Children’s Services0300 123 4043

Children’s Services0300 123 4043

In the interests of children and young people it is believed that permanency is the best option. The possible legal options are:

• Children return to live with birth parents

• Adoption

• Special Guardianship Order

• Residence Order

Long term plans for the childrenLong term plans for the childrenLong term plans for the children

Family & Friends(connected Persons)

Assessment ProcessInformation for

Prospective Carers

If you require any further information regarding the above options please contact your supervising social worker or use the websites below.

Useful Numbers/websites• Children’s Services Customer Services:

03001234043

• BAAF: www.baaf.org.uk 020 7421 2600

• Fostering Network: www.fostering.net 0800 040 7675

• Herts Direct www.hertsdirect.org 0300 123 4040

What support will be offered?• Assessment stage- helping applicant(s)

to understand the process

• Provision of reading material sign posting applicant(s) to sources of information

• Weekly financial payment will be provided to meet the child’s needs- you will not be entitled to claim other benefits ie: Child benefit

• Support through the panel presentation process

• Support group (post approval)

• Post approval training including support to complete the mandatory CWDC workbook

• Access to membership to the fostering network

• Plans for permanence for the child/ children will be discussed

• Monthly supervision with your supervising social worker

The Family and Friends team are responsible for assessing and supervising family members, friends and others connected to the children placed with them. The children are classed as Looked After Children. The assessment is to ensure children live in a safe and caring environment. In an emergency situation where the child needs to be placed quickly, a temporary approval can be given following a short assessment (Viability) by the children’s social worker, you should receive a copy of this assessment. This temporary approval can last up to 16 weeks, during which time a full assessment will be carried out by the family and friends team.

• This includes in depth information and exploring the carers’ ability to parent the child and manage contact with wider family networks.

• This will be carried out over several visits.

• If you are applying jointly you and your partner will be seen together and separately.

• All household members will be seen and spoken to as part of the assessment process, depending on age and understanding.

The following checks will also need to be carried out:1. Local Authority checks2. CRB (Police checks)3. Full medical- From GP4. Health visitor5. School (including carer’s own

children’s schools)6. 6 personal references (including

only 1 family member)7. Ex partner references8. Visits to other family members9. Health and Safety check of

your home10. Pet assessment11. Current/previous employer reference

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction Assessment

Fostering PanelFostering PanelFostering PanelFostering Panel

Expectations of applicantsExpectations of applicantsExpectations of applicants

Upon completion of your assessment you will be invited to attend a panel with your supervising social worker and child social worker where the assessment report will be presented before the panel in order to determine if you are approved as a Family and Friends Foster carers for the specific child/children.

• Full co-operation with the assessment process

• Work openly and honestly with the department

• Flexibility and availability for social worker visits

• Working with the department as part of a wider team to achieve the right outcomes for the children in line with their care plans

• To undertake relevant approval training and attend support groups

• To complete CWDC workbook within 18 months of approval as required by legislation to demonstrate the skills developed as a foster carer.