Talk to me about home visits (ref matching etc)

[topcat2014]

A child's SW wants to visit us - we have read the CPR etc and are v keen.

What on earth do we do to prepare?

I would make sure you let them know how keen you are. This is like a job interview to be this child's parents. Be warm and welcoming and try to get a sense of the real child behind the words. You can ask for more hard and fast info through the medical adviser etc a bit further down the line.

This advice though is assuming that there's nothing that you've read that concerns you. If there is, you will have to pin that down to be sure you could meet this child's needs.

Just be warm and welcoming. We did tea and cakes which always go down well. Our childs sw was so down to earth, she had a look around the house, asked a few questions, seen the dogs and told us there and then she liked us and would pursue the match. Your constantly on pins and i cleaned the house as if the queen was coming lol.

Thanks..

Not quite sure when it will be yet - so will re-read the CPR and make some notes.

Make sure you can talk confidently about how you can meet the childs needs, that you are aware of the implications of any conditions/diagnosis they have. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

think about the medium to long term - what were your plans for childcare, working after adoption leave - do you need to rethink at all ?
Know whats in your area - depending on age - nurseries, schools, support groups etc
My son was nearly 8 at placement, he has autism and a learning difficulty. SWs were quite impressed that I knew not just about suitable primaries ( mainstream and special) but also secondaries and college level provision.
Have the bedroom ready, doesnt have to be finished, but a child friendly welcoming room waiting to be personalised. Make sure any obvious hazards are dealth with eg uncovered garden ponds, stair gates kind of thing.
Be yourself. Good luck !

Great advice above, you will get asked 'why this child', 'how do you think you can meet their needs', 'how will you deal with {any known issues/and any unknown}.

Also be prepared to be asked how you would overcome any of your known weaknesses. For example, I used to smoke, and I got asked how (under pressure) I would ensure that I would not go back to smoking.

Much like an interview, try to drop into conversation the knowledge you have gained along the way. I managed to reference books I had read and experience I had had via conversation.