Service Description: Fostering is substitute family care for children and young people who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to live with their own families. Services available via the Fostering Service are Long Term Fostering, Short Term Fostering, Respite Care, Day Care Providers, Family Link and Combined Accomodation Scheme (CAS). The service currently consists of 3 Units and a Fostering Duty Worker.
Answer: Carers attend preparation groups prior to being assessed. The assessment process is detailed and is similar to the process that foster carers undergo. References are taken up from many agencies as well as personal references and medical references. A series of interviews leads to a full report being presented to the Fostering Panel. This process is in keeping with regulations issued by the government (Fostering Services Regulations, Department of Health, [Care Standards Act, 2000, and Children Act 1989]). These regulations also govern how the process of Family Link is arranged. - Related Link