This one day course is an opportunity to consolidate knowledge of fostering assessment practice in the context of the recently published updated version of Prospective Foster Carer(s) Report (CoramBAAF Form F. It will provide a focus on what constitutes a good assessment, including how to write a strengths-based assessment that evidences and analyses a prospective carer’s experiences, capacity, skills, and motivation. There will be the opportunity to discuss and learn about the new section on children’s needs and carer’s capacity to meet them.
The two day course Undertaking a fostering assessment provides more detail for social workers and managers with less experience of fostering assessment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the day participants will have:
- Briefly re-visited the context of fostering assessment practice, including the legal and regulatory framework, the recruitment and retention crisis and the needs of children in care
- Explored strengths-based assessment practice using the newly updated Form F template
- Considered how to assess and evidence a carer’s capacity to meet children’s needs using Form F
- Reflected on what makes good analysis and evidence
On open courses we can accommodate a maximum of four delegates from one organisation only. For a larger group booking, please see the information on commissioned training.
For social workers, reflection on this session may contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).
PRESENTER
Karen Needler, Associate Trainer, CoramBAAF
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Fostering social workers, fostering team/registered managers and fostering panel members who may wish to understand the assessment process in more detail.
On open courses we can accommodate a maximum of four delegates from one organisation only. For a larger group booking, please see the information on commissioned training.
For social workers, reflection on this session may contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).
RESOURCES
This course will reference the CoramBAAF form, and you will be provided with a sample copy of the form as part of the pre-course resources. It will support your learning if you have access to the published Guidance that accompanies this form during the course. If you don’t already have it, the CoramBAAF licence holder within your organisation should be able to give you access to it. If you use another form, please bring a copy, so that you can use this when needed for relevant exercises and discussions during the day.
RECOMMENDED READING
Undertaking a fostering assessment in England
Author: Roger Chapman (2021)
This guide is designed to help social workers to manage and complete a comprehensive and evidence-based assessment of prospective applicants who want to foster a child or children. It is to be used by assessing social workers to complete a Prospective Foster Carer’s Report using the CoramBAAF Form F (for England). UPDATED JUNE 2021
This guide will assist workers in writing their assessments using Form F. It is primarily based on Section B of Form F, which brings together information about the applicant’s history, family and lifestyle; an assessment of their fostering capacity; and the applicant’s preparation for the fostering task.
Each section of the guide presents a list of trigger questions that can facilitate further discussion and encourage exploration of different areas and suggestions as to how this can be analysed to assess an applicant's suitability, or not, to foster.
Undertaking checks and references in fostering and adoption assessments
Author: Paul Adams (2019)
The assessment of prospective foster carers and adopters is amongst the most important aspects of family placement work. Undertaking checks and references is a key part of these assessments, and a core task for social workers. But which checks are mandatory, and which are advisable? Which checks are needed in each UK country? Which are likely to yield the most useful information?
This Good Practice Guide details the range of checks routinely undertaken in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, in both fostering and adoption. This popular guide has been fully revised and updated to take into account all recent legislative and practice changes UK-wide. These include changes to take into account new GDPR and data protection legislation, particularly in terms of confidentiality with regard to references.
Author: Pat Beesley
Preparing and assessing potential adopters and permanent foster carers is key to a successful placement. This authoritative guide will enable family placement workers to approach their assessments with greater confidence. It will ensure that they address key areas, embrace a holistic approach, and attain high standards.
TIME
Registration 9.45am*
Start 10.00am*
Close 4.00pm*
*Times subject to change
FEES
Full or associate CoramBAAF member - £165.00 + £33.00 VAT = £198.00
Individual CoramBAAF member - £160.00 + £32.00 VAT = £192.00
Non-member - £235.00 + £47.00 VAT = £282.00
CONTACT
Telephone 020 7520 0310
Email training@corambaaf.org.uk
If you have access and/or dietary requirements, please click the left-hand bar at the checkout to let us know. Alternatively, contact us by email.
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