KIRKLEES METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE SERVICE

SAFEGUARDING & SPECIALIST PROVISION

Care Management Service

Oakmead

1c Lidget Street

Lindley

Huddersfield

HD3 3JB

REGULATION 38 ASSESSMENT

IN RESPECT OF FAMILY/FRIENDS CARER (S)

(INSERT NAME(S) OF CHILD(REN) & DATE(S) OF BIRTH)

LEGAL STATUS OF CHILD(REN)

(INSERT DETAILS AND DATES OF LEGAL ORDERS)

NAME(S) OF PROPOSED CARERS:

(INSERT NAME AND ADDRESS OF CARERS)

REGULATION 38 ASSESSMENT COMPLETED BY

(INSERT NAME AND TITLE OF WORKER)

DATE COPY OF THE GUIDANCE FOR CONDUCTING A FAMILY/FRIENDS FOSTERING ASSESSMENT WAS GIVEN TO THE PROSPECTIVE CARER(S): (INSERT DATE)

DATE ASSESSMENT COMMENCED AND COMPLETED: (INSERT DATES)

BASIC INFORMATION:

1.Name and qualifications of the worker(s) undertaking the Regulation 38 assessment:

Name:

Title:

Team:

Tel No:

Qualifications:

  1. Name and date of birth of the prospective carer(s):

Address of prospective carer(s):

Tel No:

Ethnic Origin:

Language spoken:

  1. Specify the status of the relationship of the prospective carer(s) to the child, for example, grandparents, family friend etc
  1. Dates of visits undertaken to complete the Regulation 38 assessment and details of person(s) seen on each visit:
  1. Details all other enquiries made as part of the assessment:
  1. What is the current Care Plan for the child/children?
  1. Why is the Regulation 38 Assessment requested?(Give a brief outline of the case and the reasons for undertaking this assessment)
  1. What was the pre-existing relationship of the prospective carer(s) to the child to include frequency of contact and details of any recent contacts?

9.Have the prospective carer(s) previously cared for the child?

If yes, what were the circumstances/dates?

10.What was the pre-existing relationship of the prospective carer(s) to the child’s birth family? Comment on the nature of this relationship and the frequency of contact.

  1. Details of adults and children who already live in the prospective carer’s household to include full names, dates of birth, gender and relationship to the prospective carer/s
  1. Have all persons in the household been checked on internal information systems for pre-existing involvement with Safeguarding & Specialist Provision. Please record details
  1. If the prospective carer/s reside in another Local Authority area, have checks been undertaken? If so, please record details.
  1. Details of any current or past involvement with Probation.
  1. Do any of the above people have any convictions that would impact on the prospective carer(s) ability to care for a child? Provide details of any relevant offences.

FAMILY & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Address all headings from the Framework for Assessment including Community Resources; Family’s Social Integration; Income; Employment; Housing; Wider Family and Family History and Functioning

Address these specific questions:

16.Is there adequate space within the prospective carers’ household for the child?

YES /NO

If no, please specify:

Where would child sleep and with whom would the child/children be sharing a bedroom? State ages.

17.Are there any health and safety issues:

  1. Are conditions in the home of a reasonable standard? (Use Health and Safety Checklist if any concerns) Include date that inspection of accommodation was undertaken.
  1. Do the carers have any pets? If yes please provide details:
  1. Provide details of the work commitments of the carers? Please note that one carer should not work outside the home for more than 18.5 hours each week.
  1. What are the child’s views of being placed with this family?
  1. What are the prospective carer (s) own family’s views of the child being placed with them?
  1. Details of any regular visitors to the household with you and your family including those that may stay overnight
  1. Can the prospective carer (s) identify family or friends who could support them with the fostering task or with caring for the children under either a Residence or Special Guardianship Order?
  1. Whether anyone in the household is a smoker – please note that Kirklees Metropolitan Council adopts the advice from BAAF with regard to smoking – foster carers caring for children under five should not smoke and in situations where children have respiratory conditions, foster carers should not smoke. Potential carers will be given advice as to where to access help to stop smoking.

PARENTING CAPACITY:

Address all headings from the Framework for Assessment including Basic Care; Ensuring Safety; Emotional Warmth; Stimulation; Guidance & Boundaries and Stability

Address these specific questions:

  1. What is the prospective carer(s) knowledge of the current situation?
  1. If the child has sustained injuries are the carers aware of the nature of the injuries and concerns regarding future protection?
  1. What are their views regarding the current situation and their ability to protect the child /children?This needs to address the proximity to any family member who may pose a risk to the child.
  1. Does the prospective carer know of any reason why they should not be considered as carers for the child? Has there been involvement in relation to their own children regarding concerns of neglect, abuse or other difficulties. If so, provide details.

