by admin | Dec 27, 2022 | Fostering
In accordance with fostering Service Regulations, Brighter Fostering maintains a central list of panel members who are selected to reflect the community that the panel serves, who may be professionals and service user between them who have a vast range of experience. The panel may include a Brighter Fostering social worker or senior member with Panel experience but predominantly will consist of independent adults with experience and knowledge of fostering and those who work in children’s social care, or health and education.
The convene a Fostering Panel Meeting the following people must come together:
A Panel Chairperson
They are not an employee of Brighter Fostering, but an Independent person with the necessary skills knowledge and expertise to chair the panel.
A Vice Chair
This person is responsible for chairing meetings in the chair’s absence or when the position of chair is vacant.
One Social Worker
They will have at least 3 years relevant post-qualification experience in childcare with direct experience of fostering or in placing/supervising children in foster care.
At least three other Members
Panel membership must include at least 3 other members not including the independent Chairperson. Where possible Brighter Fostering will request at least one foster/adoptive parent from another service and when, if possible, a former looked after young person who now meets the necessary conditions to join the panel.
The Panel Adviser
At Brighter Fostering, this role is fulfilled by our Service Development Manager. We also have an Independent Panel Advisor who in a previous role was a Senior Social Worker and Independent Reviewing Officer. Any one of the Panel Advisers will be present at the panel meeting. The Panel Adviser is there to advise panel members on regulations, agency policy, practice and performance requirements.
The assessing social worker will be there with the applicant to explain the recommendation to the panel and, if the applicant wishes, they can bring a friend or relative for support. That person can come into panel or stay in the waiting area, whilst the panel members deliberate and meet the assessing social worker and the applicants.
Before the panel, the chair will come and introduce themselves and explain what will happen and how the panel works.
The panel will discuss your application and then ask the assessing social worker any questions, after that the applicant will be requested to come in and join them along with the assessing social worker. The panel will then introduce themselves and ask a few questions, including your answers to the children’s questions.
What will the fostering panel ask the applicants?
Panel members might ask about the assessment, the training and why the applicants are looking forward to becoming future foster carers.
The panel will be likely to also ask the assessing social worker some questions if there are things that they need to clarify after reading the completed assessment report. They are there just to clarify issues and not to interrogate the applicants.
What happens next?
After introductions and asking the necessary questions, the applicants and the assessing social worker will be asked to return to the waiting area while panel considers their recommendation.
Having concluded its discussions and deliberations, the Panel must do one of three things:
1. Recommend for approval as suggested in the assessment report by the assessing social worker, which will include reasons why the panel feels the applicant is suitable to foster, number of placements, age, gender, and type of placement.
2. Defer a recommendation with reasons for their deferral, this may be down to requiring more information about the applicant’s suitability to foster.
3. Recommend Not to Approve, if the panel feels the applicants are not suitable to foster, reasons will be shared with applicants for why the recommendation is being made.
The Panel Chair, with consulting the panel members, will then inform the applicant about their recommendation and that The Brighter Fostering Agency Decision Maker (ADM), will consider that recommendation and make a formal decision as to whether the applicant should be approved as a foster parent.
The Decision is made by the Agency Decision Maker (ADM)
This decision will be made as quickly as possible and will normally be communicated to the applicants as soon as the ADM makes their decision and then in writing within 10 working days of the decision.
Following the panel, applicants will receive a feedback form to let Brighter Fostering know your views on the assessment and the panel experience. This will be helpful and will inform the service what is working well and whether there are any areas we can improve on.
The overall experience of Fostering Applicants
Attending panel may feel a bit daunting and the idea of a room full of people asking applicants questions might feel overwhelming, but the truth is most people having attended a panel meeting it is definitely not intimidating which they had feared and that panel members are friendly and welcoming.
All panel members will be aware that people may be a bit anxious about attending and they will try to help applicants to feel relaxed, at ease and be comfortable, having completed an intense assessment process, this is the final stage of process, so remain positive.
by admin | Jun 28, 2022 | Fostering
Why the fear of “getting too attached” shouldn’t stop you from fostering
I’d love to foster, but….
Our May blog aimed to address some of the common myths and buts that prevent people from applying to be foster carers. Now you may be thinking that fostering could be right for you and your family, but you still have concerns.
Our June blog discusses one of the biggest buts for many people … I’d love to foster, but I couldn’t say goodbye.
Throughout our June blog, we will explore why a fear of getting too attached shouldn’t deter you from fostering and why it may make you the perfect person.
When and why do foster children move on?
In some cases, fostering can turn into a permanent living arrangement.
