Are foster carer training costs covered by the fostering service?

A fostering service’s financial responsibility usually follows the training plan it sets for your assessment, approval and continued development. Courses that form part of that plan are normally arranged and funded by the service, while any cost outside the agreed plan should be checked before you book or attend it.

Training connected with assessment and approval

People applying to foster are expected to complete preparation training before approval. This helps the service assess your understanding of fostering and gives you practical knowledge about caring for children who may have experienced loss, abuse, neglect or disrupted relationships. The service normally organises this preparation as part of its application process rather than expecting applicants to find and pay for a separate course themselves.

The same principle applies to training identified as necessary for your role after approval. Your supervising social worker or training team should explain which learning is mandatory, when it needs to be completed and how it will be recorded. Requirements can differ according to the type of fostering, the age and needs of the children placed with you, and any specialist skills needed in your household.

What may be included

• Preparatory training completed during the assessment process
• Induction learning following approval
• Required safeguarding, health and safety or therapeutic-care training
• Training linked to a particular child’s needs or placement
• Refresher learning and continuing professional development required by the fostering service

Some courses may lead to an external qualification or certificate. Whether the service pays the associated fee depends on whether that qualification is part of your agreed fostering training plan. A course you choose independently, or one taken for a separate personal or professional purpose, may be treated differently.

Costs to clarify before starting

Ask the fostering service for a clear explanation of its training-cost policy before committing to a course. Useful questions include:

• Is the course compulsory for approval or ongoing fostering?
• Does the service enrol applicants directly, or must carers arrange registration themselves?
• Are examination, certification or renewal fees included?
• Will the service pay for training delivered by an external provider?
• What happens if a course must be repeated?
• Can approved carers claim any agreed expenses connected with attendance?

It is also sensible to ask how training is delivered and what happens if you cannot attend a scheduled session. The service may have an alternative date, another approved format or a process for agreeing an individual learning plan. Do not pay for a course simply because it appears relevant to fostering; first confirm that it is recognised and funded under your service’s arrangements.

Training costs and fostering payments are separate

Payment for training should not be confused with the fostering allowance or other payments made in relation to a child in your care. Training funding covers learning requirements, whereas fostering payments are intended to contribute towards the costs of caring for a child and any applicable professional fee or allowance. The amounts and arrangements should be explained separately during the assessment and approval process.

Before applying, you can request the service’s written information about training, expenses and payment arrangements. Keeping this information, along with any agreed training plan, makes it easier to understand what the service will provide and which costs you would need to discuss personally.