Training and support

You can make a difference and we will help.

As a foster care you will receive:

• Adequate supply of all necessary equipment
• A consistent named supervising foster social worker
• Regular supervision, annual review, regular visits, support from child's social worker
• Prompt payment of fees and allowances
• Specialist support from health, education and other professionals
• The Carers' Handbook
• Out-of-hours telephone support specifically for carers
• Out-of-hours support provided by our Emergency Duty Team
• Access to our comprehensive on-going training programme, including NVQ
• Regular newsletters
• Information on social events for foster carers
• The opportunity for your own children to become part of our children who foster group
• Paid membership of the Fostering Network on approval
• The opportunity to attend the annual awards evening and dinner

Training

Regular, high-quality training is very important in assisting you to undertake the tasks required in caring for children, some of whom may be exhibiting difficult and challenging behaviour. We are committed to provide a number of training opportunities, each year, which will build on the skills first discussed during your preparation course.

Please suggest training courses you feel would meet your needs. We seek to hold training events at a variety of times and venues to encourage attendance. You also have opportunities to attend courses alongside other child-care workers such as social workers and residential workers.  We are currently training staff as assessors so you will have the opportunity to study for an NVQ Level 3 award in the Care Of Children And Young People.

Course information

To book onto the following courses please download from our Related files below.

Support

The fostering social worker

The fostering social worker has primary responsibility for supporting and supervising you as a carer. Whilst the child's social worker works directly with the child, the fostering social worker will work closely with you to discuss any matters relating to the placement of your child and will work to resolve any issues that arise.

All fostering social workers are qualified, experienced workers who bring with them a range of experiences in childcare. They work with you to develop and build on your experiences and to enhance your skills. They also act as a link with our fostering team and ensure you feel valued and confident about fostering. They also run groups and encourage new carers to meet with other more experienced carers.

Support groups and coffee mornings

We encourage you to attend the support groups or coffee mornings which take at various locations across the county. Our experience is that most carers find it useful to get together and provide mutual support. Many will experience similar issues and situations. The information and advice exchanged can prove very valuable and reassuring. Apart from geographically-based groups, there are support groups operating for those who foster teenagers and occasionally for men who foster.

Emergency support

Problems can arise for foster carers outside usual office hours so there are two emergency systems in place for you to call upon. The Emergency Duty Team, 01494 675802, deals with all general social work emergencies, including the placement of children. We also have a 24-hour foster carers' support telephone line covered by family placement social workers and other experienced social workers. These workers will offer advice on the telephone and in an emergency will visit you to help to resolve the problem.

Foster Care Association

We pay subscriptions for all foster carers to be members of the Fostering Network. This organisation will offer you additional support and guidance through a locally-based representative, who is independent from us.  The Network provides advisory and mediation services to approved carers and sends out regular magazines covering current fostering issues.

Sons and daughters group

It is not only adults who foster. It can be difficult for your own children to share their home, lives and parents. Hence we offer regular support meetings, outings and fun activities for these children.