However, most children leave foster care to return to their birth families, when the birth parents or their family members have received the support needed to enable them to provide a safe and stable home for their child.
Alternatively, some children may move on to another more permanent home, such as an adoptive family or permanent fostering home.
Children may reach the age of 18 when in your care and you may support them to move onto independent or supported living arrangements.
(NSPCC 2021)
How can I cope with saying goodbye?
Saying goodbye to a child who has become a part of your family will be hard and your emotions are valid and understandable. We are human and foster carers will and should form strong bonds with the children in their care.
Being concerned about getting too attached is not a hindrance, it’s an asset. Being able to build a strong attachment with a child will enable you to attune to their needs and help them to thrive when they’re with you and in the future.
People foster for many years and say goodbye to many children. Resilience will come with time and through the knowledge that you and your family made a positive difference to the life of the foster child.
Remember – you are not on your own!
Your support network will no doubt play an important part in your fostering journey. If you are in a couple, lean on each other. Reach out to friends. Talk to fellow foster carers about their experiences.
Your supervising social worker will also make sure that you are supported fully in both a practical and emotional sense, whether that involves training, taking a break or talking through your feelings.
“Do not let the fear of having a child that might leave deter us; instead let the fear of a child never knowing our love drive us” (Johnson 2022)
Let’s keep answering your concerns!
We would love to have the opportunity to support you through your fostering journey.
If you would love to foster but have those niggling questions or concerns, our friendly and approachable team are here to help- you won’t know until you ask!
You can reach us by email: info@brighterfostering.co.uk
Or by phone: 0113 350 9006 or 07368594169
by admin | Jun 1, 2022 | Fostering
Over the last few months, we have had the opportunity to connect with many people in the local communities of West Yorkshire through our recruitment events. We have been spreading the message about fostering and how rewarding it can be to provide a loving home for looked after children.
Despite this, there are many myths that still exist about fostering, so we wanted to take this opportunity in our May blog to bust the top 5 myths and answer your questions!
- I’d love to foster, but I’m too old (or young!)
You must be over 21 to foster; however, there is no upper age limit. If you are fit and well and you want to foster, age will not stop you!
Age brings with it life experience and knowledge that can support you in your fostering journey and help to provide a stable and loving home for foster children.
Equally, we have had younger people expressing their interest in fostering. Younger foster carers can make a career out of fostering and can often empathise easily with young people in care. Ultimately, each child is unique, as is each foster carer. If you are interested in fostering- do not let age stop you!
2. I’d love to foster, but I’m single
We know at Brighter Fostering that each family is unique! There is no requirement based on relationship status or marriage.
There are many single people that make fantastic foster carers.
If you are a loving, committed and caring person, who can support and meet the needs of a child or young person, then we want to hear from you!
3. I’d love to foster, but I work full time
Although fostering is a big commitment, with balance and planning, it is possible for you to continue your working life alongside fostering and people do successfully work and foster.
There are many different types of placements, for example you may wish to start as a respite carer and support a child for a period of 1 – 2 weeks when you have the time. If you’re work is flexible, we may be able to place an older, school age child in your care.
Fostering also comes with financial rewards, to support the child in your care and to reward you for your skills and expertise, so this may also help to compensate any time you take from your working life for fostering.
4. I’d love to foster, but I don’t have experience
Although you will need some experience with children and an understanding of what it is like to raise children; you do not need any childcare qualifications, work experience or children of your own to be able to foster.
Many people gain experience with children through helping to take care of their nieces and nephews, their friends’ children, or through voluntary work.
We will also support you to gain the skills and knowledge required for fostering in our mandatory skills to foster training. Remember, no one starts as an expert!
5. I’d love to foster, but I have my own children
Providing you have room in your home and your life for another child, then having your own young children can be a benefit! Research shows that fostering can enhance the lives of both foster and birth children.
Your current situation will be assessed to ensure that you will be able to care for a foster child without compromising the care of your own children.
The matching process will also ensure that any child or young person that comes to live with you is a good fit for all the family.
Now you know… what’s stopping you?!
If you want to become a foster carer and you feel you can provide a stable and loving home for a foster child, then please contact us!
The team at Brighter Fostering is committed to supporting you on your fostering journey and answering any questions or concerns you may have.
You can reach us by email: info@brighterfostering.co.uk
Or by phone: 0113 350 9006 or 07368594169
We look forward to hearing from you!
by admin | Mar 26, 2022 | Fostering
Brighter Fostering are proud to stand together with social workers across the world to mark World Social Work Day, which this year is on Tuesday 15 March 2022.
World Social Work Day is a chance to shine a light and give thanks to social workers for everything they do to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable children, families and communities across the globe.