CHILD’S DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS:

Address all headings from the Framework for Assessment including Health; Education; Emotional & Behavioural Development; Identity; Family & Social Relationships; Social Presentation and Social Skills

Address these specific questions:

  1. Can the prospective carer(s) meet the child’s immediate needs (this includes health, education and emotional needs)? Please state how they will meet these needs
  1. Will the Carer/s be able to attend medical appointments, assessment visits and reviews?
  1. Are the prospective carers able to maintain contact as outlined in the Care Plan for the child/children? Do you/they anticipate any difficulties with contact?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  1. What understanding do they have of what would be expected of them as Friends and Family Foster Carers? Give a brief overview of their understanding, issues of confidentiality, checks and the need for approval by Fostering Panel.
  1. State on what date this information was shared with the carers.
  1. Are all members of the family over the age of 18 years in agreement with undertaking an enhanced CRB Check?
  1. Date CRB check application given to each member of the household over the age of 18:
  1. Are the applicant(s) prepared to have a medical?
  1. Does the applicant(s) or any member of his/her family have any significant health problems (including physical and mental health)?
  1. Details of the prospective carer(s) General Practitioner
  1. What support would the prospective carer require in order to maintain the placement should they be approved?
  1. Details of any professionals involved with the prospective carer(s) and family
  1. Contact details of two referees (excluding relatives and employers):
  1. Checklist:

Confirm that the following issues have been raised with the carers, that they are aware that a full fostering assessment will be undertaken and that long-term plans may include alternative plans for the child/children.

Have you explained or completed the following? / Yes/
No / Date
The process for completing a full Family/Friends fostering assessment
Obtained a signed consent form regarding the disclosure of information to the court (copy to be attached to report)
Obtained a completed application form including consent to enable statutory checks to be completed (copy to be attached to report)
Initiated the CRB check
Obtained copies of birth certificate(s) and marriage certificate (if applicable) (copies to be attached to report)
Obtained completed medical consent form (copy to be attached to report)
Obtained contact details of two referees
Obtained details of the prospective carer(s)' General Practitioner
Completed the inspection of the home
Explained other care arrangements: e.g. Residence Orders or Special Guardianship Order
The legal processes (where appropriate). Include the fact this report or any subsequent report may be made
available to the court. (explain the implications of this)
Expectations of Foster Carers in terms of attending training to meet the standards set by the Children’s Workforce Development Council (including that the carer(s) may need to complete portfolio to evidence how they meet these standards)
Support available to prospective carers, including payments
Role of different people involved e.g. Child’s Social worker, supervising social worker, Guardian, Family Support Worker.
Date written agreement completed (copy attached to report)
  1. Social Work Analysis of information:
  1. Recommendations in terms of which route should be followed:

For example, full fostering assessment as a friends and family carer; Include clear reasons why this decision has been made and why the other options have been disregarded.

  1. Line Manager’s recommendation:
  1. Date approval sought from Unit Manager:
  1. Date approval expires (6 weeks after approval given):
  1. Date of Placement of child(ren) with carer(s):
  1. The timescale for the completion of a full fostering assessment:
  1. Date matter to be presented at Fostering Panel:
  1. Date of submission of the Local Authority’s Final Evidence:

Signed ______Applicant (s)

Date

Signed ______Applicant (s)

Date

Signed ______Social Worker

Date

Signed ______Team Manager

Date

Signed ______Unit Manager

Date

Family Placement Unit only

Date Family Placement Unit informed
Date financial Services informed
Date Notification Resource Added to Carefirst

The Fostering Services Regulations 2002 - Regulation 38 Emergency and Immediate Placements by Local Authorities.

Agreement with respect to the

Who assumed care of on .

I confirm that I am a relative, or friend of the :

I will care for the as if a member of my own family.

I will allow any person authorised by the local authority to visit at any time.

I will allow the to be removed at any time by the local authority if it appears to that authority that the continuation of the placement would be detrimental to the welfare of the .

I agree to keep any information given to me about the or family or other person confidential and not to be shared unless permission is given by the local authority.

I will allow contact with the in accordance with the terms of any court order relating to contact or any other arrangements made or agreed by the local authority.

I will ensure that the will receive necessary medical attention as and when required in order to maintain their health and well being.

I agree not to use any form of corporal punishment (e.g. smacking, slapping, hitting, and pinching) on the placed with me.

I agree not to use any means of physical restraint unless absolutely necessary to prevent likely injury to the , other persons or serious damage to property.

I will notify the local authority if the should go missing without permission.

Carer Signature Date

Print Name

Address

1

fpu admin/management information/regulations and procedures/ family and friends Regulation 38 Assessment revised April 2008.