We have been asked to consider the "vulnerabilities" of a match

[topcat2014]

We have been asked to consider the "vulnerabilities" of a match. Can anyone translate into non SW speak?

Thanks,

We have been asked to consider the "vulnerabilities" of a match. Can anyone translate into non SW speak?

Can you post the exact sentence(s)? Easier to work it out from context rather than an educated guess- they could mean the child's vulnerabilities or the difficulties you might face once placed.

Or just ask what they mean.

It was a phone call, and (like a fool..) I just sort of agreed on the phone.

I think it will be difficulties once placed.

The child, to us, actually seems quite straightforward, (within the adoption context anyway)

When the SW were considering placing a toddler with my daughter and son in law, the LO had horrendous sleep habits. This was what the SWs called a 'vulnerable placement' because sleeplessness puts such a strain upon the adoptive parents. But that was SWs description of the problem. As PP says, the context will help.

Sorry, post crossed with yours! If you're not sure what they really mean, ask them to clarify.

I think best to send an email and clarify exactly what they want. You don't want to be talking them out of a match and really they should be telling you what the child's needs are.

I imagine they want to hear your selling points- show that you get the kids needs and highlight what you can provide- but best to check.

Hmm, I'd ask - they could mean the things that make the child most fragile (so the greatest challenges for that child), the greatest risks (safety / anonymity, genetic conditions etc) , or the aspects that could put the most pressure on you and your family unit (known sleep issues, challenging behaviours, complex health needs so lots of hospital time...)

I suspect they mean think about the hard bits and try and come up with some comments for panel that show you've thought about them as much as you can - you can't have answers about how you'll handle everything because they reality is always different to the expectation, but just to show your eyes are reasonably open to the issues.

Thanks everyone - like so much in this, it always feels like an exam you haven't/can't revise for as you don't have the textbook!

DW & I have discussed what we think may come up, so we will see how it goes.