What’s a Fostering Panel really Like? Q&A with Fitzgerald Fostering Panel Vice Chair, Rob Wratten

If you’re thinking about fostering – or perhaps have already started the application process – but feel daunted by the idea of a fostering panel, you’re not alone. For many potential carers, the fostering panel process can sound hugely intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. In this open and honest Q&A, Panel Vice Chair Rob Wratten, who is a social worker, an adoptive father and gay man, breaks down the process, busts some myths and shares some words of encouragement to those considering becoming a foster carer.

First things first – what is a fostering panel?
The fostering panel is the final stage of the foster care application process. It takes place after you have attended the ‘Skills to Foster’ course and have had the opportunity to build a relationship with a supervising social worker who will have evaluated your suitability to foster and will be supporting you through the process.

The fostering panel is basically a meeting where a group of people — professionals, experienced carers, and sometimes someone with care experience — come together with you and your supervising social worker to discuss your assessment and decide whether to recommend your approval as a foster carer. I know the word “panel” sounds formal and scary, but the process is more of a supportive conversation than an interrogation – it’s not an exam. We all want what’s best for everyone involved and we want it to be a positive experience.

Who are the fostering panel for Fitzgerald Fostering?
The panel is made up of a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, with different perspectives and experiences. We typically have eight or nine people on the panel including social workers, health professionals, and foster carers from other organisations. We also have a care leaver, whose insight into what makes a good foster carer is so powerful because she’s experienced it and knows what it feels like to be that child being placed into foster care.

Fitzgerald Fostering  shares a booklet with potential foster carers prior to the meeting, which features photos and biographies of the panel members, so they know a little about them beforehand. Our Chair is an experienced Senior Manager who has worked in local children’s services. Sue Beale, Fitzgerald Fostering’s Registered Manager is present as advisor to the panel.

How long does it take and what kind of questions do they ask?
The meeting itself usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour and although it’s serious business, it’s very informal – more of an interactive conversation than a Q&A. You will discuss things like why you want to foster, how you’ve handled challenges in your life, who your support network is. It’s all things that will have already been covered in your assessment and many of the questions asked will be for the supervising social worker.

What support is there for potential foster carers attending panel?
Foster carers that come to Fitzgerald Fostering panels have typically built a good, supportive relationship with their supervising social worker prior to the panel meeting. and feel they can phone them at any time with any worries or concerns that they have. I think that’s a great reflection on Fitzgerald Fostering’s commitment to supporting its carers from the outset. Sometimes people get a bit anxious, and tongue tied, but if you feel you can’t answer a question, your supervising social worker is right next to you to support you.

Does the panel make a decision straight away?
After the panel meeting, the potential foster carers will be asked to leave for a few minutes while the panel deliberate . They are then  called back in and given our recommendation, which then goes on to the agency decision maker. It’s very rare that the panel’s recommendation is rejected.

While different to fostering, what were your own experiences of the panel stage of adoption?
I was nervous! I think everyone is, there’s a lot riding on it but generally panel members are warm, interested and want what’s best, they’re not trying to catch you out.

As a gay man, did you have any concerns about being judged during the process?
When I was growing up, there was no mechanism for me to be able to have children, so friends kept asking me to be Godfather to their kids because they never thought I’d get the opportunity to be a dad! But then the law changed 20 or so years ago and I think, generally, the landscape has changed a lot since then [one in five adoptions are to same sex couples]. The agency I adopted through was incredibly inclusive; in the same way Fitzgerald Fostering is. Sexuality isn’t really a factor, it’s about your support network and the practical arrangements, how you’re going to look after a child with a care background.

What’s your advice for someone feeling intimidated by the panel or the process in general?
Remember, the panel wants you to do well. They’re not looking for perfect people; they want people who can offer the right care and environment for children in care. We know there’s a lot riding on it and that we are making a decision that is pivotal to what’s happening next in your life. As a panel member, we never underestimate that. What’s really nice for us is that once foster carers are approved, they then come back a year after for their annual review and it’s lovely to see how people have got on.

Fostering isn’t about ticking boxes, the process starts with a conversation and there’s support every step of the way, including before, during and after the panel process. Ready to learn more or take the next step?

Interested in finding out more about being a foster carer?

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