What training is needed to become a foster family?

Fostering training is a structured programme that prepares applicants for the practical, safeguarding and emotional responsibilities of caring for a child in care. It usually begins before approval, continues through the assessment process and develops further once a foster carer is approved.

Preparation before approval

Before applying or while your assessment is under way, you will normally complete an introductory programme such as Skills to Foster . This helps you understand what fostering involves and consider how it may affect your household. It commonly covers:

• the different reasons children may enter care and how previous experiences can affect their behaviour;
• the role of the foster carer and the responsibilities shared with the fostering service, social workers, schools and other professionals;
• how to provide consistent boundaries, routines and age-appropriate care;
• the importance of confidentiality, accurate record keeping and appropriate communication;
• how to respond to concerns about a child’s safety or welfare;
• the impact fostering may have on relationships, work, family life and the wider support network; and
• the types of information that will be considered during the assessment and approval process.

The training is also an opportunity to ask practical questions before making a decision. If you are applying as a couple, both applicants should take part. Other household members may also need information about fostering so they understand their part in maintaining a safe and supportive home.

Learning during assessment

Your preparation will be considered alongside interviews, references, checks and other parts of the assessment. This is not simply a test of whether you already know everything about fostering. Applicants come with different experiences, so the process helps identify existing strengths as well as areas where further learning would be useful.

You may discuss subjects such as caring for children with additional needs, supporting contact with birth families, managing transitions and recognising how trauma can affect trust and behaviour. Your assessing social worker can explain which training is required for your circumstances and whether particular preparation is needed for the type of fostering you are considering.

Training after approval

Approval is not the end of the learning process. Foster carers are expected to keep their knowledge up to date and complete training set by their fostering service. This may include refresher learning, safeguarding updates and subjects linked to the needs of a particular child or young person placed with you.

Further training may cover areas such as first aid, medication, online safety, managing allegations, safer use of the home, therapeutic approaches, equality and identity, or supporting education and independence. The exact programme depends on the fostering service, your approval category and the needs of children in your care.

How the training is delivered

Training can involve group sessions, discussions, exercises, online learning and guidance from social care professionals. Some subjects are designed to be completed before approval, while others are introduced when they become relevant to a placement. Active participation matters because fostering involves applying knowledge to real situations rather than only completing a course.

Ask the fostering team to explain the full training pathway, any compulsory courses, how learning is recorded and what support is available if you need help understanding a subject. You should also discuss how training fits around your household and whether everyone who will support the placement needs to attend particular sessions.