Factors to consider in the assessment Sample Clauses

Factors to consider in the assessment. This section gives information from the research and literature on fostering.

Factors to consider in the assessment. The literature has identified the following qualities as contributing to a successful placement;  faith or support from religion;  a deep concern for children;  tolerance;  a strong cooperative marriage in married xxxxxx families;  a daily life that is characterized as organized and routinized but flexible in terms of responding to children‟s needs and external demands;  a sense of humour;  the ability to be resilient and maintain a sense of hope. Characteristics that inhibit successful fostering include;  genuine fostering motivations;  ability to balance competing demands for parents‟ time and energy;  ability to cope with difficulties in dealing with strong attachments to children who might have to leave the family; and  personal and interpersonal flexibility.

Factors to consider in the assessment. The impact on the children already in the home when a child enters the family must not be underestimated. This is particularly true when the child joining the family has some special needs and may only be staying with them for a short time. Children already in the home may experience increased levels of stress due to;  loss of parental attention;  changes in family roles, structures and activities;  feelings of guilt and shame regarding their reaction to a special needs child;  the negative reaction of others outside the family;  Witnessing concerning behaviors of xxxxxx children in the home due to a disability, past trauma and loss and grief

Factors to consider in the assessment. The Child Welfare League of America Standards states the following; “Adults who are emotionally mature will generally have the capacity to grow into parenthood as they experience a relationship with a child, and are likely to be able to provide the care they need. Some of the characteristics to be considered in evaluating emotional maturity are: the capacity to give and receive love; the ability to assume responsibility for the care, guidance and protection of another person; reasonable emotional stability; flexibility and ability to change in relation to the needs of others; a capacity for relationships; self-respect; an ability to cope with problems, disappointments and frustrations; an ability to accept normal hazards and risks; the capacity to take responsibility for one’s own actions and the capacity to accept and handle loss. In two-parent families, the relationship should be one that could continue successfully without a child. The emotional climate should be satisfying for the parent(s) as well as the child. Each partner should have respect for the other.” The relationship of the Applicant(s) needs to be strong as fostering brings strains into the relationship that can challenge its stability. The addition of xxxxxx children in the home should not be seen as a solution to unresolved conflict or interpersonal issues within a relationship.

Factors to consider in the assessment. According to the Child Welfare League of America Standards, the Applicant(s) “should have a capacity for feeling satisfaction from contributing to the development of a child and for allowing children to develop and grow in their own way and at their own pace; the ability to deal with developmental, health and emotional problems, and a sensitivity, understanding and tolerance for children’s difficulties. They should be flexible about their specifications and expectations for a child and they should be capable of accepting a child as he or she is, or may develop.” The Department‟s standards and criteria for xxxxxx parents include that the xxxxxx parent will use positive parenting methods when assisting the child to manage their behaviour. Positive methods include those that;  are based on praise, encouragement and structuring the setting for success;  are reasonable and related to the nature of the action/behaviour;  teach or model ways of behaving;  respond to the behaviour as soon as possible; and  are motivated by a desire to assist the child-in-care to learn responsibility and self-control.

Factors to consider in the assessment. Qualities which strengthen the Applicant(s)‟ ability to cope with the added tasks of caring for a child with complex needs;  a willingness to support the children in the face of prejudice from others;  a readiness to explore their own attitudes and willingness to change them if necessary;  a willingness to adapt their lifestyle;  an ability to tolerate stress;  a knowledge of community and territorial resources related to the child‟s special needs;  an ability to value the child whatever the child‟s abilities and an ability to accept differences;  an understanding of the life-long effect some early life experiences may have upon a child;  an ability and willingness to work co-operatively with professionals.