Andrew and Sarah; our virtual assessment and panel.

We asked Sarah and Andrew how assessment and, subsequently, going to the panel had been for them during the Coronavirus pandemic? They both agreed that they had received great support from their Social Worker Lucy and knew some of the questions asked at the panel in advance.

Sarah said, ‘nerves didn’t really faze us because Lucy had put in so much effort during our assessment.’ ‘As our Social Worker, she knew everything about us, she explained everything clearly, and we were prepared.’

‘The panel was made up of six people, and one of the panel members said that maybe now wasn’t the right time for us because of our son’s age?’ ‘We told him that we had made a conscious decision to foster whilst our son was young; thankfully, the other five panel members agreed, and we were approved.’

‘Many people are nervous about going to the panel, which is natural because you want to make a good impression. However, it was not something I would be put off fostering because the support you have to get you through is fantastic.’

Furthermore, Sarah added, ‘the fostering process and assessment is intrusive. However, Lucy was great and didn’t make you feel that you were uncomfortable.’ ‘We did most of the process over the telephone together and separately, away from each other. We spoke about things that weren’t easy to talk about, but it is like talking to a friend.’

‘We knew that Lucy needed to know everything about our lives, and we put our trust in her.’ ‘We never felt judged by Lucy, we knew she had a job to do, and we happily gave her the information she wanted and needed to get us through.’

Click here to read more about Sarah and Andrew’s fostering story…

Click here to enquire about fostering with Caritas Care

Rated Outstanding by Ofsted.