Foster Care Victoria

bowie23 · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:19 am Post subject: Quality of Care Reviews

A Quality of Care review is an allegation is made against a caregiver, relating to the standard of care a child is receiving. We all know that carers have to deal with a multitude of difficult and sometimes conflicting tasks, so who would want a quality of care review creating even more things to worry about? Do not think of this as a lesson in parenting, but as an aide in highlighting things that can be easy to forget or overlook when looking after kids in care. Stick it on your fridge or commit it to memory, because quality of care issues will not go away.

DO
* supply formula, nappies, a snack, appropriate clothing, a change of clothes, a hat, sunscreen etc. as appropriate for access visits
* return all of a child’s possessions (including Christmas and birthday presents etc.) upon end of placement
* ask for a bag/pack/suitcase for a child if needed
* ask permission for all medical/alternative medicine appointments including immunisations
* check before buying an item if reimbursement is required
* check before leaving a child in someone else’s care for any period of time
* notify the case worker immediately if a child sustains an injury, however mild
* notify the agency of any plans to renovate, move a child’s bedroom, or take a holiday
* ensure the bathroom door is shut when the shower or toilet is in use

DON’T
* cut a child’s hair without permission from the parent or guardian
* return clothes or possessions at end of placement in a garbage bag
* expect reimbursement for items without prior arrangement
* leave a child unattended with people who are not police-checked
* stay overnight anywhere except your primary residence without prior permission (with a child)
* send a child to access visits unwashed or in soiled clothing
* assume what is alright for your child is alright for a child in care
* use physical discipline
* take things too personally!
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Melina · Newbie Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

Sometimes these things are not so easy to follow through with. Especially when your own kids are around the same age. I haven't ever had to think about raising children this hard. It's like you have to stop what comes naturally to you and your family.

billbob · Newbie Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 5

Remember that often these things are often put into place to protect you!!!!! You do not want to get on the wrong side of an agitated parent. It is very hard to parent differently from your own children, I agree. I have fostered for twenty years and some of what we think are small issues blow out to be HUGE in the eyes of others, keep your chin up, you will find it easier in time.

bowie23 · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject:

I agree. Initially these things can seem very strange, particularly (I'm sure) to someone who is already a happy parent. However, they do become easier with time.
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Visit the Foster Care Victoria Blog - http://fostercarevictoria.wordpress.com