Skylark’s Assessment Process
The Seven Steps to Success…
At Skylark Fostering, we understand that deciding to become a foster carer is a significant and life-changing step. Our comprehensive seven-stage assessment process is designed to ensure that fostering is the right fit for you and your family while providing all the support and information needed to guide you through the journey. Here is an overview of what to expect at each stage..
Step 1: Initial Enquiry Call
Your fostering journey begins with a simple call or email to Skylark Fostering. Following your initial contact, we will arrange an Initial Enquiry Call. During this conversation, we will explore basic information about your circumstances, experience, and suitability to foster. This call also provides an opportunity to ask any initial questions you may have.
If the outcome is positive, you will move to the next stage.
Step 2: Home Visit
A member of our experienced and dedicated team will arrange a Home Visit to meet you and your family in person. During this visit, we will gather more detailed information, answer any questions, and assess your home’s suitability for fostering. This stage allows us to build a better understanding of your motivations and circumstances. A successful home visit leads to an invitation to formally apply to Skylark Fostering.
Step 3: Application Submission
After a positive home visit, you will be invited to submit a formal application to Skylark Fostering. Your application will be carefully reviewed by our experienced Assessment Manager. At Skylark Fostering, we are fortunate to have the expertise of Trish Kelly as our Assessment Manager. With over 20 years of experience in fostering recruitment and assessment across both independent and statutory settings, Trish ensures the assessment process is thorough, supportive, and professional. If your application is successful, you will progress to the next stage: the fostering assessment.
Step 4: Fostering Assessment
The fostering assessment is the heart of the process. At Skylark, we aim to run Stage One and Stage Two of the assessment process concurrently, where appropriate, in line with fostering regulations.
Key Elements of Step 4:
Allocation of an Assessing Social Worker: You will be paired with an experienced Assessing Social Worker who will work with you closely to gather and evaluate detailed information about your skills, experience, and readiness to foster.
Statutory Checks and References: Our Business Support Officer will facilitate the collection of all required references and checks, including DBS and medical checks.
Recommendation: Based on the comprehensive information gathered, your Assessing Social Worker will provide an overall recommendation on your suitability to foster.
Step 5: Becoming a Fostering Family Training
While your fostering assessment is ongoing, you will begin our "Becoming a Fostering Family" Training.
Training Structure:
Modules 1 to 6: Delivered online for flexibility, allowing you to complete them from the comfort of your home with the support of your Assessing Social Worker.
Modules 7 and 8: Conducted in person by Skylark Fostering’s experienced team, these sessions provide hands-on learning and an opportunity to connect with other prospective foster carers.
This training is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive as a foster carer.
Step 6: Presentation at Panel
Once your fostering assessment is complete, your application will be presented to Skylark Fostering’s Independent Panel. This panel comprises professionals with diverse backgrounds and extensive experience in fostering, education, and social care. They will review the assessment and make a recommendation on your suitability to foster.
Final Decision:
The final decision on your approval is made by our Agency Decision Maker (ADM) following the panel’s recommendation. Our ADM is Tim Clayton, who brings extensive experience as a Registered Manager and ADM in both Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) and statutory settings, ensuring a professional and thorough decision-making process.
Step 7: Your First Fostering Arrangement
Congratulations! Upon approval, you will begin your fostering journey. Our experienced team will work closely with you to identify and match you with a child or young person whose needs align with your strengths and family dynamic. From the very first arrangement, you will receive ongoing support from an allocated Supervising Social Worker to provide advice and support as and when required.
Timely Assessments with Quality Focus.
At Skylark Fostering, we aim to complete fostering assessments, including presentation to panel, within 16 weeks. However, we understand that individual circumstances may impact this timeline, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the process. The quality of the assessment experience and the overall outcome remains our top priority.
Why Choose Skylark Fostering?
Our seven-stage process is thorough but supportive, designed to ensure both you and the children in our care receive the best outcomes. At Skylark, we believe in empowering our foster carers through expert training, professional guidance, and a commitment to helping you thrive as part of our fostering family.
If you are ready to take the first step or want to learn more, contact us today