Training and Development

As a foster carer you will have already completed some basic training and induction; these will be based on the National Standards for Foster Carers.

 It is important for you to continue to build on this training in order to be fully equipped to deal with the many situations you may face. The support and training you will be offered will help you to become more confident.

This support and development continues throughout your fostering career, making fostering a positive experience for both you and the child/young person.

All new foster carers must complete a workbook which shows evidence of their ability to meet the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care, Short Break Carers or for Family and Friends Foster Carers within 12 months of being approved (or within 18 months for Connected Persons foster carers (family and friends).

Two foster carers’ in the same house can use the same workbook.

Training will be geared towards each carer’s needs.

The standards cover the main areas of the foster care role and what you should know, understand and be able to do.

This evidence will begin to be gathered before you are approved, through the Skills to Foster course and will continue after you are approved. All evidence will be recorded in a training and development portfolio.

There will be some standard training (core) that you must attend. There will also be further training which may be identified by you or your Supervising Social Worker through your supervision meetings and through your annual appraisal.

Your personal development plan will set out how you will be supported with training and development. Your Supervising Social Worker will also discuss any help or support needed by your own children.

Training sessions are held during the day, evenings or sometimes at weekends in convenient places, childcare may be provided and reasonable expenses may be paid to enable you to attend.

The fostering service is committed to providing tailored training and support to all its foster carers that is based on equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

On completion of Training and Development Standard (TSD) and mandatory core training Foster Carers are required to continue their learning by undertaking a minimum of 30 hours learning and development each year.  These hours can be covered by a range of activities e.g. reading, reflective discussion, watching a relevant Television program, short on-line courses etc. and will be evidenced by a brief worksheet completed by the carer and signed by the supervising social worker.

Your Supervising Social Worker will provide you with a learning and development program.

If you move to another fostering service, your training portfolio will be transferred if requested.