Viability assment

[Beaniepop]

Hi im totally new here and looking for advice.we have a appointment for a viability assment...i have a so called friend of mine daughter staying with me at the moment the social worker brought her to stay 2 weeks ago..we was asked if we would consider long term placement..now.iv had a phone call saying tjey are coming out to do this "Viability assment " i have no idea what to expect or what happens next....any advice please

[KTfostermam]

Hi Beaniepop,

I'm a prospective foster carer too, going through a similar process, looking to go into fostering an 'older' young person. Our circumstances are different, so dont take my word as definitive, but I hope she will be wanting to meet with you and get your input into how you feel you could meet the needs of your friends daughter, and if you feel like she would be a good match in your family.

By you saying 'so-called friend' i'm guessing there is some issues here? How does your friends daughter see things?

Hope all goes well for you! Keep us updated if you like..!

[Beaniepop]

Hi KTfostermam.Thanks for your advice i say my so called friend as no matter how much i try to understand how any parent can just refuse to pick there 12yr old up from school...i have known the child since she was born and have a great bond with her...bless it was her who gave social services my contact details..
Its all new to me on how these things work will she be able to stay long term or will social services put her with people who are already approved foster parents..god im so worryed over it all.
Thanks and ues will keep you updated

[KTfostermam]

I feel for you, to be in the middle like that and waiting for something to happen must be very stressful. Thankfully she has you though, even if something happens and she goes and lives somewhere else, try and make the effort to visit and spend time with her. To minimise disruption to the young persons life, they will take her wishes on board i'm sure.

Again, good luck!

[Queenofthedrivensnow]

A viability is a short practical
Assessment usually carried out over one or two visits. It covers things like whether you have space for the child and could meet needs in short term. It includes a dbs check of all the adults living in and who regularly visit the house

[Beaniepop]

Hi Queenofthedrivensnow.
I have a Transferable Enhanced DBS due to the work i do so fingers crossed they can use that one..i have no idea what is going to happen long term to the young person who is staying with me.iv been reading up on things but they all seem to say different.i guess i will find out tomorrow when 2 social workers are visting the normal one who comes also one from the fostering department to to the Viability assment.

[Queenofthedrivensnow]

If a fostering worker is doing the viability they may be assessing you as a connected career which is paid - you get the lowest standard fostering allowance. You don’t use your existing dbs they will pay for a police check - from your poets you sound like a good option for the child for now