Introduction

Vision Statement

jigsaw (north west) is an independent not-for-profit, fostering agency. We are dedicated solely to the provision of high quality foster placements, and therefore focus carefully on the placement needs of children and young people.

We can and do ensure that our service is continually developing according to these needs; that our carers are paid appropriately for a professional task; and that our charges are set at fair and realistic levels.

One of our aims is that of working in close partnership with local authorities and for us it is important that our policies reflect this. Our aim is to be sensitive to the needs of local authorities and to support them in their task.

The service is built on a foundation of principles of 'best practice' and 'best value' and is run from a needs perspective, by professionals with many years of practical and managerial experience in social work with children and families.

At jigsaw we seek to uphold the principles of the Children Act 89 at all times. Furthermore we seek to expand these principles with the fine detail of good practice, based on past experience and on developing ideas about how children/young people may be served best by the care system.

The following are among the most important of our aims:

to see the child as paramount;
to work for the healthy development, well-being and needs of the child;
to have respect for and recognition of disability and special needs;
to understand the need of all children to have a relationship of security, trust and worth with at least one adult;
to hold this as the central philosophy of our work;
to respect the rights, wishes and feelings of the child;
to work together in partnership with all involved;
to promote and facilitate family links, where possible;
to maintain links with those important to the child;
to respect race, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation and class;
to undertake a thorough in-house assessment of prospective carers;
to match the child's needs with the abilities of carers;
to provide a safe-caring environment for children;
to pay attention to moving on, and after-care;
to support, train and supervize our carers, in a way that recognizes their role as primary carer.

We value our place within the care system and it is our commitment to offer a service of strong principles, high quality and best practice at all times. We aim to ensure that our carers are accepted as part of our team, that they feel valued and that they value their involvement with us.