The Assessment Process
Seven Stages of Assessment.
1. The Enquiry
An information pack will be posted within 48 hours of a potential carers contacting SFS. The pack contains information about fostering in general and about SFS in particular.
Included are forms that ask brief details of the family, their child care experience, if any, and their interest in fostering.
2. The Initial Visit
Our social workers will visit the family in their own home to explore the nature of fostering in more depth and to ensure the family meet our basic requirements. From the outset applicants are actively involved in the assessment process; they must decide if fostering is right for them. We are open about our expectations and share the competencies they must achieve.
3. The self assessment form
Applicants complete a detailed form providing information about their family, background, childcare experience and motivation to foster, which enables us to identify their attributes and potential. The material is based on the four main fostering competencies Caring for children, providing a Safe and Caring Environment, working as Part of a Team and carer's Own Development.
4. Skills to Foster
Prospective carers attend an initial 14 hour training course based on the Fostering Network and BAAF material, which covers all aspects of the fostering task and includes input from existing SFS carers. This is an intensive period of preparation, assessment and reflection.
5. The Assessment
A qualified SFS social worker will gather information to complete the BAAF Form F assessment report. She/he is expected to have between 12 and 20 hours of direct contact with the family over a period of 3 to 4 months and to seek evidence from other appropriate sources. Applicants will be helped to compile a portfolio with evidence of relevant skills and experience.
Applicants nominate a number of people able to comment on their ability to foster, at least two of whom will be interviewed by the assessing social worker as referees. Also, applicants consent to SFS obtaining checks on all household members over the age of 16 from the Criminal Records Bureau, local authorities where they have lived in the past 10 years, the NPSCC, the carer's current employer and any other relevant agencies. Carer must complete medial examination at the G.P. which is passed to the SFS Medical Advisor.
Prospective cares have access to all information, including a copy of the Form F, except personal references and the references from external agencies.
6. The Panel
The SFS Panel is made up of people with experience and expertise in the child care field. Most are independent of the agency. Members include health professionals, a doctor, a social work manager and foster carer form outside SFS, a social work lecturer and someone who used to be in care. The Director of Care and a supervising social worker represent SFS.
They will consider the application and recommend whether or not the carers are approved as foster carers. Prospective carers are present throughout the meeting and can contribute freely.
7. The Decision
The Panel's recommendation is passed to the SFS Chief Executive, with whom rest the final approval decision. Prospective carers will be informed verbally immediately and the decision confirmed in writing within 48 hours.