medical

[bettyboo]

could someone tell me what the medical involves i did have a bit of depression in the last couple of years even though i have now got over this and never had to take any medication for it would this go against me even though none of the children have not been neglected in any way and are living in a stable environment

[bettyboo]

im still seeing someone even though the depression has gone i still feel the need to see this person as at times i get a bit anxious about the assessment which is going to happen and it makes me feel better when i talk to the psychological therapist about the frustration im feeling it feels horrible these people wanting to know everything about my family would they think im not suitable if they question me about seeing this therapist i got medical next week

[bettyboo]

my grandchildren they are very settled with us

[David Roth]

I would just like to say that this does highlight some of the difficulties carers face with going through an assessment.

To the person being assessed, the process can feel very uncomfortable and intrusive, as you get asked questions about very personal matters that you may not be used to discussing with anyone outside of people you are very close to.

From the social worker's point of view, they are trying to make a decision about a child's future which is going to have lifelong consequences for the child, and they want to be really sure they are making the right decision. So while you might feel really confident you are the right person to bring up a child, the assessing social worker usually doesn't know much about you, and has to find out why you are the right person. This does mean looking into the areas where doubts might arise.

When the social worker asks about difficult areas, such as depression, it doesn't mean they are trying to rule you out. If the child is already living with you quite happily, they might just as well be looking to confirm that it would be right for the child to stay with you. Ideally, the social worker should be trying to work this through with you together - to come to a joint decision about whether, at this time in your life, taking this child in is the right decision for you. If the social worker has any doubts about this, they should put these concerns to you directly, and hear what you have to say in response. If you have thought about the effects that depression has on you, and your ways of dealing with it, and you feel that raising a child is perfectly manageable, then you should be able to answer any questions that the social worker may have.

As you have said, it probably will come up in your medical, and it will have to be considered and not ignored, just as any other medical condition would be. They would need to consider what is the evidence that this is manageable and not detrimental to the child. If the child is already living with you and thriving, then that is very good evidence in your favour.