Couples themselves may be unclear about their future and what might happen. If they do wish to continue then it would generally be anticipated that a full re-assessment of their changed circumstances and new home will be undertaken. However, as a fostering service, it is particularly important that alongside the support we offer carers, there remains a clear focus on their ability to continue with the fostering task. It should also address how arrangements for the children were addressed by the couple since their separation and comment in general terms about how each of the carers has responded to the breakdown of their relationship. It should also be recorded at this meeting as to whether any children need to be moved to an alternative placement, assuming this decision has not already been made. At the time of the separation the placing social workers should be notified by the supervising social worker, and their views sought. This review should then be presented to the Fostering Panel at the earliest opportunity in order that a recommendation can be made for the Agency Decision Maker. foster carers in England. The remuneration was payable irrespective of whether they were fostering a child at the time and was paid in addition to a separate allowance payable when they had a child in their care. In this type of situation, you could work at a full-time job separate from your foster care responsibilities. Adoption is where a new, permanent family is provided for children who can no longer live with their own family. This specifically refers to their ability to meet fostering standards and the needs of the children following their separation. This works for each child in care, meaning a separate allowance is paid per person. Similarly, the sharing of bedrooms, upon friends/family visiting the foster household, should be subject to a separate risk assessment. It will be a time of uncertainty and change. Sarah Anderson had been a foster carer for 10 years and argued that whilst working for Hampshire County Council she is often “…on call 24 hours a day – evenings, weekends, Christmas, bank holidays – and all we are afforded is two weeks respite a year.” If foster carers have a spare double bedroom, bunk beds or two single beds can be set up for siblings to share. As a consequence, the Foster Carers approved status and changed circumstances need to be referred to the Fostering Panel. The Supervising Social Workers report should also provide detailed information which outlines the chronology of events which led to the couple’s separation. Jane Wright, chair, Foster Care Workers Branch of the IWGB says: “During a time of crisis, those caring for the most vulnerable must be treated with respect. The report should contain the following information: (It is not expected that this report will be more than a side of A4). The focus of this will include reference to the work done over the interim period since the last review but should also make reference to how the foster carer will meet the needs and expectations of the children in placement, and comply with fostering standards as a single carer. It should be acknowledged that the Foster Carers will themselves probably be unclear and uncertain about the future and the need for the fostering service to be sensitive to the needs of all members of the household is essential. Retainer allowance. Payments and allowances should be separate and clearly identified so that foster carers know which portion of their fostering income should be spent on caring for the child in their care, and which is for the job that they do. There may be circumstances where a couple determine that they are to separate, although they are both to remain living within the family/foster home. This chapter was added to the manual in March 2014. 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