Below is an overview of the stages you go through during the assessment process:

• You’re thinking of fostering and contact Orange Grove Fostercare
• Orange Grove Fostercare will send you information and an enquiry pack
• You will have a first discussion with us, about your suitability as a Foster Carer and about the assessment process
• Orange Grove Fostercare carries out a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check and will liaise with other Agencies. They will ask for proof of your identification (like a passport, birth or marriage certificate)
• Orange Grove Fostercare will ask you to undergo a medical examination
• You are invited to attend the ‘Skills to Foster’ preparation course. After these sessions, you will meet the Assessing Social Worker who will carry out your assessment what fostering entails and the skills and qualities required. Together you will plan what information you need to collect to evidence your competencies
• Your Assessing Social Worker will arrange regular appointments to meet with you
• Working with your Assessing Social Worker you will review what information you have collected, discuss how the assessment is going and decide what information is still needed
• Personal and employer references are taken up by Orange Grove Fostercare
• Your Assessing Social Worker gathers together all the information collected at each stage of your application process. They write a report outlining your skills, training needs and areas of future development
• Your Assessing Social Worker will then be able to recommend the number and age of the children you could foster
• You will be given access to the Assessing Social Worker’s report on your family. If you disagree with it, you are able to make your own comments in writing
• The report is presented to the Fostering Panel. You will be asked to attend this Panel
• The Fostering Panel will look at your assessment in detail and talk to you about your desire to become a Foster Carer. The Panel will consider your application in great detail which will result in a decision.

Yes

If you are approved, you will receive further information, training opportunities and an introduction to your Supervising Social Worker.

• After that, a child/young person could be placed with you if a suitable match is identified
• Your approval is reviewed annually, or when there is any change in your circumstance.

No

• If you are not approved your Assessing Social
• Worker will discuss the reasons with you.
• The assessment process can take up to six months in
• total. All members of your household will be involved
• in the assessment process, including any children who
• live with you.

Working with your Orange Grove Assessing Social Worker

You and your partner (if applicable) must be able to make yourselves available when the Assessing Social Worker is visiting.

Always be honest and open. Always answer any questions genuinely.

Always express your own views. What you think and feel are important to Orange Grove Fostercare.

Do not be afraid to ask your Assessing Social Worker if there is something you are unsure about. Your Assessing Social Worker is more than happy to answer your questions and provide you with further information if needed.

This is your assessment so please feel free to raise any concerns you have.

Your Assessing Social Worker will plan the assessment with you and let you know if they have any concerns about the way the assessment is progressing. They will also suggest ways that you can develop your skills and understanding.