Falkirk Council

Assessments for carers are carried out using the British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering Guidelines, and it’s a requirement by law to carry out statutory checks.

The following checks are carried out:

• medical/health (Please note that children aged under 5 years or those with respiratory problems will not be placed in a smoking household)
• community health (eg health visitor)
• PVG and Disclosure Scotland (police check)
• enquiries with the Headteacher of schools attended by the applicants’ children
• reference from employers and other relevant people
• 6 personal references

• enquiries with local authorities in the areas in which the applicants have lived.

The areas covered by the assessment include:

• personal history
• family background
• education experiences
• lifestyle
• employment history
• parenting
• experience of children
• matching issues
• relevant previous experience, qualifications and skills

Detailed discussions take place with applicants about the kind of fostering placements which would best suit their skills, abilities, household and personal circumstances.

Applicants’ written assessments (Form F's) are submitted for approval to Falkirk Council’s Fostering Panel. The report and its contents are shared with the applicants, although references are confidential unless the referee has agreed.