This month (February 2014) the Office of the Information Commissioner published a report highlighting the issues faced by adoption and fostering agencies in keeping sensitive data. We held our inaugural conference on 27th November 2013 and its theme was "Keeping Your Fostering Records Safe". Speakers included the Office of the Information Commissioner, NAFP, Fostering Network and BAAF. CHARMS is the mostly widely used system in the adoption and fostering community in the UK and Ireland and we work tirelessly at SCN to keep all data safe and to help frontline staff to manage information securely. For more information on how CHARMS can help your agency please ring 0161 237 1872 and ask for Jim Moores.

We are pleased to announce that Next Step Fostering are now a CHARMS customer. The Business Analysis has begun and the project is well underway. Just a quick thank you to all at Next Step Fostering, Jim Moores Social Care Network

We are pleased to announce thatRyancare aregetting CHARMS. The Business Analysis has begun and the project is well underway. We can't wait to get CHARMS up and running for the benefit of all at Ryancare, Jim Moores Social Care Network

Congratulations to Urs and the team at UK Fostering. Following their Ofsted inspection on 25/11/2013 they have been given an Outstanding rating. Some quotes from the inspector : "The progress of each child and young person is measured and charted against their goals and is reflected in detailed monthly reports." "Outcomes for children and young people are monitored and recorded. Where foster carers and supervising social workers identify that outcomes are not progressing or achieved, additional support is provided. The management has ensured that staff and foster carers recruited by the agency have access to all of the managers. There is a comprehensive induction and training programme for staff and foster carers that ensures that they become familiar with the agency’s policies, procedures and working practices. This, as well as an effective quality assurance and monitoring system, has enabled the agency to operate without compromise which ensures the quality of the service provided by the agency is excellent." "Effective systems built into the data base, provide the basis for excellent monitoring and ensure that any difficulties arising within a placement are identified early and additional support provided." "Specific monitoring systems ensure that managers are regularly provided with information on the well-being of individual children and young people." From the day of their initial registration UK Fostering have been an enthusiastic CHARMS user and recognised how CHARMS could help to keep records accurately and safely. Well done to all concerned. Jim Moores, MD, SCN

We are very pleased to announce that Fostering Relations are now part of the CHARMS community. The project has begun and everyone is excited.

CHARMS Conference 2013 27th November 2013 : Britannia Hotel, Nottingham "CHARMS – Keeping Fostering Records Safe" A fantastic turnout – over 100 people from the fostering community. Great speakers, good food and lively discussions. A heartfelt thank you to speakers, delegates, colleagues at SCN and staff at the Britannia Hotel who all contributed to a great day.

Great news, Care Visions have decided that CHARMS is the right system to help them manage their fostering and residential services' records. We had a great day, just last week, with representatives from both services and we are very excited about working with one of the biggest independent children's care providers in Scotland. Thank you to all at Care Visions. JM, 16/9/2013

It's official, August 2013, is the best month ever for Social Care Network (formely known as Computing Help Limited). The FED have said "yes please, as soon as possible" after final tests of internet connectivity at their main site in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. For training administration and HR management you cannot beat ETC. Congratulations everyone for helping August 2013 to be the best month of sales ever… JM

That's it, I'm speechless, August is glorious for Social Care Network. First4Adoption have placed an order for CHARMS to manage the enquiries from people interested in adoption. First4Adoption On this website you’ll find all sorts of helpful information on the adoption process and what it is like to be an adoptive parent. And on our phoneline you will find trained advisors who are happy to answer your questions and help you understand the journey ahead.