Introducing Maureen Parnaby: Chairing Skylark Fostering’s Panel with Expertise and Empathy

Hi, my name is Maureen Parnaby (formerly Shephard).

I’m delighted to have been invited by Trish and Tim to chair the fostering panel of their newly established independent fostering agency, Skylark Fostering. Like them I have many years of experience in the field of children’s social care. My early career choices of nursing and person-centred counselling led me to attain a BA Hons degree in Social Psychology in 1986, followed by a master’s degree and a CQSW in Social Work in 1988. For the following 20 plus years I specialised in child protection, and for many years chaired child protection conferences and complex strategy meetings.

Some 14 years ago, I left the public sector and established myself as an independent social worker undertaking Form F assessments for independent fostering agencies; alongside this I worked for some years as a psychotherapist in private practice working with all age ranges.

As an independent, I have undertaken many fostering assessments, been a panel member and a panel vice chair. I have also contributed to pre-approval preparation materials for prospective foster carers and have undertaken internal investigations for IFAs when there are concerns about a foster carer’s suitability and where an independent perspective is of value.

This experience has given me a sound grasp of the impact of trauma on children and of the rewards and challenges that fostering entails; however, I’m still learning, and each day brings new learning opportunities. My intention is to bring this experience, knowledge and ‘learning mindset’ to my role as panel chair and to this unique opportunity to be involved in the panel from its inception.

I’m aware that the prospect of attending panel feels daunting to many prospective foster carers and that it is an event that is the culmination of many months work and I consider it is panel’s job to make this as comfortable a process as it can be, whilst of course ensuring that we fulfil our function; it is for this reason that we agree that holding panels ‘face to face’ rather than virtually, is not only best practice but also makes it a more personal and inclusive experience.

Applicants’ feedback of the process is important to us too, and we will invite you to submit that in the following days. Should you apply to foster with Skylark, then at the appropriate time you will receive a booklet with more information on the functions and the process of the panel.