Long term foster or SGO?

[Shouldidothisforthem]

I've nc for this to protect all.

I've been asked by SS to consider looking after siblings.
We are related in a non direct way, they have no biological connection to me.

I'm just confused about the difference between SGO and fostering. Their father is not in the picture and the dm has severe MH issues. She has lost PR but still wants visitation.

Will I get support from SS either way?
Will I have to supervise the visits with dm if I go for SGO?
Will I get financial assistance?
SS are reluctant to answer my questions of practicality regarding care/finance.

Different borough to me if that helps.

Certainly in my la an sgo allowance is substantially less than the allowance for fostering

I couldn't afford to do the sgo.

Ss will be pushing guardianship as they will then give you less of an allowance and less support.

Thanks for your replies.
I thought that's why they were pushing the SGO so hard! SS were saying "kids won't have to go into temp foster, they'll come straight to you". It just seemed a bit rushed.

I posted this to make sure I wasn't being cynical, seems to know my gut was right!
I'll hold out for foster then.

Is it a much more involved assessment? Or, yet again, are SS fibbing?

The sw are being truthful in regards to he assessment took us six months but I do believe they can fast track this if the children are to be placed with you and need a home immediately. Don't let them push you around as you are also given more support with fostering

Thanks Clara,
I will need support, not so much with the kids but with their mum.
I don't have any experience of dealing with such severe mh issues.

I will hold out for fostering.

We fostered initially, then went for sgo.
We have not seen or heard from social services since!
This is better for us as we found them quite intrusive and unreliable in what they said would happen, arranged contact visits but didn't book a room at family centre etc.
We just wanted to let our new family members settle into normal life.
I don't know what support we would get if we do have a problem...i suspect very little.
If you want on going support, I would foster.

Since we got the sgo I mean!

Similar situation in our distant family but sgo was chosen as gave permanence for the children, payments were the same for fostering or sgo so that made no difference, and family didnt want social services visiting every 6 weeks.
Only difference i think is that if you want support fostering may be better for you.
It will take longer though, an sgo csn be done in weeks rather the months it will take to become assessed and approved as foster carers.

You can still qualify for after adoption support fund, and pupil premium + , together with support for children with suspected FASD (long term)
see www.first4adoption.org.uk click support then funding for details
FASD is a one liner. NHS FASD Clinic is at Surry and Borders NHS is on Webb will explain criteria.
SEN and Educational Health Care plans. refer too LA's Schools Statutory disability assessment team for advice.
There is lots of support around SGO but sadly you still have too fight
the system. Ex looked after children SGO Adoption Kinship all have priority in the system (supposable) including open choices of schools admissions.