The Assessment Process

Recruitment and retention strategies are the key means of identifying and maintaining appropriate Foster Carers. At Kingfisher Fostering we endeavour to identify carers who show a genuine interest and understanding of caring for the often complex needs of children, who, due to no fault of their own, have had to leave their family.

Kingfisher Fostering Ltd adheres to the following processes and procedures:

Step 1

Enquiries are received from potential Foster Carers in response to advertising through local papers; local radio; telephone directories; the internet; topical magazines; distribution of leaflets and posters or via recommendation from other foster carers.

Step 2

An initial assessment via telephone interview is conducted to check for:

- Previous or ongoing child care experience
- Number and age of own children, if any
- Motivation to foster
- Availability of spare bedroom/s to accommodate a looked after child/young person

For applicants who meet the set criteria, and are interested to pursue their enquiry further an information pack comprising the agency’s information booklet and application form is sent out by post or email. The application form requests detailed information, as stipulated within the National Minimum Standards/Fostering Service Regulations: Schedule 3, about the applicant/s and their family members.

Step 3

An assessment takes place of received application forms, and an initial screening interview is conducted by a qualified Social Worker in the applicant’s home.

Step 4

- Induction session – introduction of Assessment Agreement

A group information session for prospective Foster Carers enabling them to learn more about the agency, it’s staff and the fostering process, together with an opportunity to meet other current and prospective Foster Carers.

- Pre-requisite Group training for prospective Foster Carers:

a) The Fostering Network’s ‘Skills to Foster’ – a 6 session training module (which usually takes place over 3 full days) which must be attended by all prospective carers. This training looks at the role and responsibilities of being a Foster Carer and the importance of working as part of a team with the agency, local authorities and other professionals involved in the care of a Looked After Child/Young Person

b) The Fostering Network’s ‘Skills to Foster’ one day training for the sons and daughters of prospective Foster Carers

Step 5

Form F1 Assessment

A decision is then made by the agency on whether to take applicants through to Full Form F Assessment and the agency will request prospective Foster Carers written consent to obtain the following information as required by the National Minimum Standards/Fostering Service Regulations, Schedule 3:

- CRB checks on the applicant/s, and other members of their family/household if necessary
- Current and previous Local Authority Social Services background checks
- Educational background checks on birth children
- Personal and employment references for each applicant
- References from previous partners and other family members where appropriate

Applicants will also be required to submit to full Adult Health Assessments which will be conducted by their GP and reviewed by the agency’s medical adviser.

Prospective Foster Carer/s will be asked to sign an Assessment Agreement.

A qualified Social Worker is allocated to work with the applicant/s. He/she will visit the applicant/s, (and any children, where appropriate) on approximately 6-8 occasions, (both individually and jointly for a joint application) in order to gather information relevant to all members of the household.

Applicants will also be encouraged to compile a portfolio of material highlighting their skills and experience.

The information which is gathered forms the basis of the assessment and a report, The Form F1 (Competency Based format - available from BAAF) is compiled to include:

1. Personal information specified in Schedule 3 of the Fostering Service Regulations of 2002 relating to the prospective carers and other family members
2. Reports of interviews conducted with at least four persons nominated by prospective foster carers to provide personal references for them
3. The results of CRB checks on the applicant/s; and other family members where appropriate (All applicants will be subject to the “specified offences” conditions as laid down in Section 27 paragraph 5, 6, and 7 of Fostering Services Regulations 2002)
4. The results of the applicant/s medical assessment/s
5. The results of checks with Local Authorities in whose area the applicant/s live or have lived in within the previous 5 years
6. The Social Worker’s competency based assessment of the applicant’s suitability to act as a foster carer
7. The fostering service provider’s assessment of whether the household is suitable based on Health and Safety criteria and risk assessment of domestic animals
8. The fostering service provider’s proposals about the terms, and conditions of any approval

The Fostering Manager will read, approve and countersign each Form F1.

The Form F1 will be read by prospective foster carers and signatures gained.

The Form F1 is presented for consideration and recommendation by The Fostering Panel.

Step 6

Fostering Panel

Fostering Panels have a crucial role to play in the provision and monitoring of Foster Care for looked after children/young people and for Foster Families.

Kingfisher Fostering has its own Fostering Panel (established under National Minimum Standards/Fostering Service Regulations) and its members are drawn from various professions relevant to the care of children and young people such as Education, Social Work, Child Health and Fostering.

Members of the Fostering Panel receive regular training and are knowledgeable in current legislation relevant to Fostering and the welfare of children and young people in general.

The Fostering Panel will meet as required by the agency, to discuss and consider the completed assessments. In order to assist in the decision making process, applicants and their assessing Social Workers will be asked to attend so that the Panel members can meet the applicants and ask questions.

Step 7

Approval – decision-making process

Kingfisher Fostering Ltd is ultimately responsible for deciding whether to approve an applicant as a foster carer after taking the panel recommendations into consideration.

The Registered Manager receives the recommendation of the Panel and on behalf of Kingfisher Fostering makes the final decision about approval status.

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