12 days to panel.....

[shaz298]

And I'm feeling really nervous. I am so sure this is what I ( and hubby and Lo) want but then I think, ' Are we really doing this?' Is that normal???

Anyway, just wanted to share my nerves :) x

Don't be nervous (although I didnt take my own advice last week when we went.....my knees were knocking!) but all went fine.

Agree that we did have doubts and it did seem surreal somehow, but think that is the result of being such a long process and it coming to an end.
Just waiting for the phonecall now......

Good luck to you and let us know how it goes! X

Sure will. Hope the call comes soon. WHat age group were you approved for?

We are hoping for under 6, probably child with a disability. x

Approved for 0-2 years! Jumping everytime the phone rings....! Are you being approved for short or long term?

Good luck to both of you !

Long term/Permanent is the plan.......

Thanks SSM

Hi Shaz - please try not to feel nervous about panel. I am a retired sw and tm mgr in fostering and adoption (30 years experience). I think one of the worst things for applicants is walking into a room with approx 9/10 strangers. Panels used to be much smaller but the regs now mean that panels have to multi-disciplinary, so there will be the chair, a clerk taking notes, a medical member (HV or similar) an education rep, an ind member (county councillor) family plct social worker, children & family social worker, and panel advisor, a young person who has been fostered.

Panels do realise that applicants will be nervous and make allowances for this. If you have a positive recommendation from your assessor, you will be fine. The panel advisor should pick up anything that they think is missing from the Form F submitted by the assessor, or anything that isn't clear and discuss this with the assesssor. Sometimes assessors have to re-visit families. If this works as it should, it means that applicants are not asked to clarify any issues in the form. No-one is trying to trip you up - you will probably be asked initially about your prep group and whether anything stuck out for you etc. Then the various members will ask anything relevant to their profession, but only things that are in the form F. Don't forget that foster carers are gold dust to the LA (assume you are going to LA) if you are going to an IFA panel then I am not so sure how these work, as I have only worked for a LA.

I note that your offer appears to be a child under 6 (with disabilities) on a permanent basis. To be honest I always worry about new carers taking on permanent placements, not that they are not needed, quite the reverse, but I always think it best to start short term so that you get used to having LA children in your home. The most successful way of taking a permanent placement is to foster a child on a short term basis and if you are sure that it is right for you and the child, then to convert the placement to permanence. These placements are the most successful.

Anyway good luck and best wishes.

WTG Shaz :) You will rock the panel, and will be a fantastic foster mummy to any little person that is placed with you. Knowing a little bit more about you and your background, give me the privilege of knowing that what ever little person is placed with you will be totally blessed!!

Can't wait to read your Wooohooooo you have been accepted post!! GO GIRL!!!

A x

Thanks Nana and Squidgy.

Nana, we are going with Barnardos and are being put forward for this age group and longterm/permanent due to our own family dynamic. I have lots of experience of working with vulnerable children and I appreciate that looking after a child in our home is much different. I am not going into this with rose tinted spectacles. Hope that helps to asague your concerns :)

We have been told to expect around 10 people to be present including minute taker etc......

Good luck Shaz, you will be fine. They will put you at ease. I don't like big groups like that so when I went to panel (on my own) I answered each panel member when they spoke and tried to pretend the others weren't there! I don't think anyone reaches panel and is told no; that is usually picked up beforehand, or so I was told.

I approached Barnardos before I went with the LA. I really wanted to do exactly as you want to do and I had some years experience nursing children with disabilities but Barnardos then told me (in Scotland) nearly all the children they place are teenagers with behavioural problems. I was annoyed at the time as they advertise for carers for children with disabilities so I ended up going with the LA. Maybe they have reassured you otherwise.

Good luck xx

I oroginally aproached them because they have a good reputation. We are in Scotland too. When I explained what we wanted to offer they were really keen to have us, but were clear that they don't place many under 5's, but the fact that were were happy to give a child with a disability a home, seemed to swing it. We already have a son who has various disabilities, is tube fed etc so not sure what swung it.

I do anticipate quite a wait after approval tbh, but that's ok. I did approach our LA but wasn't impressed at all and having worked with vulnerable young people before had experience of the LA. For me the support is vital and the LA just can't give the same level of support.

Thanks Mumspie. Hope you're getting on well with your LA. xx

Hi Shaz, I am getting on fine with the LA and think perhaps I have done the right thing for now although when I look at www.credocare.co.uk I wish they were in Scotland and would almost certainly foster with them if they were!

I looked at them too! Actually contacted them to ask if they knew of a similar organisation here in Scotland and they advised to contact Barnardos. :)

Would love to hear how you get on at panel and beyond!