Do we provide training courses specific to fostering?

We invest in our foster parents: you will have the best training and opportunity to develop the relevant skills to equip you to look after children with a variety of needs and who come from various situations often including neglect or abuse.

Do we provide pre-approval training?

As part of the assessment process every applicant must attend the Skills to Foster training. You will be invited to skills to foster training as soon as you start the application process. Skills to Foster training takes place over three days. You will be given the opportunity to look at issues relevant to fostering and to talk these through with the trainer and other potential foster carers as well as supervising social workers who can talk about anything which may be concerning you. It also gives you another opportunity to decide whether or not you are ready for the challenges of fostering.

Do we provide post-approval training?​

We offer a wide variety of training courses once you are approved. You will need to attend mandatory courses each year as part of your own personal development as a foster carer.  The courses include first aid, drug and alcohol awareness, safe caring, attachment, working with birth families and talking to young people about sex. You can also be provided with the opportunity to undertake an NVQ level 3 qualification. 

TSDS (Training, Support and Development Standards)

The Training, Support & Development Standards for Foster Care consist of seven standards that all newly approved foster carers have to meet, within one year of approval. This is to ensure that all foster carers are equipped with the knowledge & skills needed to provide a high quality of care for the children & young people they look after. All Foster carers are given the necessary support to develop skills and relevant knowledge that will ensure appropriate opportunities for career development. Supervising social workers will support Foster carers to completing the standards in conjunction with carers attending relevant training courses.