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All assessments of potential foster carers will follow the format of the BAAF Form F Assessments, including the competency section.

The assessment should include the following:

1. The applicant’s motivation
2. The applicant’s support networks
3. The views of members of the applicant’s family towards the application, including the children of the family whether still living in the household or not
4. The extent to which other members of the household will participate in the care and daily life of a child placed with the family
5. Other demands on the family, for example an elderly relative requiring care
6. The suitability of the accommodation and the available sleeping accommodation
7. Previous relationships of the applicant and the reasons for breakdown (verified where appropriate by relevant paperwork and further enquiry of ex-partners)
8. Present relationships
9. Current commitments, work patterns and life style
10. Proposed arrangements for after school care, school holidays and illness
11. The influence of religion including understanding of other denominations and faiths
12. Attitude towards race and culture
13. Attitudes to sex and sexuality
14. Attitudes to education, religion, race, culture and work
15. Access of the home to schools, school transport, public transport and other amenities
16. Views on care and control of children
17. Understanding of children with impaired development or special needs
18. Any issues of infertility, or the death/disability of a child of the family
19. Understanding of the reasons why a child may need a temporary or permanent substitute family
20. Understanding of the likely special problems of foster children including their feelings of separation and loss
21. Attitude to contact with the birth family
22. Understanding of the financial implications of fostering

The assessment should address the applicant’s suitability for any particular group or age of children having regard to the applicant’s preferences.

In carrying out the assessment, it is important:

1. To be clear about the information being sought and why
2. To test, cross-refer and challenge facts and perceptions (whether the assessing social worker’s own perceptions or the applicant’s)
3. To distinguish facts from opinions, establishing facts to support a particular view and expressing opinions where relevant
4. To determine a recommendation based on the findings of the assessment.

The recommendations contained in the completed Form F must be supported by evidence contained in the body of the report.

There should also be a photograph of the applicant, the full personal references and notes of the interviews with the referees, the outcome of any medical reports (medical advisor’s comments) and the results of the checks.

Applicants should be clearly informed about what is required of them, and why it is necessary for the family placement worker to ask searching and difficult questions. If issues arise it is important that these are raised with the applicants and they are advised as to how they can address these concerns.

End