Independent Social Worker (Form F Assessor)

The Independent Social Worker (Form F Assessor) is responsible for:

• Initial Assessment visit and completion of initial assessment (where requested)
• Completion of all parts of a full British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) Form F Assessment on prospective foster carers.

Please note : The post holder is expected to have read the Local Authorities procedures in relation to Fostering Assessments and the BAAF Guidance prior to completing the Assessment.

Initial Assessment Visit

Where applicants have made an enquiry/or applied to foster, you may be asked to undertake an Initial Assessment visit to that applicant's home.

This will include :-

• Undertaking a thorough initial interview with applicant. If there are two applicants in one household, both should be included
• Complete Initial Assessment pro-forma
• Ensure that the room for fostering has been considered carefully, taking into account guidance provided by Children's Services
• Complete report/documents and return to Panel Administrator
• Complete any progress reports and return to Panel Administrator

FormF Assessment

Form F Assessment

• There should be no less than six home visits and it would usually be expected that each visit should be no less than 2 hours long.
• Make contact with applicant within one week of allocation
• Set up appointments with applicant, and ensure visits are carried out on time
• Support applicant to complete CRB forms at first visit
• Meet with prospective carers
• See joint applicants separately on at least one occasion
• See applicants' own children individually and depending on age. It is important to evaluate their understanding of the need for self-protection
• Adult children living away from home should be contacted
• Ex-partners of applicants should be contacted (in relation to all significant relationships)
• Interview any other adult member of the household or significant adult who is likely to be involved in caring for any children placed
• Contact Children's Services Panel Administrator responsible for checks and advise to whom CRB forms need to sent

• If any offences are shown by the Police check, the applicants' attitude to the offence and explanation should be included in the Form F and separate Risk Assessment undertaken.
• Respect confidentiality
• Visit at least three referees (to be decided in advance by Children's Services) and evaluate references. It is important to get as full a picture as possible from the applicants' referees, as the visit forms an important part of the assessment
• Provide a report for each referee visit (signed by the referee to confirm they agree it is an accurate representation of their views)
• Make arrangements to visit the applicants' Local Authority to read their file, if possible and applicable
• Advise applicant about the process for medical checks etc. Liaise with Children's Services administrative staff about responses received
• Ensure arrangements for existing foster children are clear. Please request Children's Services Policy on what should happen where there is a child in Placement
• Ensure full details of previous fostering experience are discussed and evaluated in depth, and include case studies of children
• If applicants have not had previous fostering experience, their previous experience of children needs to be discussed and evaluated alongside their understanding of the fostering task
• A critical evaluation of strengths and weaknesses in terms of parenting capacity is essential e.g. evaluating what behaviours they have/can potentially handle, their understanding of sexual abuse, their ability/capacity for safe caring/ self protection. Evidence this with specific examples where possible
• Under family lifestyle, there should not only be a discussion on the attitudes to race and culture, but also sections discussing their attitudes to gender, sexuality and disability
• If the applicant's interest includes long-term fostering, this should be fully explored and evidenced in terms of understanding
• Recommendations regarding children to be placed should be specific in terms of age and number. The recommendation will have been decided in advance in discussion between the applicants and the Agency. The recommendation should include reason for this recommendation, which should be assessed in relation to their previous fostering or related experience. Matching considerations should be evaluated thoroughly
• It is also important to evaluate applicants' understanding/attitude to contact with birth family
• All information given should be critically analysed. The social work assessment is an important summary of your assessment, it should therefore be in depth, with clear reasons given for the recommendations you are making

Education

• CQSW, DipSW or BA in Social Work
• Registration with Care Council for Wales / GSCC

Expereince

• Knowledge and experience of working with Looked After Children or experience of working within a fostering service
• Extensive experience of completing in-depth, evidence based assessments
• Knowledge of child care legislation particularly care planning and Child Protection
• Knowledge and experience of working with children/young people and working in groups
• Knowledge of National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and Fostering Services Regulations
• Excellent communication and administrative skills

Requirement

• Enhanced CRB check
• Driving licence
• Insurance