Well done on securing your new job. Exciting times. Thanks so much for your positive feedback. Loads more videos in the pipeline and some collaborations. Ring that little bell "Ding a Ling" lol

@@SociableSocialWorker All done

Belinda Bell thanks so much. Check out my Twitter feed too and we can share ideas etc there.

Thanks so much

Hi, I will have a look and think about this video idea. Much appreciated

Good idea! Thanks so much.

@@SociableSocialWorker Also visits and what to expect as foster carers get quite upset about this subject, the difference between the emergency team and the cla team etc.

Having all the information on Why the child’s last family broke down is key. You WILL need some therapeutic input. Prepare beforehand by agreeing ALL the support you will get from the agency or local authority before a child is placed. For the child, don’t make a big fuss, gently does it, don’t smother but don’t pull back. Make sure there are routines straight away, based on the child previous identified needs or gaps in their life. For example: set dinner times. Bath times and washing can be trigger points in my experience. Don’t have lots of days out or parties. Make each day as “normal” as possible. If you have your own children - make time for them, individual time, “boys days” and “girls days” or both days. Remember to talk about where the toilet is, and have nightlights. Food is crucial too, so check out what he/she likes. And, just be you, if it feels like your doing to much, you probably are. Let the child come to you if they aren’t chatty. Best of luck. Also check out adoption with NYREE

I am glad you liked the video. Thanks for the support. Honestly I would wait until your child is older, all your hospital stuff is complete and you have a full picture of your children’s health. Obviously children who are autistic can live with fostered children and I have families now I work with. However, it can be incredibly stressful if you end up with a poor match and it could effect your own child and I am sure you wouldn’t want that. I don’t know the full details and I am not an autism expert or doc. If you have a full diagnosis it would make life easier and you would be less likely to be knocked back. But, pick up the phone and speak to your local IFA or LA? I have a video on which one to choose. Best of luck

@@SociableSocialWorker Thank you👍 I will defo call my LA today

Hi, interesting question. It really depends on what happened. Section 20 shouldn’t stop you fostering as it is about you asking for help. Not sure what this was about by your comments. It would be best to raise it with your initial discussions with the LA or agency. Agencies may be less likely to take you as they need to be able to “sell” you to LA’s and any amber flags won’t help them make a profit. Sounds awful but that’s the reality of for profit agencies. LA’s are more likely to be flexible as they understand more the issues of family life. It also depends on your daughters age now, what would she say when assessed. Have a chat with the person who comes to the house.

@@SociableSocialWorker thanks Alasdair. Basically the situation was she was in with a bad crowd, effectively groomed and the only way of removing her from the area was the section 20. I have since moved etc and I’m sure she would explain her choices and all I did to try and help. There’s a stigma attached though. Thanks for the advise

You will be fine. Nothing to worry about. Best of luck

Wow, great question and It’s a tough one. I have some experience of this from initial visits for fostering. It really depends on the social worker/agency/LA who assesses. You have a spare room, so that’s great. Culturally sharing a room with your son is fine. Yes he will be asked about sharing. If your son is young, I suppose it’s fine for now. It’s when he gets older, some issues could emerge, puberty etc. But also, how will your son feel if another child gets their “own” room. Would it change the Dynamic? Obviously, your son couldn’t share with a foster child. You could foster, perhaps do some short break work, or short term fostering. But again it would be down to the agency or LA to assess. It shouldn’t stop you from speaking to agencies or LA’s, see what they say. Some may say NO straight away others may be more culturally sensitive. Don’t just pick the local LA or agency. Choose carefully for one that meets your needs and has great outcomes for children & yp. Let me know how you get on, comment back with your progress.

@@SociableSocialWorker thankyou so much for your input, I really appreciate it! I've actually had a conversation regarding what you said about how he would feel and the dynamic. His response was "I don't mind" haha. I then asked him if he'd be happy or sad if another child has their own room, his response "I'd be a little happy for them I guess" 😂 my son is very laid back and he's looking forward to more children company, although I did warn him that this child will be special and requires special attention which he seems to understand. In his class there is a child that is on the spectrum and from what he's telling me, most other kids avoid playing with him. My son has said he feels bad for him, and even though sometimes this boy gets aggressive, he will still be nice to him. I just feel so proud of him and how much of a big heart he has. I also asked when he'd be ready for his own room he said either when he's 10 or 11 which is better than what he previously said -when he's 40 😂. I may not hear back from the agency now for another 2 weeks during the Christmas but I'll be sure to keep you updated. Many thankyous and A Merry Christmas! 🌲⛄

@@Gimmeyoyoyo merry Christmas to you too and a happy new year.

Thanks for the support of my little channel. Yes children who are fostered can move into adoption. Often that isn’t the plan. But given the delays in care planning and that often the placement becomes the plan - adoption is often used. But don’t think you can use fostering as a short cut to adoption. You would still need a further assessment and now Special Guardianships are used more and more with family members. So adoption in some areas is lessening.

One of my earlier works, music has been taken out now. Thanks for the support.