❓ Dr. Constable inquires about the inspection frequency and minimum accommodation standards for foster carers' dwellings in WA. The response details annual formal inspections and ongoing observations, focusing on safety and suitability.
AnsweredQoN 2500Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Are dwellings of foster carers inspected by Department of Community Development staff during foster care placements?
(2) If yes to (1), how often do inspections take place?
(3) Is there a minimum standard of accommodation that a foster carer must provide to a child placed in their care?
(4) If yes to (3), what are the specific requirements that must be met to meet the minimum standards of accommodation?
(2) If yes to (1), how often do inspections take place?
(3) Is there a minimum standard of accommodation that a foster carer must provide to a child placed in their care?
(4) If yes to (3), what are the specific requirements that must be met to meet the minimum standards of accommodation?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
1 June 2004
Responded by
Minister for Disability Services
Response time
91 days
(2) The standard is that foster carer homes are formally inspected annually during the annual review conducted by the Placement Officer at District offices. However, case managers and other staff regularly visit the foster home regarding services to children in care and make observation about standards and changes. These observations are then reported to the Placement Officer. (3) and (4) The home environment is considered as part of the assessment of foster carers. The assessment of foster carers considers whether the physical environment is safe and suitable for children, especially noting fencing, gates, dogs, firearms, swimming pools and harmful products (poisons, medications). The assessment considers the standard of accommodation, the standard of care and (for relative carers) the benefits for a child if he/she remains in the family network.
(3) and (4) The home environment is considered as part of the assessment of foster carers. The assessment of foster carers considers whether the physical environment is safe and suitable for children, especially noting fencing, gates, dogs, firearms, swimming pools and harmful products (poisons, medications). The assessment considers the standard of accommodation, the standard of care and (for relative carers) the benefits for a child if he/she remains in the family network.
(3) and (4) The home environment is considered as part of the assessment of foster carers. The assessment of foster carers considers whether the physical environment is safe and suitable for children, especially noting fencing, gates, dogs, firearms, swimming pools and harmful products (poisons, medications). The assessment considers the standard of accommodation, the standard of care and (for relative carers) the benefits for a child if he/she remains in the family network.
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