How Can I Become A Carer

The fostering assessment process involves a variety of checks being completed and a detailed report being compiled:

• On receiving an enquiry, Key Assets requests basic information about you and forwards our literature giving you more information on fostering.
   
• An initial personal discussion takes place in your own home with a Key Assets Social Worker.
   
• You will complete an application form, giving us detailed information about yourself and your family and your consent for us to complete necessary checks and enquiries to ascertain your suitability to foster.
   
• Preparation/assessment training called Skills to Foster is provided which covers the responsibilities of being a foster carer and working with Key Assets. All prospective foster carers must attend this training.
   
•  Police references are obtained on all members of your household aged 18 years and over and other regular adult visitors.
   
• You are required to have a medical examination completed by your GP and the report is made available to our Medical Advisor for his/her comments about your health.
   
• You are asked to identify at least two personal referees who will provide written references and be interviewed as part of the assessment process.
   
• A qualified social worker will carry out a full assessment. He/she visits your home, generally on 4-8 occasions, to meet and collect information about all members of your household and your experience and skills in relation to fostering.
   
• The information obtained forms the basis of an assessment report. Key Assets uses an assessment report format that is shared with the foster carers and the placing social worker when children are being considered for placement. The completed report is given to the carers for their records.
   
• During the assessment process applicants will be helped to compile a portfolio of written material giving examples of their relevant experience and skills. This material will form the basis for an ongoing learning and development porfolio carers keep.

The Approval Process

• The content of the assessment report, excluding all references will be shared with you and then presented to a Key Assets Fostering Panel.
   
• To assist in the decision making process, you, as the applicants, are expected to attend the Panel meeting
   
• The Panel makes recommendations about the suitability of applicants to be approved/appointed as foster carers with Key Assets.
   
• The Executive Director receives the recommendation of the Fostering Panel, and on behalf of the agency, makes the final decision about approval/appointment.
   
• Applicants are informed verbally and in writing about the agency decision.

The assessment process takes, on average, 4 months from commencement and every effort is made to ensure there is no available delay. All information obtained about prospective carers is held on file. On request some of this can be viewed. Information of a confidential nature, including personal references, cannot be accessed.