Fostering training & classes
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 of children in our region for the better.
You will need a willingness to learn about the life experiences of the children and young people you will care for, and how to support them. Foster carer training will build the skills and confidence you need to tackle the challenges of this fulfilling role.
Pre and post-approval training for foster carers in the North East is provided completely free of charge and delivered in flexible ways to suit you.
Foster Carer Information Events
At information events, you will have the opportunity to talk to members of your local fostering support team as well as existing foster carers. You can ask questions about the role and what you can expect from foster care training.
About Foster with North East Skills to Foster Training (pre-approval)
When you start your fostering journey, you will be invited to attend Skills to Foster Training which will provide a solid starting point for your fostering journey by introducing you to what it's like to be a foster carer. The training is delivered by our specialist Foster with North East hub team. Skills to Foster Training is mandatory for all prospective foster carers. If you decide to apply, you will complete it during the foster care approval process.
Training will go into greater depth 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'd like to be involved with.
Skills to Foster Training is also a chance for fostering assessors to check on your understanding of the needs of looked after children and how to meet them.
What does foster carer training cover?
During your Skills to Foster Training, you will:
- Learn about the life experiences and challenges faced by cared for children and young people.
- Develop skills to help you build positive relationships and manage challenging situations.
- Have the opportunity to build friendships with others new to fostering and extend your fostering network.
- Be able to ask questions and learn about how fostering works and the support and training we offer.
How long does Skills to Foster Training take?
The Skills to Foster Training course runs over a series of sessions. Training will be held on a monthly basis, in a local venue and it shouldn't take more than half an hour for prospective foster carers to attend from all over the North East.
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.
How long does it take to train as a foster carer?
Skills to Foster Training is one element of the foster care approval process. With Foster with North East, you could become an approved foster carer in as little as 24 weeks.
On average the process takes around six 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 partner within Foster with North East offers its own programme of post-approval training, which once approved, you will be able access free of charge.
Topics for training can vary depending on demand across locations, but could include subjects such as:
- Safe care practice
- Life story work
- First aid
- Safeguarding
To help you develop, there are also opportunities to complete additional training to qualify you for specialist types of fostering such as Parent and Child placements. You can find out about current fostering training programmes by speaking to an assessing social worker.
Register your interest
To register your interest in fostering in the North East you can get in touch or call 0800 917 7771, our hub advisers are ready and waiting.
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