We're delighted that you are considering foster caring. Don't worry, we don't expect prospective foster carers to have any specific qualifications when they come to us. What we are looking for are individuals and couples who are motivated to shape the lives and futures of children in our region for the better.
Foster care training will build the skills and confidence you need to tackle the challenges of this fulfilling role. If you have a willingness to learn about the life experiences of the children and young people you will care for, and how to support them, we can train you to do the rest. If you're supporting one of our children, we'll support you.
Our training is provided completely free of charge, and delivered in a range of flexible ways to suit you, your family and your lifestyle. We want you to be able to get as much as possible out of the course, and want every applicant to have the chance to attend.
About pre-approval training
When you start your fostering journey, you'll be invited to attend initial pre-approval training, delivered by our specialist training teams. It's mandatory for all prospective foster carers and provides a solid starting point for your fostering journey. It introduces you to what it's like to be a foster carer, and you will be able to hear examples of real-life experiences from our Social Workers, experienced foster carers and care leavers. Initial training also provides the opportunity to build friendships with others new to fostering, and extend your fostering network. Connections with other new aplicants can be invaluable in your journey to fostering, and for years to come.
What does foster carer training cover?
During your pre-approval training, you will:
- learn about the realities of the role, so you can begin to picture how fostering might fit into your life, and the types of foster care you might be involved with
- learn about the life experiences and challenges faced by cared for children and young people who often come into care due to abuse or neglect, and how you can support them
- develop skills to help you build positive relationships and manage any challenging situations
- investigate the particular issues involved in fostering different age groups, such as teenagers or parent and child placements
- understand the importance and role of the birth family
- have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about how fostering works, and about the extensive range of support and training we offer
How long does the training take?
The initial, compulsory training course runs over 2 or 3 days, and is held on a regular basis, in local venues or online.
We want you to have all the information you need to feel as confident as possible to start your new role, so we offer much more than initial training. Some of the areas we cover in our bespoke additional training courses are:
- child and adolescent mental health
- autism, ADHD and neurodivergence
- fostering teenagers - dispelling the myths
- working effectively with schools
Formal training courses are just one element of the foster care approval process. With Foster with us, you could become an approved foster carer in as little as 16 weeks.
On average, the process takes around 4 to 6 months, but it depends on individual circumstances.
Support for your development
Foster care training doesn't end once you've become an approved foster carer. Each Foster with us partner offers its own programme of post-approval training. Once you've been approved, you'll be able to access this training free of charge.
Topics for training can vary depending on demand across locations, but could include subjects such as:
- safer care practice
- life story work
- first aid
- safeguarding
To help you develop, there are also opportunities to complete additional training so you can qualify for specialist types of fostering, such as Parent and Child placements, and much more.
Get in touch
Our team of fostering experts are always on hand to help. Speak to our fostering hub co-ordinators to find out more about how our comprehensive training programme can support your foster care journey.