www.education.gov.uk/a00213927/adoptfosterconsult
Apparently despite the cabinet reshuffle adoption reforms are going full speed ahead. They are looking to implement these new procedures next year after the consultation
Proposed new guideline and procedures for fostering and adoption include:
- Two approval processes will be created - one longer process for first time adopters/foster carers and one fast track approval process for re-approval. This means second time adopters may not have to do any CRB checks or other checks they've done already etc
- There will be a fast track way of approving adopters for short term foster care, to enable concurrent planning
- A two stage approval process whereby checks and initial preparation (CRB, providing certifcates, prep group etc) is done first in 2 months, followed by 4 months ish of "intensive training" and homestudy assessment
- Foster carers don't have to ask permission to get their LO's hair cut or let them go to a sleepover etc
Couple of other things
Thoughts? I'm still formulating my own, but I do wonder whether adopters would be properly prepared for short term foster care without a full training process? And I'm not sure speeding up foster care approval will actually increase numbers of foster carers as they think - aren't there issues like spare bedrooms, working etc that are bigger hurdles for prospective carers to overcome?
The implement next year bit makes me think this may be a done deal, but maybe not
I sadly notice that once again post adoption support is not mentionned, and is sidelined. No new obligations to provide this then!