Carer assessment

18.1    Any GSL officer who knows an applicant in any capacity outside of the GSL scheme will:

• be expected to advise the GSL Registered Manager
  
  
• not be involved in the applicant’s assessment
  
  Failure to disclose a potential conflict of interest will be dealt with in accordance with the GSL performance capability procedure.

18.2    Carer assessment will be based on:

• the Gloucestershire Safer Recruitment Good Practice Guidance and

• the 15 Care Certificate standards

18.3    GSL will use a staged application and assessment process. This means that applicants must satisfactorily complete each stage before proceeding to the next. Applicants may decide not to proceed further, or may be screened out of the process by GSL, at any stage.

18.4    Processes will include but will not necessarily be limited to:

• completion of an application form
  
  
• attending a pre-assessment meeting
  
  
• referee screening, including medical reference
  
  
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
  
  
• a visit by a GSL officer to the applicant’s home to assess the suitability of accommodation for provision of GSL services
  
  
• completion of mandatory training and workbooks
  
  
• observations by GSL officers of the applicant interacting with adults who have care and support needs. A minimum of two observations will be required
  
  
• a pre - panel (see section 19) visit by the  GSL Registered Manager or appointed deputy

18.5    GSL may agree to a modified assessment process for an approved Children’s Services foster carer where:

• a GSL arrangement is likely to be the most appropriate option for meeting the young person’s eligible needs when they turn 18, and
  
  
• the young person and their carer(s) wish to continue existing care arrangements as a GSL arrangement
  
  Foster carers should apply for approval as a GSL carer well in advance of the young person’s 18th birthday to avoid delays in approval and consequent disruption to caring arrangements.