Panel

[maya03]

After being approved for almost 12 months a match had finally been found we had the placement meeting, which went well, we then had the matching meeting, which went even better. The match we then sent to panel for approval and a date was set for our introduction planning meeting. We have now had a phone call to say the introduction meeting has been cancelled as the panel have deferred the match until we have met with camhs, the children we were getting are under camhs which we were told at previous meetings. Is it likely that we wont get these children or is it just a formality that someone from camhs has to make us aware of the children's problems. We are worried sick this may fall through as even though we have yet to meet the children they seem perfect to fit in with our family.

[scarlet5tyger]

Hold on a second, you are adopting children with problems serious enough to need CAHMS support but you haven't been told what those problems are?? Or have I misunderstood?

I'd want to know chapter and verse about any CAHMS involvement - I've had plenty of experience of absolutely crucial information being withheld from new parents incase it breaks down a match - on several occasions being left to tell important medical info to new parents during introductions!

[suzylee73]

In my experience (10 years fostering) the fact that CAHMS want to pass on information is very positive. Its unusual for this to happen in my area so take advantage and ask lots of question, take a pad and paper. Its always best to know the fullest details and the worst details to prepare you for the challenges to come. A lot of placement offers can come to nothing so don't take it personal if it does and good luck with it x

[maya03]

Thank you suzylee73, feel a little better. We had been told camhs had been involved in the past but the children have improved so they hadn't been seen for a time but that they were still going to be available should we need them once the children had moved in. Because of this we presumed we'd been told everything, we are hoping that they will just be going over old ground just to show panel that they have done what's been asked. From the positive meeting we had previously we don't expect any new information that would put us off having these children we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed. We know it's something we shouldn't have done until panel approved the match but we have gone to town decorating the bedrooms so they will feel it is somewhere they want to live from the moment they visit.

[maya03]

Thank you suzylee73, feel a little better. We had been told camhs had been involved in the past but the children have improved so they hadn't been seen for a time but that they were still going to be available should we need them once the children had moved in. Because of this we presumed we'd been told everything, we are hoping that they will just be going over old ground just to show panel that they have done what's been asked. From the positive meeting we had previously we don't expect any new information that would put us off having these children we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed. We know it's something we shouldn't have done until panel approved the match but we have gone to town decorating the bedrooms so they will feel it is somewhere they want to live from the moment they visit.

[Roshbegosh]

It is mad that you have waited a year for a placement when there is supposed to be such a shortage of foster carers, assume you are agency and it is a resource issue. I agree with other posters, the CAMHS info will be really helpful and IME you are fortunate to be getting it.

[maya03]

No Roshbegosh were LA, I think the problem was we were approved for siblings between the ages of 5-11, they kept telling us there were no sibling groups in that age range suitable (our lack of experience stopped us being match to many we think) . They were constantly asking if we would consider just 1 child then have another at a later date which refused and stuck to our guns regarding wanting siblings. Panel wanting us to have a meeting with camhs just has us worried that the whole match could be in jeopardy, probably worrying over nothing but worrying all the same. We know all the information we can get our hands on is a good thing but we think this meeting should have happened before it went to panel.