We have developed a set of forms for social workers who are assessing family and friends carers. These forms are currently being piloted by 12 local authorities. New authorities can still join this pilot. The distinctive features of these forms are that:

• they are designed to encourage a collaborative approach between the assessing social worker and the carers who are being assessed, making for an open working partnership;

• they allow the assessment to draw on the family’s strengths including their existing relationship with the child;

• the forms follow very closely the legal and good practice requirements for approval as a temporary foster carer, a fully approved foster carer, and as a special guardian. They can also be used for other types of assessment, such as viability studies and residence order applications.

The forms have been previously tested by piloting local authorities and updated in response to their suggestions. It also takes account of recent changes to the regulations and guidance on family and friends carer assessments.

Local authorities who are piloting the form are asked to pay a small fee for using the form to cover the costs of administrating and supporting this work. In return, we provide a half day’s training for up to 15 people who will be using the form, or who will be part of the panels that the forms are presented to. We ask the social workers using the form to make sure that evaluation forms are filled in by them, the carers who are being assessed, and members of any panel that the forms are presented to.

To find out more about taking part in the pilot, please email our Family and Friends Care Policy Adviser, David Roth This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .