foster care

Improving the quality of care in Scotland: an overview of Care Commission findings 2002 to 2010

The Care Commission began operating in April 2002 and this report presents what has been learned over the eight years of regulating care services in Scotland. It sets out the context for the Care Commission's work, examines the impact its regulation work has had on outcomes for the people who use care services, and makes strong statements about where the care sector needs to improve.

Bursting at the seams: impact on fostering services of the rise of children going into care 2009-10

Since the tragic case of Baby Peter’s death came to public attention in late 2008 the care system has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of children, particularly those needing foster placements. This rise is the result of a number of possible factors, including the debate on thresholds following this case and a recent legal clarification of the law known as the Southwark Judgement.

The Assessment Triangle

The Assessment Triangle is a key concept within child welfare and is a term that has been used since the late 1990s. In Scotland, it has been adopted within the development of an Integrated Assessment Framework, to which we also refer in this learning resource. There are a number of aspects of child assessment, in any domain – the home, the playground, the classroom, the GP surgery, or residential care, and others – where you will be thinking about assessment models and practice.

Looked-after children and young people

The Department of Health (DH) asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) to produce joint guidance on improving the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of looked-after children and young people. The guidance is for all those who have a direct or indirect role in, and responsibility for, promoting the quality of life of looked-after children and young people.