Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

kinship care meeting

(4 Posts)
mandm23 Mon 29-Mar-21 19:38:29

hi , me and my husband have been asked to take care of his grandaughter ( my stepgrandaughter ) we have a meeting tomorrow with social work , this is our first meeting ,does anyone know what questions they are likely to ask and if anyone has any advice it would be much appriciated .

EllanVannin Mon 29-Mar-21 21:42:44

Kinship arrangements are usually suggested by the local authority ( social workers ) as an alternative to fostering.
I imagine the meeting will be about the suitability of yourself in being fit and able enough to meet the needs of the child.
It's generally an assessment of your overall ability and because of you knowing the child's background and how to handle emotional/ behavioural problems which could arise.

Discussions can be very indepth and a lot to take in.
If not already in place, a school nearby and a GP surgery.
Also if the child is old enough to understand, an explanation as to why she's living with you.
Questions asked at meetings are confidential and a full assessment can take a while.
I'm sure you'll find information online.

grannyqueenie Mon 29-Mar-21 22:12:14

You may also want to think about any questions you’d like to ask. Perhaps especially about what support practically, emotionally and financially may be available for you initially and as time goes on. Hope it’s a helpful meeting with a positive outcome for both the little girl and yourselves.

Floradora9 Tue 30-Mar-21 15:00:25

See if you can have a trial period before comitting to this . Make sure you know if this is for a short time ot maybe for ever . It will change your lives completely . Having been a foster carer I know how easy it is to agree to a placement without really thinking it through . A child is not just for Christmas as they say. Will the parents still see her and do you get on with them ? If not insist access visits are not in your home . Do you get on with the child , do you even like her ?