What training does a fostering agency provide before approval?

Before approval, fostering agency training is part of the preparation and assessment process. It gives you a clearer understanding of the responsibilities involved, allows you to consider how fostering would affect your household, and helps the agency assess your readiness to provide safe, consistent care.

Training is usually delivered as a structured course, often in a group with other applicants. This format allows you to learn from experienced trainers and hear different perspectives from people considering fostering. Some agencies may also provide additional learning in another format where an applicant has particular communication, accessibility or learning needs.

During the course, you will be expected to take part in discussions, activities and reflection rather than simply attend sessions. Trainers may ask you to consider how you would respond to realistic situations, such as:

• supporting a child who is distressed, withdrawn or testing boundaries;
• working with birth parents, social workers, schools and other professionals;
• maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality;
• responding to concerns about a child’s safety or welfare; and
• balancing the needs of a fostered child with those of other children in your household.

The agency will normally explain its policies and expectations as part of the preparation process. These can include recording information, attending meetings, contributing to care planning, taking part in reviews and maintaining professional relationships. You should have opportunities to ask how these expectations apply in everyday fostering, rather than only receiving general information.

Training also connects with your fostering assessment. Your assessing social worker may discuss what you have learned, how you have responded to exercises and whether you have identified any areas where further preparation would be useful. The assessment is not based on having all the answers at the start. It considers your ability to reflect, learn, accept advice and put learning into practice.

There may be additional preparation before a recommendation is made to the fostering panel. This can include completing outstanding learning, clarifying information from the assessment or considering how your household will manage particular responsibilities. The panel considers the wider assessment evidence, not attendance at training alone, before making its recommendation about approval.

Ask the agency to explain the practical arrangements before you enrol. Useful questions include:

• How is the training delivered and what participation is expected?
• What happens if you need support with access, communication or learning?
• Which parts of the preparation are compulsory?
• How will training link to your assessment?
• What further preparation is available if the agency identifies a development need?
• What learning will continue after approval and during your first placement?

Pre-approval training is only the beginning of professional development. Once approved, foster carers generally continue learning through ongoing training, supervision and support, with further subjects linked to their role and the needs of children placed with them. When comparing agencies, look beyond the name of the initial course and ask how learning is reviewed, updated and applied throughout the fostering journey.