What training is available before accepting a foster placement?

Before a foster placement is accepted, prospective foster carers usually complete preparation training as part of the assessment and approval process. This training explains the practical realities of fostering, tests understanding of the role and helps identify any further learning needed before a child is placed. Once approved, carers may also complete placement-specific preparation based on the child’s circumstances.

Preparation before approval

Most fostering services provide an introductory course for applicants, often delivered through a mixture of group sessions, discussions, activities and independent learning. It is designed to help you decide whether fostering is right for your household as well as to prepare you for assessment. Attendance is normally expected for all applicants in a couple or household, because fostering affects everyone who lives in the home.

The course commonly looks at:

• the legal responsibilities involved in caring for a child who is looked after;
• how the fostering role fits alongside family life, employment and other commitments;
• the importance of recording information, attending meetings and working as part of a professional network;
• how to provide consistent routines, boundaries and day-to-day care;
• the effect that fostering may have on other household members;
• safe use of technology, privacy and information sharing;
• how carers can reflect on their own skills, values and learning needs; and
• the support, supervision and continued development expected after approval.

This training is not usually an examination. However, participation matters. Trainers may ask questions, observe how applicants approach scenarios and discuss whether the household understands the commitment involved. Concerns or gaps in knowledge do not automatically prevent approval, but they may lead to additional preparation or further assessment.

Training during the assessment process

Preparation training is one part of a wider assessment. Applicants will also provide information about their background, relationships, health, household and ability to care for a child. Checks, references and home visits contribute to the overall assessment, while a social worker considers the strengths and support needs of the prospective carer.

Training can help applicants prepare for these discussions. You may be asked to reflect on how you respond under pressure, how you would handle uncertainty or disagreement, and how you would seek advice. It is useful to raise questions openly rather than trying to give answers that sound ideal. Fostering services need an honest picture of your circumstances so that training and support can be matched to your needs.

Before approval, ask the fostering service:

• what the preparation course covers and how it is delivered;
• whether every household member needs to attend particular sessions;
• what happens if work, childcare or health commitments affect attendance;
• whether there is any reading or online learning to complete beforehand;
• how learning needs are identified during assessment; and
• which training must be completed before approval and which can follow later.

Preparation for a particular placement

Approval training gives a general foundation, but it cannot cover every situation. If a child is being considered for your household, the fostering service should share relevant information so that you can decide whether you can meet the child’s needs. This may include details about routines, communication, education, health, family time, known triggers, relationships and any specialist support already involved.

Additional briefings or training may be arranged before the placement begins. The subject will depend on the child and could involve a particular health condition, communication method, equipment, diet, personal care requirement or professional plan. You should be given an opportunity to ask questions and discuss what practical support will be available. Where a need requires specialist instruction, do not assume that general preparation training is sufficient; clarify what training is required and who will provide it.

Sometimes a placement has to be considered within a limited timeframe, meaning not every training need can be completed before the child arrives. In that situation, the fostering service should identify the essential preparation, agree a clear plan for any further learning and explain who you can contact for advice. You should not accept a placement if you do not understand the information provided or believe the household cannot safely meet the child’s needs.

Training after approval

Learning continues after approval. Foster carers are generally expected to complete ongoing development, which may include refresher sessions, individual learning, supervision discussions and training linked to a child’s changing needs. This helps carers review what is working, recognise when circumstances have changed and build skills over time.

The most useful approach is to treat training as part of safe decision-making, not simply as a requirement to complete before approval. Read the information about a proposed placement carefully, identify anything you do not understand and discuss the match with your supervising social worker or fostering team. The decision to accept should be based on the child’s needs, your household’s capacity and the support and preparation available to you.