Training is a huge part of the Foster Carer recruitment process. Knowing what to expect is key to the whole process being as painless as possible.
The Skills to Foster Course
As part of your preparation to become a foster carer in Wales, prior to approval, all prospective carers will complete a preparation program called Skills to Foster. This is a preparation for fostering program that is a few sessions long, held over a few days, approximately 3 days in total. During these sessions prospective carers will look at child development, the needs of the looked after children and the daily life of a foster carer. The Skills to Foster program is delivered in groups of prospective foster carers and therefore you will meet other people going through the process of becoming a foster carer too.
What the Training Covers
Skills to Foster provides prospective carers with a good grounding of the range of topics which will be covered in more depth in the following training sessions. The program provides prospective carers with knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, an overview of the effects of trauma and attachment on looked after children, education of children in care and working with the birth families of children in care. All foster care in Wales is delivered within the framework of Welsh Government guidance on foster care and as such training is consistent and is regulated.
Ongoing Training After Approval
It is not the end of training as a Foster Carer. Foster Carers are expected to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as a requirement of their approval as a Foster Carer. Your Supervising Social Worker will identify relevant training to support you and the children (and young people) you care for. This may include managing behaviours that challenge children with additional needs, and basic life saving skills such as first aid.
How Training Links to Your Reviews
Training also forms part of your Annual Review of Foster Carer where your Supervising Social Worker will discuss your training completed throughout the year. It is good to keep a record of the training you have completed and how it has helped you and the children in your care.
Foster Care Wrexham is covered in more detail at saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/wrexham.
Good training is delivered one topic at a time to enable you to develop in confidence.
