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Fostering Assessment Questions – Getting Prepared

Fostering Assessment Questions

If you wish to become a foster carer with Fusion Fostering, you will need to be assessed to ensure that you fit the criteria to be a carer and that you will be a good fit for the role. Some people may feel nervous about this process and worried about what it will entail.

First of all, you don’t jump into the assessment process straight away. Once you have expressed an interest in becoming a foster carer with us, a member of the Fusion Social Care Team will visit you at your home (or virtually during the current coronavirus pandemic). This is a great opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you may be concerned about. We will provide you with more detailed information about foster care, our agency, our values, and the types of care we cater for. 

During the initial visit, our social care team will be interested in finding out about you. They may ask you questions such as: 

  • Why would you like to be a foster carer? 
  • What type of foster care are you interested in? 
  • What are your expectations of fostering? 

 

This initial “home visit” will be a casual chat and there is no pressure on you to commit to anything just yet! We want you to feel comfortable and these types of questions will help us to get an understanding of your goals, meaning we can provide the best possible support for you as you continue your application. 

If, after the home visit, you feel that you no longer wish to foster. This is absolutely no issue and we have done our job, as we have helped you to make an informed decision if fostering is right for you and your family! There is no need to feel like you have to commit this early on and we put no pressure on you to make a decision.

If you do wish to continue, then you will be asked to attend a ‘Skills to Foster’ training session. After this, the official assessment process will begin. This involves statutory checks, medicals, DBS checks and snf references, as well as regular meeting and home visits from a social worker who will ask you to provide more information about yourself, your family, and your lifestyle. 

The type of topics and questions we will be asking might include, but aren’t limited to: 

  • Language and literacy – can you communicate clearly in English? 
  • Time – do you work? If so, part-time or full? Will it affect your ability to provide care? 
  • Accommodation – is your home suitable? Do you have any regular visitors? 
  • Support network – do you have friends and/or family to support you? 
  • Lifestyle – do you have any health conditions (physical or mental)? 
  • Pets – are your pets safe for children to be around? 
  • Relationships – do you have any ex-partners? Do you have a current partner? 
  • Finances – do you consider yourself financially stable? 
  • Diversity – are you inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds? 

 

Some people may feel concerned about giving up private details about their lives and feel nervous about the assessment process. Although it can feel intrusive, social workers are required to explore this information so that they can assess your suitability to safeguard children as they need to feel confident that every foster carer we approve will provide a safe and secure environment for the children and young people in our care.

There is no judgement during the fostering assessment and our social workers are sensitive to issues that may be personal.

All information from the assessment is gathered into a Form F report which will be presented to the Fostering Panel. During your panel meeting, you may be asked further questions regarding your application and you will be able to provide more detail on information included in the report. It is a chance for you to tell the panel more about yourself, your application, and your desire to foster. 

As long as you are willing to be open and honest, there is nothing to worry about during the assessment process. Our social workers are there to support you through every step of the process and will be on hand to provide guidance whenever you need it. 

If you do have any concerns about becoming a foster carer, please speak to a member of our team who will be able to put your mind at ease. Get in contact by filling out our online form here, emailing info@fusionfostering.com or by giving us a call on 03301 239355.

 

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Fusion Fostering Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales with company number 07819299 whose registered office is at Old Mill, Maltravers House, Petters Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1SH.

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