fostering/kin ship

[chucklebro]

hi all

im a dad of 3 not married but been living together that long and 3 kids later we may as well be,in November we were approached by the social services,because my brother inlaw had his kids taken away for the final time,for drug use,and violent issues,now we didn't know anything about this as we live in different areas ,anyway the social services basicly told us that if we did not put ourselves forward his kids would be taken away and put up for fostering/adoption......we had a few weeks to think about this as it was a massive thing todo,as 1 child is 3 and the other is only 1,so we decided we would try and put ourselves forward.......we had visits from ss,and medicals etc...everything was going perfect,we was told 99% these kids are coming to you,then 5 weeks ago was our last convo with them,so we thought we would call them,only for them to tell us that we are not suitable on the grounds of we don't have enough bedrooms and our financial status? not they knew all this from day 1? but still led me and my family in thinkings we were getting my nephew and neice.....we are now waiting for the official letter which will hopefully be today so we can appeal! could anyone give me any information or any advice ? thanks

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear madas26

Welcome to the parent's board.

I am sorry to hear that you have failed the viability assessment particularly when it looked likely that your partner's nephew and niece may be coming to live with you. Can I suggest that you wait for Children's Services letter outlining why you would not be suitable long term carers for the children.

With respect to the concerns about your housing, there are ways you can be supported to address this issue. For instance, your family could receive assistance with a housing transfer, or extension to your property should the terms of your lease or tenancy permit this.

On the second issue of your finances, do significant family debts or evidence of historical struggles in being able to meet your routine financial commitments that are causing concern. If the Local Authority have concerns about you being able to manage your day to day finances after the children have been placed, you could ask to be assessed for child arrangement or special guardianship order allowance, depending which applies. However, it is important to note that both are discretionary and means tested payments. If necessary, I can give further advice on theses orders if they become relevant to your situation.

I hope this helps.

Best Wishes

Suzie