Training, Support & Allowances for Foster Carers

Skills to Foster Preparation Groups - Everyone who wants to foster is required to attend preparation groups before the assessment process. These are designed to provide prospective foster carers with the knowledge and information they need to gain a realistic picture of what is involved in being a foster carer.

Induction Training - Within the first 6-months of your approval you will be invited to induction training, all new foster carers must attend; this will be noted in your 6-month review. The course lasts 2-days, and includes topics such as: working with others, promoting resilience, health and educational needs, and first aid training.

Post-Approval Training - After completing induction training foster carers can apply for the post-approval training. This is a payment-for-skills course, which means carers receive an additional £50 per week for the first fostered child. The post-approval training is taught in 10 modules over a 12-week period.

NVQ Level 3 in Childcare - After successfully completing the post-approval training foster carers can go on to do the NVQ level 3 in childcare. This is another payment-for-skills course, which will again increase the allowance for your first child fostered.

Development Modules

Any foster carer can choose to go on the development modules. These cover core subjects such as safe caring, child protection, HIV awareness and managing difficult behaviour.

S.U.D.S. - All foster carers who look after children less than 2 years of age must attend the 'Sudden Unexplained Death Syndrome' training. These courses run once every 3 months.