skil;s to foster course

[angel31dust]

The skills to foster course they send you is that transferable? i mean if we did it with IFA would we have to do it with LA again?

Hi Angel - I think a lot would depend on the timing - if there was a short time lapse between moving from an IFA to an LA the LA might accept that, but there will be some issues that will differ between the IFA prep course and the LA. It should be open to negotiation though.

Am I right in thinking that you are seeking approval for children 0 - 2 years? If so I don't think you would get many placements via an IFA as LAs don't usually have any trouble placing this age range. How about asking the IFA how many children 0 -2 they have placed in the last 12 months say, to give you some idea. They should have that information recorded, and shouldn't present any difficulties in giving you the info.

I would also ask what happens about contact if a child is placed miles from home. LAs as you probably know have to maintain contact and it may mean a very young child being transported miles 4 or 5 times per week for contact.

I think you need to remember that prospective foster carers are very precious commodities and as well as them assessing you, you need to ask them questions too. I think this is the case whether you are being assessed by an IFA or a LA.