Falkirk Council Adoption Service
Recorded Key Question grade range: 3–4 — Adequate View on Care Inspectorate
Key Question scores
Requirements & recommendations
1. By 1 April 2026 the provider must provide high quality support, which consistently meets the needs of children and their adoptive parents at all stages of the adoption process including post approval, and post adoption support. To do this the provider must as a minimum: a) clarifying expectations regarding caregiver supervision and support visits including frequency and purpose; b) identify vulnerabilities and support needs at an early juncture c) ensure supports are provided in a timely manner. This is to comply with Regulation 4(1)(a) (welfare of users) of the Social Care and Social Work improvement Scotland (Requirements for care services) regulations 2011 (SS1 2011/210). This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: ‘I experience high quality care and support based on relevant evidence, guidance and best practice.’ (HSCS
41. By 1 April 2026 , children and young people’s wellbeing and rights should be supported by a good concern and complaint handling system. To do this, the provider must, as a minimum: a) ensure that there is an effective system within the service for the management of concerns and complaints that is reflective of the ethos and vision of the organisation b) develop clear systems for recording concerns and complaints which also charts how they have been addressed c) ensure a shared understanding across the staff team of the concerns and complaints system and processes, including any changes made because of this requirement. d) ensure that all caring households have an understanding of this process and can access a written copy of the procedure This is in order to comply with: Regulation 18(3) of The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/210). This is to ensure care and support is2. By 1 March 2026 the provider should ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by always applying a consistent approach to protection matters. To do this, the provider must as a minimum: a) Ensure practice is in line with national guidance and good practice. b) Ensure staff and caregivers are clear as to their roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and protection matters through training, supervision and team learning opportunities. c) Ensure comprehensive recording, tracking and outcomes monitoring of all safeguarding and protection matters. d) Ensure all incidents and protection concerns are appropriately notified to the care inspectorate within legal timescales. This is to comply with regulation 4 (1)(a) of Social Care and Social Work Improvement (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/2010). This is to ensure that the quality of care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standard which stat3. By 1 April 2026 the provider must adopt a robust approach to unplanned endings to support improved practice within the service and improved outcomes for young people and caring households. To do this, the provider must as a minimum: a) Develop a cohesive policy in relation to all premature endings b) Ensure practice is consistent with the revised policy c) Ensure the process for reviewing premature endings is timely d) Utilise quality assurance mechanisms to support a clear overview of young people and carers experiences of unplanned endings throughout their involvement with the service. This is to comply with Regulation 4(1)(a) (welfare of users) of the Social Care and Social Work improvement Scotland (Requirements for care services) regulations 2011 (SS1 2011/210) This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: ‘I benefit from a culture of continuous improvement, with the organ
1. In order for children and young people to consistently benefit from caregivers who are knowledgeable and well trained, the service should ensure clear and consistent approach in training and development. This should include but is not limited to; All staff and caregivers having a clear understanding about what mandatory training should be undertaken by pre-adoptive foster carers. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: "I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled, are able to reflect on their practice and follow their professional and organisational codes." (HSCS 3.14)
1. The service should seek to improve the consistency and quality of recording across all key documentation. This should include ensuring all key records are safely stored and accessible. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the health and Social Care Standards (HSCS which state that: "I benefit from a culture of continuous improvement, with the organisation having robust and transparent quality assurance processes" (HSCS 4.19) and; "I experience high quality care and support because people have the necessary information and resources" (HSCS 4.27)