difficulties they may face regarding the child/ren’s past experiences.
  • Their understanding of any current or future risks posed by birth parents.
  • The strength of the previous and current relationship between the child/ren and the applicants.
  • Include a ‘day in the life of’ to explore an average day (if children are currently placed with them) in the children’s lives.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”How the applicants relate to children and adults” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • To include observations between applicants and child/ren.
  • Observations of applicants during interview process.
  • Discussions with family members and references.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Wider family and networks of support” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • This aspect should include an analysis of their practical, emotional, financial and professional support networks, their attitude to help and support and their ability to engage and co-operate.
  • Familial and friends references should be obtained.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Housing and home conditions” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • A detailed analysis of the home conditions should take place, details of each room should be observed, look out for any aspects that could present a risk to the child/ren. The Home Conditions questionnaire is a useful tool.
  • Consider whether the family is vulnerable to eviction, debt, privately owned, rented etc.
  • The outside area of the home should be seen, both front and back and any safety aspects discussed.
  • The children’s bedrooms and bedding should be seen.
  • Any pets and any risks attached – meet the pet.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Income” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Complete a detailed analysis of the applicant’s income and expenditure. This should be supported with bank statements or other documentation and should also set out what disposable income is spent upon. Any loans, CCJ’s, debt should be taken into account.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Parenting capacity” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • The domains of parenting capacity should be considered through the observation of contact, discussion during interview, information obtained from other professionals, references and questionnaires and scales completed.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Basic care / emotional and behavioural development / education” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • Analysis should take place on the applicant’s ability to meet the health, education, emotional and behavioural developmental needs of each child, provide emotional, financial and home life stability.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Safety ” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • The applicant’s ability to safeguard the child from parental risks, their understanding of what the risks are and how they will manage these.
  • To include other potential risks, e.g internet use, social media, stranger danger and how risks may increase as the child enters adolescence including CSE, drug and alcohol use, mental health etc.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Identity and attachment” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • This should include an understanding of the child’s identity within the family, the child’s attachment to the parents, the parents’ attachment to the child, the sibling attachments, religious persuasion and sexual orientation and how these will be managed and supported.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Stimulation” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • How the applicants will provide a stimulating environment, extra activities, family time etc.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Guidance, boundaries and routines” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • What is the applicants understanding of these aspects of care, what their values are regarding boundaries, routines, (cross reference in ‘day in the life of’), expectations, behaviour management etc.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Social presentation and self-care skills” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ef7e21″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

  • This should consider the children’s social presentation and self-care skills but should also include the applicant’s ability to meet these needs. Their own social presentation and self-care skills to include; how they manage their health, household, emotional well-being etc. and how they have presented during the course of the assessment and any deficits within self-care skills should be raised.

Finally, just remember not to become overwhelmed with the amount of information needed. Organise yourself to discuss specific sections in each interview session so as to break the process down.

You can also set ‘homework’ to enable the gathering process to become easier. For example, request family trees to be completed by each applicant before your next meeting, a chronology of employment, education and income. In addition, for the applicants to involve themselves in research regarding the impact of specific abuse and neglect the child/ren may have experienced. Above all, always keep the child’s needs, safety and welfare at the centre of the assessment.

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Author Bio

The Author of this blog is an experienced Social Worker, Practice Educator and Independent Social Work Consultant who enjoys sharing experiences and learning new skills and knowledge. Background includes working in Child Protection, Family Court, Fostering, EDT, Adults with Learning Difficulties and the Youth Justice System.

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Application tips and tricks for newly qualified social workers.

10th August 2018 Published by

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Due to the budget cuts in the public sector and funding problems in the independent and voluntary sectors, the social work jobs market has become highly competitive in recent years and employers are now being more stringent during the application process. Finding your first position as a newly qualified social worker can therefore be an unnerving and often stressful experience as many applicants tend to obsess over the application process and worry about whether their skills and experience meet the requirements. So, if you’re newly qualified and not finding too much luck during the application process and want to increase your chances of getting an interview, here are a few application tips and tricks for newly qualified social workers:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Persistence is key “][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When you’re applying for your first role in social work, sometimes you can often go days or even weeks without getting a response. It’s therefore important to remember that rejection is a part of the process and learning how to deal with it will keep you motivated. Try to remember that because of the competitive nature of the jobs market, many decent candidates are unsuccessful and that you just need to keep going to find the job for you. Be methodical and don’t pin your hopes too much on a single position – set yourself the target of applying for around 3 jobs every day, and eventually your hard work will be noticed and rewarded.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Showcasing your experience”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Placements are obviously vital to the learning process, and anyone taking on a NQSW will be interested to see how you made the most of your placements, but there are other elements of experience that can be just as persuasive. Voluntary work and pre-course experience are often important resources for your answers, and don’t think that they are somehow less valid – many roles include social work in some sense, even if they are not labelled as such. That also goes for jobs that were outside the sphere of social work as you’ll be surprised by how many transferable skills you can find from roles you might consider unrelated.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Remember to express emotion”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although demonstrating skills and experience are the core part of the recruitment process, don’t forget to show that your passion and enthusiasm are just as important, especially if you’re newly qualified. Use positive language and mention your motivations in your written statement when you can. By highlighting why you’re passionate about entering the sector, you might be able to present a unique and meaningful case for employment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Take time to apply”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s a good idea to give yourself several goes at an application form so don’t hesitate to take breaks and come back to something to reassess what you’ve written as you’ll usually spot mistakes, errors and spelling mistakes. This is particularly important for application forms that have strict word counts, as you’ll often find ways to add more information in.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here at One Stop Social, we understand how daunting and stressful it is to find a job as a NQSW, however, if you follow our tips and tricks, we can almost guarantee the process will be easier for you! We hope you enjoyed this blog piece, if you’d like to keep up with more of our blogs and receive the latest job updates, sign up to our newsletter here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Looking for a job in Social Work or Social Care?” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Check out our Jobs Board now.” btn_style=”classic” btn_color=”warning” btn_align=”center” btn_button_block=”true” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.onestopsocial.co.uk%2Ffind-a-job%2F|||”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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