The Assessment Process (Part 2)
Could you foster Patrice and Annakay?
We are looking for foster carers for Patrice and Annakay. Could you be their new foster carers? Why not find out more?
The Assessment Form
The commonly used assessment form consists of five parts, which are summarised over the next few pages. Bear in mind that although the form is extremely comprehensive (which is understandable in the circumstances) your social worker is there to assist you through it. Try to view the report as a joint venture, while acknowledging that most social workers will feel quite comfortable compiling the report, after all they will probably have done it many times before. You on the other hand will be stepping into totally unfamiliar territory. Remember too that you are not expected to be 'perfect applicants' - social workers are not looking for them either. Many know that they do not exist!
Part 1.
This part of the form gives factual information about you. Your agency social worker and you are asked to:
1. Provide details of the social services department or agency.
Name, office address, phone number, etc
2. Provide your basic details.
These include the language you speak at home, your religion, ethnic descent, occupation, and current or proposed hours of work. You are also asked to provide a recent photograph of yourself.
3. Outline the children in your household.
This includes their ethnic descent, the type of school they go to, and their relationship to you.
4. State what type of care you are offering.
There are several options - including 'respite care', 'long-term fostering', 'emergency placement', etc.
5a. Consider the type of child or children that you will be suitable to foster.
There is a detailed checklist included, which is to be completed only after a full discussion has taken
place between you and the social worker
regarding the issues involved. The checklist is intended to reflect a mutually-agreed position between you and
the agency, outlining what you all agree would be the most appropriate type of child(ren) for you to foster.
It begins with an outline of the children:
First, the age range - for example, that you will be allowed to foster a child or children between the ages of 4 and 9
Secondly, what gender child(ren) will you be suitable to foster
Thirdly, would you be capable of looking after a child or children from a different ethnic or religious background to yourself?
There then follows a comprehensive checklist
Detailing various possible characteristics and backgrounds that you and the agency agree it would, or
would not, be appropriate for you to consider to foster.
There are over forty possibilities, so the following is only a selection:
Children with hearing impairment.
Children with severe learning difficulties.
Children who may have been physically abused.
Children who are unlikely to make relationships easily. etc.
5b. Describe you and your family.
This covers you and your family's personalities, interests, experiences etc. It is designed to be a 'snapshot' of your family that will aid your agency in the initial stages of matching you with a child.
6. Provide details of any other children.
For example, details of any of your children living elsewhere.
7. Provide details of other adult members who are part of your household.
For example, grandparents living in your home or a lodger.
More information on foster carer assessment are on our following pages.
