lack of info

[jozanna]

hi , im a fairly new foster mum but am quite shocked at how much info is kept from me eg court and just how long i may have children for its really annoying

I have no personal experience of fostering but have heard that the social workers keep foster carers in the dark, sometimes with devastating results. I've heard of boys with a known problem abuse the daughter of the carer, some very damaged children who have been a nightmare to care for and their background of severe abuse/neglect kept secret. There should be some sharing of information but with care taken not to reveal too sensitive information. At the moment it is very one sided.

Hi jozanna We had this problem when we first started fostering. The trick is to ask a lot of direct questions before you except the placement.

Does the child have a history of:
Violence
Absconding
Self harm
Stealing
Drinking/drug use
What information does the SW have regarding the family. Ask for details you are entitled to know.
What are the contact arrangements going to be.
How much involvment will you be expected to have with parents/siblings/contact/transport.
What is the school history.
It's always difficult to say how long a child will be with you but ask where in the process the children are at the moment.

If there have been previous foster placements ask for the carers contact details and speak to them.

Make sure the SWs know you are keeping a record of their answers and if they keep anything back complain to your own SW.
To be fair they don't always know the answers themselves, but if they are not sure about anything ask them to find out and get back to you. You are a professional as well and deserve to be treated as such.

It does get easier with time. Good luck.