Training and Development

As a foster carer you will have already completed some basic training and induction.

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 a more confident Foster Carer.

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.

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 Foster Carers are provided with a Training and Development Portfolio to evidence and record their ongoing training and development.

There will be some core training 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 Professional 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.

Training also comes in many forms, you may attend courses but there may also be some on-line resources/courses, books or workshops that may also be helpful.

Your Supervising Social Worker will provide you with information on the core training programme. Information on other training will be provided in an annual training prospectus. If you are interested in any courses, speak to your Supervising Social Worker for agreement and register you interest through the Workforce Development Website.