Training and Courses

I will not kid anyone when i say it has not been easy , the introduction was really good as they let you know the truths and the ups and downs of considering being a foster family which we appreciated from the start full honesty.It left you thinking and deciding would fostering be right for us as a family and to look at the effects of change and how those changes would effect us.it really made us question ourselves.
We had numerous visits and a lot of paperwork to do.
We attended meetings and educational classes to make us aware of all the aspects needed and involved in caring for children , we found these courses very informative and fun but most of all the courses really do get you to grips of all the needs of a child and what will be important.I would say they were excellent , some lasting a few hours others full days but all needed and all very thourough in detail. It was also a chance not just to learn but to ask questions , discuss concerns and of course a place to meet new friends who have all the same interest to look after children in need.
Some paperwork and books we had to fill in ( yes books and thick ones!) was quite the workload but the value of learning from doing these are enormous , they really do make you look at your beliefs,life,family and friends , to be straight to the point you look at all those you love and your support network- those who will be there for you.
There was also as expected all the checks like health checks , police checks,finances at home , all birth marriage and divorce certificates , car tax and insurance bank statements not to name but a few or should i say phew! The background and foreground checks are very thorough as would be expected!.
Many home visits are made and lots of interviews from social workers who really do know their job and ask many many questions sometimes personal but always treated with respect and dignified.
The process in full can take a while before panel , every dot to be dotted and every cross to be crossed , you have to be commited.I guess what got us through it was the sheer determination to help children who needed us to go through this to get to them to be able to help.I think it was also a way of us proving ourselves by sticking with it all but they give you plenty of time to produce your work to hand in and it really is intense but enjoyable you learn so much - well we did!