Are foster carers paid for attending training?

Foster carers are generally not paid a separate amount for attending training. Training is part of the preparation, assessment and professional development required for fostering, rather than a paid shift or employment activity. Any fostering allowance or fee is governed by the individual fostering service’s payment policy and should not be assumed to cover attendance at a particular course.

Training usually takes place at several points in the fostering journey:

• Before approval: applicants complete preparation training to understand the responsibilities involved and consider whether fostering is right for their household.
• During assessment: learning from training is considered alongside interviews, references, checks and the wider assessment process.
• After approval: foster carers continue developing their knowledge and skills through further learning relevant to their role and the needs of children placed with them.

Subjects may include safeguarding, safer caring, child development, trauma, attachment, managing behaviour, communication and working with professionals. The exact programme depends on the fostering service, the stage of the application and the needs of the children it supports.

It is important to distinguish training attendance from a foster care payment. An allowance is intended to contribute towards the costs of caring for a child, while a fee, where offered, may recognise the foster carer’s role and commitment. Neither should automatically be treated as wages for time spent in training. Payment arrangements can differ between fostering services and may also depend on whether a carer is approved, has a child placed, or is completing additional training for a particular type of placement.

Although attending training is not normally paid separately, there may be practical arrangements that applicants should discuss before enrolling. These can include:

• whether required courses are provided without a charge;
• whether travel or other directly related expenses can be considered;
• how attendance is recorded and what happens if a session has to be missed;
• whether training is delivered in person, online or through a mixture of formats;
• which courses must be completed before approval and which are completed later.

Training is normally treated as an essential commitment. Applicants should allow time to attend sessions, complete any associated learning and discuss the material with their assessing social worker. If work, caring responsibilities, health needs or other circumstances could affect attendance, raise this early so the fostering service can explain its arrangements.

Before applying, ask the fostering service to provide its current policy on training, allowances, fees and expenses. This gives you a clearer picture of what is and is not paid, prevents assumptions about income and helps you plan for the practical commitments involved in becoming a foster carer.