Kinship & Connected Care Assessment & Training Framework

Kinship & Connected Care Assessment & Training Framework

The New Trauma-Informed Preparation and Assessment for Connected & Kinship Carers (TIPPACK)

An Overview

The Trauma-Informed Parenting Preparation & Assessment for Connected and Kinship Cares (TIPPACK) is an entirely new format for the assessment and preparation of Kinship and Connected Carers.

Contributors

The TIPPACK was devised by Sarah Naish and Sair Penna at The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma.

Sarah Naish is a therapeutic parent, best-selling author in the field of therapeutic parenting. She has also worked as a Social Worker in fostering and owned and run exceptional Independent Therapeutic Fostering Agencies. Sarah also offers consultancy to IFAs, Adoption agencies and Local Authorities and is an international keynote speaker.

Sair Penna has written and formulated the Level 1 Award in Trauma-Informed Parenting Preparation & Assessment for Kinship & Connected Carers. The Level 1 forms an integral part of the Kinship & Connected carer assessment process and ensures that training is streamlined, relevant, and interesting. Sair is the Head of School for Therapeutic Parenting Studies, former Panel Chair for two therapeutic foster agencies, bestselling author, and is Director of The Haven Parenting and Wellbeing Centre and the National Association of Therapeutic Parents (NATP), which are part of The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma.

Purpose

The TIPPACK is designed to be a seamless process which:

• Identifies and evaluates prospective kinship and connected carers and ensure they are better equipped to meet the needs of children from trauma.

The New Trauma-Informed Preparation and Assessment for Connected & Kinship Carers (TIPPACK)

Streamlines the assessment process into a jargon free, non-duplicating, relevant document, giving the reader a real ‘flavour’ of the prospective kinship or connected carers.

Presents essential information in a concise format at the beginning of the Assessment.

Avoids jargon and duplication.

Speaks directly to the applicants, creating a clear expectation that the applicants speak directly to the Panel / Local Authority Team via the Assessor.

Integrates the Level 1 Award, this enables assessors and applicants to feel confident about the applicant’s ability to foster a child from trauma using therapeutic parenting techniques.

Enables applicants who have no knowledge of therapeutic parenting, to gain a good understanding of the key concepts of this and also the effects of child trauma during the assessment.

Is formatted to allow Assessors to use their own initiative in which areas to expand and which areas need minimal explanation. Individual LA Panels will have their own criteria, too, regarding their expectations. The TIPPACK meets the criteria for current regulations but removes duplicated information.

Co-ordinates with a training framework for Kinship & Connected Carers throughout the assessment and after approval.

Pilot- Results and Feedback

The TIPPACK was piloted in 2023 by a Local Authority in the South of England where minor amendments and adjustments were made, and ‘The Assessor’s Guide’ was written as an accompanying document.

The New Trauma-Informed Preparation and Assessment for Connected & Kinship Carers (TIPPACK)

The Focus Group – Areas of Change

The Focus Group identified some key areas for change which needed to be addressed by the new TIPPACK. The Focus Group consisted of:

Those who have been assessed either as Kinship, Connected Carers of Special Guardianship Orders AND have carried out assessments

Panel members, including Panel Chairs, experienced in therapeutic parenting

Former children in care Team Managers

Local Authority Managers in Fostering & Kinship Care

Difficulties in the current assessment system were identified by the Focus Group. These difficulties have been tackled directly and resolved within the TIPPACK. Some of the major issues and how the TIPPACK resolved them are listed below:

• Differences in expectations. Sometimes, using the old assessment method, applicants were not properly prepared for the fostering task and failed to grasp the fundamentals of the impact of trauma. This meant that expectations were unrealistic, and there was a higher chance of a child having to leave unexpectedly (Placement breakdown). The TIPPACK integrates all basic-level training in Child Trauma and Therapeutic Parenting into the assessment process.

• Training and preparation – The former training courses used by some Agencies were felt to be out of date. Furthermore, they created work for the social workers on the team who were expected to deliver the training. Alternatively, some teams would bring in external trainers. This created a great deal of work to join updates and ensure applicants were ready for Panel.

