Finally assessment has started

[imeverywoman]

Hi
I wrote some months ago regarding starting the fostering process again. I was in a dilemna about whether we should go with the LA or an IFA. We approached several IFAs and two really stood out for us, Fostering Outcomes and Families for Children. But in the end we decided to go through the process again with the LA that let us down in the assessment process 5 years ago. They appear determined to not leave us in the lurch this time and have engaged the services of an independant assessor to do our assessment. We had our first meeting today where Husband and I went through all the forms that have to be completed. CRB, medical, references, child protection disclosure. So the process begins again for us.
I currently work full time in a well paid job but I absolutely hate it and just want to do something fulfilling. My husband is a bit nervous about the loss in income, but my attitude is as long as the bills are paid and our birth child is ok, we as a family will be ok.
so I'll keep you all updated on our progress through the assessment. I really hope that they can complete it by late autumn. But we'll see:)

I personally think you're wise to go with LA in the current economic climate, particular if your husband is worried about a loss in income - sadly the number of children in care tends to rise in a recession, while the money to pay IFAs goes down.

My own LA are really rushing assessments through at the moment - sometimes too quickly I think as I know several recently approved FCs who are totally unsuitable yet have been approved. They say the average time is 6-9 months so late autumn is a possibility.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Hubby had his individual assessment yesterday. He said it was in depth and quite personal but nothing he couldn't handle. Bless him. Questions were asked about his childhood experiences, how he found school, his parents and family. His relationship with people. His relationship with me. He was asked his strengths and weaknesses. How people saw him, difficult periods in his life and how he coped. What he can offer as a foster carer. He said it took about 2 hours of quite intense questioning.
My turn next week. It will take more than 2 hours with me.:-)

Hubby had his individual assessment yesterday. He said it was in depth and quite personal but nothing he couldn't handle. Bless him. Questions were asked about his childhood experiences, how he found school, his parents and family. His relationship with people. His relationship with me. He was asked his strengths and weaknesses. How people saw him, difficult periods in his life and how he coped. What he can offer as a foster carer. He said it took about 2 hours of quite intense questioning.
My turn next week. It will take more than 2 hours with me.:-)