4.7.9 Assessment of Approved Carers Transferring from Independent Fostering Agencies or another Local Authority |
Contents
1. Introduction
Where an Enquirer or Applicant indicates that they have a current approval with another Registered Fostering Service (IFA or Local Authority) this should be noted by Recruitment Service.
Such applicants will be invited to complete an Application to Transfer Approval form giving permission to Wandsworth Fostering Service to approach their approving agency. This approach will be undertaken by the Placements & Commissioning Team in the first instance.
2. Assessment Report
The assessor will visit the IFA or Local Authority to look at the files, and the reference reports. The quality of this report will indicate how much more work needs to be done, so attention should be paid to length, quality and age. The assessor will be required to complete the attached form which will be presented to panel alongside their report.
A general update report should include the following ( see the relevant report format ):
- Any significant changes;
- A summary of their fostering work;
- A statement by the applicants about their fostering, what they have learnt, how it was reasons for leaving the other agency and why they wish to move to Wandsworth;
- Copy of most recent Annual Household review if there is one;
- Interview with carers own children about how they have found fostering and any other information from previously fostered children or children in placement if they are intending to stay along with a written report from her social worker;
- Two references and a reference form the Local authority if a child remains in placement post the transfer;
- Summary of application completed by assessing Social Worker.
Letter or report from the approving agency giving a view of their fostering, any concerns and their understanding of why they are leaving where possible.
Optional. Consider taking a further reference if there is a paucity of information concerning the families fostering experience. This could be from a referee already used in the original assessment.
Information from any school aged children from teachers about their progress and the role of the foster carer in improving their educational outcomes.This will include reports on any child already placed with the carers.
3. Checks
New CRB checks should be taken on both applicants (and adult children over 16). If there are any disclosures for any person in the fostering family this needs to be presented to the Service Manager to seek the approval of the Agency Decision Maker.
Medicals can be accepted from previous agency if they are within 3 years. If there have been issues identified consider getting new one done and getting sight of original.
Undertake new Local Authority checks.
These assessment components need to be undertaken if the agency has not completed them:
- Need to interview ex-partner if childcare has been involved;
- Need to complete chronology for each applicant. This can be completed by the applicant and the assessing Social Worker needs to go through this with them and verify what they can;
- Checks have been carried out e.g. finance, security of tenure, health and safety;
- It may be necessary to undertake an employer's reference check or seek a further school reference;
- Second opinion visit is optional depending on the view of the Team manager. The assessment will be discussed in supervision and a decision taken whether it may be necessary to undertake one. May be useful if there are some more difficult issues or points to emphasis or clarify.
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