The New Trauma-Informed Preparation and Assessment for Connected & Kinship Carers (TIPPACK)

The response of Panel members, Decision Makers and Applicants was positive. Assessing Social Workers reported that the process was much more user friendly, avoided duplication, and saved a great deal of work relating to signposting and training.

The administrators reported positively that gathering information had been seamless and they had felt much more involved in the process. They also found that the integrated training saved a great deal of time for them in sourcing external courses. The fact that the Level 1 training produces a progress report with a certificate without any further interaction from the social worker, manager, or administrator was warmly welcomed.

Delivery

The TIPPACK should be completed by a Social Worker OR competent other, such as an Empathic Listener or experienced support staff with relevant qualifications, under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced Social Worker.

The TIPPACK is designed so that it can be carried out electronically on a platform such as Zoom, thereby cutting down travel time for the assessor. Naturally, however, home visits remain a vital part of the assessment process.

The TIPPACK ‘speaks’ to the applicants and invites their participation throughout the process, which makes the process feel open and honest.

The TIPPACK is designed to give applicants a thorough understanding of caring for children who have experienced early life trauma. The integrated training ensures that applicants understand child trauma and the differences in parenting that are needed. This approach means that when the applicants are ready to accept children, they already have a very good grounding in therapeutic parenting.

The New Trauma-Informed Preparation and Assessment for Connected & Kinship Carers (TIPPACK)

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TIPPACK BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES

1) Local Authority identify suitable skilled Social Workers and Managers who would like to be trained in delivery of the TIPPACK.

2) Where foundation training is needed in Therapeutic Parenting and Child Trauma, this can be arranged prior to the TIPPACK training.

3) Training to be delivered in person by COECT (The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma) to any Assessors or Assessment Team Managers, on the TIPPACK. (Compulsory 1 or 2 days depending on the level of need/timescales)

4) Training delivered in person by COECT regarding the implementation and integration of the Level 1 Award in Trauma-informed Parenting Preparation & Assessment for Kinship and Connected Care. (Compulsory 1/2 day)

5) Local Authority licensed to carry out TIPPACK processGiven templates of the TIPPACK and also the Assessor’s Guide.

6) Local Authority begin assessments and enrol applicants on the Level 1 programme.

7) Inspire Training can return for consultancy days at midway points in first assessments and for Panel training where required. (Optional - additional cost as required)

The New Trauma-Informed Preparation and Assessment for Connected & Kinship Carers (TIPPACK)

How much will it cost to get started with the TIPPACK?

NB: costs detailed below are per household completing the Level 1 Award for Kinship & Connected Carers (either two prospective Kinship Carers/Connected Carers) in the same household or if a single Kinship Carers/Connected Carer is being assessed, they may nominate a supporter to complete the Level 1 alongside them if they wish). One Kinship Carer/Connected Carer will be awarded the Level 1 Award in Trauma-informed Parenting Preparation & Assessment, and the second carer will be awarded a certificate of Learning from Inspire Training Group to evidence their successful completion of the course.

The start-up package includes:

1 .5 days training for key staff on implementation of the TIPPACK and the integrated Level 1 Award in Traumainformed Parenting Preparation & Assessment with Sarah Naish and Sair Penna - Creators of the TIPPACK and associated qualification and training. Enrolment through to certification of the first four applicants on to the Level 1 award with full support and guidance where needed

All associated relevant assessment training Templates of the TIPPACK

The Assessors’ Guide (a step-by-step manual to help assessors follow this new process).

Cost £2,750 plus VAT

The New Trauma-Informed Preparation and Assessment for Connected

& Kinship Carers (TIPPACK)

Additional services available

Additional consultancy days can be bought. For example, preimplementation training if Managers feel that staff need some foundation training in therapeutic fostering, or consultancy days, midway through initial assessments. Panel and ADM training

Cost £750 per day as required plus VAT.

After the first four applicant households are completed, each subsequent household is charged £250 for Local Authorities.

All prices exclude VAT

For more information, please contact: Kathryn@coect.co.uk or sophie@coect.co.uk.

Alternatively call 01453 519000 and ask to speak to Sophie at Inspire Training Group, part of COECT.

