Introducing The Skills to Foster Assessment

Why develop new materials? Professional requirements of foster carers Opportunity to tie closely to TSD Standards Recognition of sons and daughters’ role Importance of support networks Importance of foster carers helping to improve children’s educational outcomes Competencies outdated & confusing term

Development of the Skills model Research into what’s currently available Feedback from LA fostering managers Feedback from fostering assessors Advisory group (Gloucestershire, Bolton, foster carer) Developed by experienced fostering assessors Ongoing field studies Updates provided as necessary to CD Rom

Development of assessments The psychodynamic approach: narrative style social history – alerts to gaps family history – opportunities to discuss difficulties and coping strategies family dynamics / interaction identification of unconscious motives

Development of assessments Disadvantages of psychodynamic approach: Not objective Unequal power relationship Unlikely to prepare applicant for the fostering role

Development of assessments Task centred approach (1990s) Lead by major abuse and child death enquiries (Staffordshire Pindown ‘90, Utting Report ’97) Shift from motives to exploring abilities & skills More objective Involved applicants more Applicants more prepared for the role

Brighton & Hove Findings 2001 Insufficient information Failure to analyse information Inadequate corroboration Critical information overlooked Partiality of referees Omission of medical details

Brighton & Hove Recommendations Compile a chronology Certificates of birth, marriage, divorce, residence Distinguish self-reported vs independent evidence Verify employment/student status Choose referees from 6, from different periods Separate references for each applicant Interview ex-partners

Advantages of the Skills model Closely linked to TSD Standards (assessment report form cross referenced) Addresses Brighton & Hove recommendations Addresses Every Child Matters outcomes

Advantages of the Skills model Acknowledges importance of exploring history in safeguarding and understanding attachments Requires analysis and verification of evidence

Advantages of the Skills model Ensures more objectivity Evidences if applicants meet a standard or not Involves applicants in the process

Advantages of the Skills model Takes greater account of sons and daughters’ views Requires closer examination of support networks Importance of foster carers as good role models

Advantages of the Skills model Addresses literacy levels of applicants Assesses attitudes to learning & development Encourages promotion of leisure activities

Advantages of the Skills model Reinforces the professional tasks of fostering Accepts applicants are not a ‘finished product’

What’s new? Combines the narrative and task-centred styles Encourages verification of statements by other sources of evidence – observation, training More rigorously assesses attitudes to learning and development

What’s new? CD Rom Initial Personal Development Plan Support network interview questions Chronology format updates and additions

What’s new? Stand alone Family Profile section Useful for matching purposes Description of lifestyle/activites/routines Hand written

What’s new? Up to date Skills list tied to TSDS Links with The Skills to Foster training to cover 70% TSD Standards

Thank you Assessment materials developers Chris Priestman NW Regional Consultant Lynn Woodhouse NE Regional Consultant