We know that the idea of sitting in front of a panel can be nerve-wracking, so we want you to be as prepared as possible for this last step. Fostering Panel Administrator Debbie Stone explains what you can expect at your meeting.
Who makes up the panel?
The panel is a group of people who decide whether to recommend you as a foster carer. My role is to take the minutes of everything discussed.
Everyone involved has an interest in fostering, whether they are social workers, carers or children who have been in care. Other panel members may have specialist skills in medicine or education. Their combined experience means they are best placed to recommend people to be foster carers.
There are usually at least six people on the panel and it will be headed by a chairperson who has significant experience of working with children and families.
What can I expect to happen on the day?
Your social worker will go in first to present your assessment and answer questions from the panel. You will then be invited into the meeting room and asked questions about your assessment so that the panel can get to know you personally.
It’s a great opportunity for you to feel involved in the decision-making process and to ask the panel any questions you may have, but don’t feel obliged to!
How do I know if I have been approved?
After the meeting the panel will discuss your assessment and make a recommendation about whether you should start fostering. It is unusual for a carer not to be approved at this point.
The final decision lies with the Agency Decision Maker, Ron Giddens, who is also Director of Operations at St Christopher’s. He will agree or disagree with the recommendation and will write to you in seven days to let you know.
You’ll be able to start fostering as soon as you receive your approval letter. Congratulations!
If you think you would be a great foster carer, get in touch with us today.
There are usually at least six people on the panel and it will be headed by a chairperson who has significant experience of working with children and families.
What can I expect to happen on the day?
Your social worker will go in first to present your assessment and answer questions from the panel. You will then be invited into the meeting room and asked questions about your assessment so that the panel can get to know you personally.
It’s a great opportunity for you to feel involved in the decision-making process and to ask the panel any questions you may have, but don’t feel obliged to!
How do I know if I have been approved?
After the meeting the panel will discuss your assessment and make a recommendation about whether you should start fostering. It is unusual for a carer not to be approved at this point.
The final decision lies with the Agency Decision Maker, Ron Giddens, who is also Director of Operations at St Christopher’s. He will agree or disagree with the recommendation and will write to you in seven days to let you know.
You’ll be able to start fostering as soon as you receive your approval letter. Congratulations!
If you think you would be a great foster carer, get in touch with us today.
No comments:
Post a Comment