Duration

4 Months. Approximately 3-6 using an online learning platfo

Who is the Qualification for?

The Trauma-Informed Parent Assessment for Kinship & Con individuals who are being asse Kinship Carer, Connected Per Guardianship Order (SGO). It

Therapeutic Parenting Prepar Kinship & Connected Care As

Qualification Content

The programme includes four The Role of the Kinship & Understanding the Needs Person

Caring for the Child or Yo

Caring for you

Mode of Learning

Learners have support from a support for their studies thro

Please note: The qualification studied online through a learn is a prerequisite for applicant literate. However formal asse handwritten and adapted to in

LEVEL 1 AWARD IN TRAUMA-INFORMED PARENTING PREPARATION ASSESSMENT FOR KINSHIP

(TIPPAKC)

& CONNECTED CARE

Qualification Benefits

This course aims to provide indiv childhood trauma, recognising it how to support a child who is co Additionally, it covers navigating making learners aware of the ava access it. Upon completion of th certification for our Level 1 Awar by CACHE.

Accreditation & Certification

This qualification is accredited b once completed, learners will re CACHE.

Progression route.

There is an opportunity to progr Fostering qualification or Level 2 from this qualification.

Qualification Costs

The Qualification is part of the T Preparation Assessment for Kins and Implementation Assessment contact inspire@coect.co.uk

How to apply.

This qualification is specifically the TIPPAKC qualification and A e: inspire@coect.co.uk

01453 519000

t:

LEVEL 2 TRAUMA-INFORMED PANEL TRAINING

Duration

6 hours - via online learning platfo

Who is the Trauma-Informed Pan

This is for all panel members to su become foster parents, kinship ca crucial to gain knowledge of a trau assessment process. By implemen approach, the assessment process identifying individuals who are we foster parents.

Qualification Content

The programme includes the follo

Understand why panels need t

Gain knowledge of Developme trauma on the child.

Develop an understanding of t reasons why some children ne parented.

Gain knowledge of the link bet allegations.

Recognise the signs and symp foster parents.

Gain knowledge in preparation informed Fostering Panel mem

Mode of Learning

The program consists of video-ba through an online learning platfor training can also be delivered onli Trainer.

Please note: The qualifications a online through a learning platfo can also be handwritten and ada

Qualification Benefits

Panel members will gain an underpinning knowledge of Developmental Trauma and the core principles of Therapeutic Parenting. They will be able to draw upon their knowledge in order for them to engage in the panel process, taking a trauma-informed and child-centred approach.

Accreditation & Certification

This course is an Inspire Training Group qualification. once completed, you will receive a certificate from Inspire, which has been endorsed by The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma (CoECT)

Progression route.

There is an opportunity to deepen knowledge on the subject by studying the Level 3 Advanced Therapeutic Parenting Programme/ Diploma in Therapeutic Parenting or Level 3 Diploma in Therapeutic Parent Coaching.

Training Costs

£99 Per Person *

*Plus VAT.

What our Learners say...

Having served as a panel member for a considerable period of time, the course has offered me a fresh insight into the preparation and transferable skills that are essential to become a therapeutic foster parent. Consequently, I now believe that my approach to the panel process has been enriched with a trauma-informed approach.

How to apply. You can apply via our website www.inspiretraininggroup.com

e: inspire@coect.co.uk 01453 519000

Kinship & Connected Carers Training Framework.

Training Framework

The Kinship Care training progra for local authorities and individu for-profit basis through The Nat Parents, this comprehensive pro courses, both online and face-to provide invaluable knowledge an and complement the TIPPACK.

What sets this training programm trainers. Sarah Naish is an adopt kinship care and a bestselling au Director of Kinship Carers UK an brings a wealth of first-hand kno courses. Their combined experti receive top-notch training that i the unique challenges of kinship

Framework Content

The curriculum covers a wide r

Managing changing family dy Trauma-Informed Parenting, Implement It (The programm of trauma, therapeutic paren the crucial task of managing Navigating contact with birth

Managing loss, anger, grief an Different order and legal rou

Guardianship, Kinship Foster

The court process

The assessment process and