The theme of this year’s world social work day is: ´Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind´.
‘Leaving No One Behind’ makes me think of why I chose to do a social work degree. Life doesn’t always go to plan. People from all walks of life can be completely left behind by any set of circumstances. People tend to isolate themselves from the support networks that are necessary to help them heal, when things go wrong. Social workers can be that driving force, a non-judgemental friendly face to help people move through life in a meaningful way. Social work recognises and values the growth of deeper connections for individuals and provide opportunities for people to re-engage not just with themselves, but with the broader community.
Being a social worker myself, I have never felt left behind, and I know if I did, I would have a great team to support me through it. And that makes me proud to be a social worker.
The theme presents a vision and action plan to create new global values, policies and practices that develop trust, security and confidence for all people and the sustainability of the planet. World Social Work Day 2022 will be a highlight opportunity for the social work profession to engage all social work networks and the community they work within to make contributions to the values and principles which enable all people to have their dignity respected through shared futures. This platform will provide a collective voice where social workers can have a say in the world, they want to live in. I urge all social workers to become involved in this global mass movement for change.
Social work is an incredibly important and often misunderstood sector of society at large. Social workers the world over are integral in their contributions to their communities. Almost every sector of society has some semblance of social work involved within it, from hospitals to probation services, schools to voluntary organisations. We all benefit from the presence and work of social workers, and on 15th March, the world takes time out to celebrate the vast contributions of social work and social workers around the globe.
Happy Social Work Day!
by admin | Feb 26, 2022 | Fostering
Most people who have taken the first step to becoming a foster carer do their own research as it is not a decision that is taken lightly. Having some insight into the role of a foster carer is essential.
In this blog I will explain the assessment process to assist families in making an informed decision about your next step to providing a safe, loving, and positive family environment for looked after children, where they will excel.
What is the assessment process?
Step 1: Initial enquiry When we receive your initial call, we talk through the role of a professional foster carer, application requirements, and a summary of what fostering children entails. Step 2: Initial home visit Within 7-10 working days a member of our team will meet with you in your home to complete an initial home visit. Where we will discuss fostering and how it might impact your family and lifestyle. We will use this time to gather some basic information about you and your family. Such as where you have lived and a summary of your life experiences. The main aim is for us to get a good feel for you and your home environment, and to give you an idea of life as a Foster Carer and what you can expect. During this time, you can ask any questions you may have about the process. If you decide to proceed, the next step is to complete a fostering application form. Step 3. After the initial home visit We often find that prospective Foster Carers find this part of their fostering application the most daunting. It is very natural to feel apprehensive about understanding the fostering assessment. But rest assure there really is no need. After the home visit if Brighter Fostering and your family/household are happy to proceed, you will be allocated an Assessing Social Worker who will start and complete your formal process of becoming a Foster Carer. There are two stages to this process. The first stage will be about gathering references, medical checks, police checks DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and general safety checks. The second stage involves in-depth discussions about your family history. At Brighter Fostering, we run these stages together, so we do not delay the process for foster carers. The assessment process involves 6-8 visits to your home which includes a mixture of virtual and home visits. During this process you also attend a virtual/in person training session, which we call skills to foster. Your Assessing Social Worker will gather lots of information about you including your family life, your background, history, and about current/ previous relationships. Your assessing social worker will always try and make you feel comfortable. We also ask that you provide names of referees as part of this process; and these people will be contacted in relation to your application. Once the information is put together, alongside the information you gave at the initial home visit, it forms what is known as a Form F Report. This report provides an insight into you and your family; there is not a right or wrong person that makes a Foster Carer, no-one is here to judge as everyone has had different life experiences. That is what makes people great at fostering. The best thing to do is to simply be honest! Step 4: After the Form F is completed You will have the opportunity to review your Form F before it is passed to the Brighter Fostering’s Independent Panel, who you will meet with to discuss your application. The assessing social worker will work through the process with you and explore questions the panel may want to discuss. After this, you will find out whether the panel will be recommending approval. The fostering panel approve all new applicants and will review your fostering journey annually. Final point The assessment process is not just about completing forms and training, it also places a spotlight on your life. This should enable you to draw on your own lived experiences and give you an understanding of your core skills and strengths to benefit the children that will come into your care. As you may expect, the fostering assessment process involves an in-depth analysis; but this should not make you feel anxious. For many, it is the fear of not knowing what happens during an assessment that they find daunting. The aim of this blog is to help potential foster carers feel at ease when their own assessment approaches, by outlining how the foster care assessment works in detail. The journey through the assessment process can be enlightening!
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