Extract from Statement Of Purpose
Families

At the beginning of 2006 Family Matters had 26 carer families.  These form 6 separate cluster groups, each headed by a senior carer family who, with their extensive experience of fostering, provide friendship and a role model.  We view senior carers as the equivalent of grandparents in an extended family, although most of them are not particularly old!  2 of the clusters are based in East Kent, 1 in Medway, 1 in London, 1 in Thanet and 1 in Cornwall.  The clusters organise their own social activities, and sometimes get together and invite members of the Head Office Team.
Children
At the same time we had 29 children living with our families, 19 boys and 10 girls.22 children who were with us at the beginning of 2005 were still with us at the end, and 15 children left during the

course of the year. The majority of these moved to independent living. All but one of the children live with our carers full time, the exception being a young man who comes for regular weekends.  We had no children under 5, 43% were aged 5-11, 21% 12-14, and the remainder (36%) 15-17.

We are very proud of the achievements of the children placed with us, 6 of whom took important exams.  Many of the results were extremely good, and we have also seen success in driving tests.
Staff
The staff at Family Matters are an enthusiastic and dedicated group of people.  We have a strong sense of being part of a body, with each person and role needing all the others.  There is therefore no hierarchical system: each person is afforded the same status and respect as everyone else.  Each member of staff is fully accountable, and receives regular supervision, as well as 6 monthly appraisals.
In January 2006 we had 14 members of staff, including qualified social workers, social work assistants, administrators and directors.  For further details, please request the Family Matters Fostering Staff Register and Family Matters Organisational Structure.
Panel
We are rightly proud of our Panel which comprises 10 members, 3 of whom are staff members of Family Matters.  In addition we have representatives from the legal profession, education, care leavers, adopters and a guardian ad litum.
Complaints
Family Matters has a rigorous complaints procedure.  In the past 12 months no formal complaints have been received.
Conclusion
We hope our Statement of Purpose has given you an informative snapshot of Family Matters Fostering Ltd.  In addition the following documents are available on request:

The Status and Constitution of the Agency
Family Matters Organisational Structure
Family Matters Fostering Staff Register
Fostering with Family Matters

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions you may have.