Skills to Foster
‘Skills to Foster’ is a comprehensive three day preparation and evaluation course for people who may wish to become foster carers. It is written and produced by the Fostering Network.
The course meets the UK national standards in foster care, and provides the foundations for a comprehensive vocational training for potential carers.
First and foremost, the course will enable prospective foster carers to decide if fostering is right for them.
From there, our aim is to prepare the applicants with the knowledge and skills they will need to begin their career as foster carers.
We hold three courses per year at various venues across London and the South East.
The Trainers.
Chris Anderson
Chris is a registered social worker and Manager with over 25 years practice experience. She has managed a number of ‘front line’ child care services and developed a number of innovative projects to support children and their families where there are complex and challenging needs.
Additionally, Chris is the Chair of a Fostering Panel and a practice assessor for a social work degree course
Peter Sadler
Peter is a teacher, trainer and facilitator with more than thirty years experience in the field. He was instrumental in setting up one of the first Behaviour Support Services in the country outside London, and is committed to working in a research based and reflective way.
Peter is now applying these skills with foster care workers where his interests lie in creating a professional development structure for the carers. He is particularly interested in the issues which are faced by men in care work.
Day One
What Do Foster Carers do?
A review of the many and varied tasks that add up to the role of ‘foster carer’
Who are the children and young people?
A look at the wide range of family and parenting difficulties that may require a child or young person to be cared for away from home.
Day Two
Working Together
The foster carer working as part of a team, with social workers, Courts, health professionals, teachers and the child’s birth family.
Safer caring
How carers can begin to provide a safe and secure base for the child or young person to develop. Looking at the impact of this new role on foster carers’ own children, other family members, friends and community.
Day Three
Understanding Behaviour
The difficulties faced by children and young people who may have suffered abuse and neglect, and how this can present in behaviour at various stages of development.
Moving On
Looking at the feelings involved when a foster care placement comes to an end. Acknowledging the feelings of all concerned and making the move a positive one.
Trainers’ Evaluation
The trainers will provide referring agencies with a comprehensive evaluation of the candidates. These can be provided daily or at the end of the course.
In addition to the evaluation the trainer will also make clear recommendations as to whether the candidate has the suitability to undertake the ‘Form F’ assessment.
Where the candidate meets most of the competencies the trainers will provide a clear action plan to enable the agency to make their final decisions.
In addition to this foundation training, we are also able to offer a comprehensive post approval programme for social workers, foster carers and their families.