Parent assessment time frame, changes to family time

[Swiftey]

Hi I've a few question's I am looking for answers.

Question 1
Is there a reasonable time to complete a parent reassessment ours started in December 23 and we still don't have an outcome. Although the social worker has told us everything is positive.

Question 2
We have been having a high level of contact with daughter. We have her from 9.30am every Saturday to 8.00pm Sunday evening. We have her every Wednesday in the school holidays and once a month on a Friday for family time with her brother and us. The last 5 Friday family contacts my daughter has been allowed to stay with us until Sunday evening. Which the foster carer has arranged. We now have to have a contact of expections put in place my question is can they reduce family time and do we have to agree with the contract.

Question 3
What will a context of expections consist off.

Many thanks.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Swiftey,

Thank you for your post.
My name is Suzie and I am an online adviser replying to you today.
Your questions about reassessment relates to decisions about your daughter’s possible return from care, sometimes referred to as reunification.

Some of the answers to your questions depend on your family situation and the children’s social care professionals who know you and your daughter are in a better position to inform you than I am. However, I can guide you to general information.

You asked whether there is a reasonable time frame in which a parent reassessment should be made. This will vary depending on local procedures and your individual and family circumstances. You should ask for a copy of your local authority’s reunification policy. You could also search procedures online here.

You may also find the NSPCC reunification practice framework useful here.

You go on to ask whether the high level of contact that you currently have could be reduced as have been told that there needs to be a ‘contract of expectations’ drawn up and agreed. It seems that some of the details about the contact have been agreed informally between you and the foster carer and the social worker wants to ensure that everybody understands the contact schedule and safety expectations so that there are no misunderstandings, and your family time can continue to be positive. A ‘contract of expectations’ is a term used to describe a written agreement between children’s service and parents so that all parties are clear about what is expected and agreed.

If the contacts are going well; there are no concerns about her safety and wellbeing in your care at these times, and your daughter is keen on keeping this level of contact it could be argued that a reduction would not be in her best interests.

You may find it useful to read the Family Rights Group guide to working with social workers here before you review and respond to the ‘contract of expectations’. This may help you to have a purposeful conversation with the social worker and the independent reviewing officer.

I hope this general information is of some help.

Best wishes,
Suzie