Being assessed as foster carer for own grandchild

Patience is all I can suggest. I do not have direct experience of this but used to work in admin in a LA fostering team. The social workers come and go all the time, move on, get pregnant etc.

What has the first stage been and what is left to do? I am wondering why the SW has changed if not cos she has moved on.

It might help to keep your own log of calls and visits in both directions so that if in the end you do have to complain you will have your evidence that it has indeed been too slow. On then other hand it is important not to annoy them. What they look for also is that you will work with them. Best not to give them the impression that you will not be ready to go to them for support if you need to. If it's any consolation, were you applying to foster just any child and not a relative the process would be even more rigorous!

Thank you, I am doing all u have suggested and have good relationship with s.w, he has passed it over to coreassets for the second stage. This may be because my grandchild is in the Midlands and I live in Scotland. I haven't been given a time frame and am anxious to get through the process as my granddaughter is due to start school in September and I don't her to settle in then have to move. Is there any way I can get her placed with me while I am being assessed? I'm having a medical next week, the sw is happy with my property and has recommended me and my partner so I'm just waiting for the second sw to visit and then we will go to the fostering panel

Have you got dates for the next few fostering panels? There is usually a schedule fixed at least a year in advance. I can't see why you should not be told what the dates are and then the s/w might be able tell you what date they are aiming for for you. They must be aware of the urgency re the start of the school year. On the other hand they probably won't tell you as they know they might have to go back on what they say! No harm asking anyway.

I don't think they will place her till you have been approved at panel, because if you aren't then that would be devastating for all concerned. They have to follow rules.

It is possible for your granddaughter to be placed with you while the assessment is carried out, this is known as a Reg 24 placement (temporary approval of family and friend carer), but not all authorities like to use this for the reasons fluttERBY123 says. There's no harm in asking if it would be possible though. I agree that they should be able to give you a provisional panel date now. If they did place your DGD under Reg 24 they would have to complete the assessment within 16 weeks so would be committed to a panel date. It's good news that this has gone to Core Assets as this is an independent agency, which is normal practice these days, and they should get on without too much delay. Good luck!

Thank you so much both of u, the advise u have shared has put my mind at rest. I will be asking the s.w about the reg24 situation asap.

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If a caseworker lied on the stand and was charged wouldn't my grandkids be returned to us (grandparents)?

What is the time limit to appeal a case this happened in 2011?