Matching process within assessment

[nunny]

Hi can anyone tell me how the matching process works within the assessment. We are being matched to our three grandchildren, what is it they are looking for?

[David Roth]

The 'matching process' is basically just what it says: it is a process of seeing how well you and the children are matched to each other.

The starting point will be a list of what the child needs from a placement. Some of these needs will be just the same as for any other child of their age - to be loved, to be supported with education, to have some private space. Other needs will be particular to that child, depending on their experiences. For example, if children have experienced a particular type of abuse, they will need someone who can be understanding about any insecurities they may have as a result; or they may have particular interests or hobbies that their carers can support them to continue.

The second part of matching will involve looking at what particular carers have to offer (that's part of what an assessment does); and then the last part involves comparing what the child needs with what the carers have to offer, and seeing how well matched that child and the carers are to each other. If there are any needs that the child has that the carers would find it hard to meet, then the matching process ought to look at whether the carers could meet the needs if they were given reasonable support, including financial support.

For most children, family and friends carers ought to be in a good position when it comes to the matching process, since if the carers already have a bond with the child, then going to live with them should be less disruptive for the child than going to live with strangers.