Fostering Fortnight ended on May 30th and the theme was ‘Time to Foster, Time to Care’ where it was highlighted every 20 minutes a child needs foster care. That means that since May 30th, 1584 children and young people have entered care and so foster carers are needed more than ever.
Hopefully, if you are an Independent Fostering Agency, you have recruited lots of potential foster carers whom you are now looking to allocate for assessment. I have recently just taken to panel my 19th foster carer to be approved. Mr Liddy, a single applicant, gives his feedback on his experience of the assessment process with me, some of which is printed here with permission…
I know a number of people who felt on the spot during their assessment and have told me it can be quite uncomfortable to talk through your past with another person. However , through the entire process, I did not feel uncomfortable at all. I actually quite enjoyed the process and it was always pleasant having Kevin visit my home. I believe Kevin’s approach, persona, and professionalism really shone through, he was extremely responsive when I needed help and I never felt judged or uncomfortable when I was talking about my family history.
I feel that Kevin allowed me to talk through my own experiences and made key links to how these may be useful during my time when Fostering. He also highlighted several areas that I wasn’t very well informed about and talked through these things with me; he wasn’t afraid to highlight my weaknesses, provide constructive criticisms and work towards broadening my knowledge.
I have had a brilliant time working with him and cannot recommend him enough. Thank you for all your work and the insight that you have brought. I would recommend him without doubt for any other fostering applicant – Mr Liddy (newly approved foster carer).
Contact me to discuss how my assessment experience can support your agency’s prospective foster carers through the assessment process.
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KEVIN STYCH independent social worker 