Managers Blog

 

As the Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer’s (FIRO) we are experienced senior social workers who independently chair annual reviews for foster carers. Once Foster Carers are approved, the law requires that their approval is reviewed at least annually, to make sure everything is going well. We as FIRO’s lead this process.

We evaluate how well a foster carer provides a safe, stable home, gather feedback from all parties, chair the review meetings, and identify any extra training or support the carer needs. Unlike your supervising social worker, who works closely with you week-to-week to offer day-to-day advice, we FIRO’s sit outside your regular support team. This independence ensures that we can look at your household with a fresh, objective pair of eyes.

It is completely normal to feel a bit nervous about the idea of being "reviewed." However, we are not here to catch you out. We act as an extra layer of protection and advocacy for your entire household. We are independent of the fostering team, so can challenge if you are not getting the support you need, and act as a safeguard to ensure that you have the tools to successfully change a child's life.

There are currently two FIRO’s working in Stoke on Trent…

Sarah Myatt - I have been working with this local authority for over 30 years in a range of roles, the last eighteen of which were in Children and Family Services. I have been in my current role as a FIRO for over 3 years, but prior to this spent seven years as a Supervising Social Worker, supporting Foster Carers throughout their fostering journey. This has given me a passion for supporting foster carers and an understanding of fostering and the impact this can have on the children they care for, the foster carers and their families.

Sara Belford – I have worked for Stoke on Trent local authority for over 20 years, and worked in a range of roles within Children and Family Services. I have experience working in the fostering service as an assessing social worker, and as foster panel advisor. I have been working in my current role as FIRO for just over 2 years now. I am enjoying spending time with foster carers on their journey and working together, and feel privileged to be part of the team in supporting the children of Stoke on Trent.