Step by Step is a comprehensive, competency based resource produced by by ACWA/CCWT with funding by the NSW Department of Community Services. It provides a range of material to enable agencies and applicants to:

- engage and share relevant information
- make an informed decision about the suitability of the applicant to be a foster carer.

How to get a copy of Step by Step
Step by Step consists of seven different booklets, six of which are available on CD and by download from this website.

Hard Copy Version
A package containing all seven booklets (plus a CD to enable you to make additional copies customised for the particular needs of your agency) can be purchased from ACWA. Some packages and CDs are also available separately.

Click here to download an order form with price details. Please print, complete and send in by post or fax.

The Booklets

1. Background Paper
An outline of the research and practice base for the package. Click here to download.

2. Familiarisation Guide
A detailed outline for a two day workshop to familiarize assessors with the Step by Step package and how to use it. The familiarization workshop must be conducted by a trainer who has experience in using the Step by Step package.
Click here to download.

3. Information Pack for Potential Carers
A resource for people making enquiries about being a carer that can be adapted to the particular needs of your agency.
This is available in MSWord format. This enables changes to be made to it to reflect the particular ethos and requirements of your agency. Click here to download.

4. Applicant Booklet
A collection of handouts and worksheets used by the applicant during the assessment interviews.
Click here to download.

5. Assessment Record
A tool for recording and analyzing information gathered in the assessment process. This is available in MSWord format. Click here to download.

This booklet is completed for each applicant undergoing an assessment. It has been designed for you to fill in information relevant to the particular applicant you are assessing. Important tips when completing an assessment record.

   How to Use the Assessment Record
   - Download a separate copy of the Assessment Record for each applicant and save with a distinctive name (eg
   include the name of the applicant)
   - Back-up the file frequently. As this record will be completed over a period of time it is essential you do not lose
   important information which may be difficult to remember. Ensure that you have off-site backups.
   - There are two types of boxes provided in which you can add information:
   a) Text boxes are provided for answers requiring information of a limited length eg names, addresses, etc. These
   cannot be expanded.
   b) For more open ended questions, the boxes have been constructed as table cells. This means that they will
   expand as you type into them. Any additional space left after you have completed your response can be deleted
   to save space in the document.
   - The Assessment Record is a long document. If you find it cumbersome to work with the entire document, you
   can break it down into different files. (There are 12 different sections that could become 12 different files.) Just
   ensure all 12 sections are completed for each applicant.

6. Assessment Resources
A collection of materials to support the assessment process. This enables changes to be made to it to reflect the particular ethos and requirements of your agency. This is available in MSWord format. Click here to download.

7. Manual for Assessors
A detailed outline of the assessment activities held with applicants. This cannot be downloaded but is available in hard copy. Click here to download the order form as a PDF. Please print, complete and send in by post or fax.