Foster carer training
The information on this page lists the training and development
you would receive as a foster carer in Kent.
Payments for Skills is a reward based system for foster carers
and is linked to carers' training and development.
Induction
All new foster carers are given an induction programme during
their first year. The induction tells them about
Kent County Council's Fostering Service, allows them to meet
members of the fostering teams and existing Kent carers and
introduces the ongoing training and development opportunities
available to them.
Qualifications
You can also complete qualifications including:
- Diploma Level 3
- BTEC Level 4
Mentoring
You are assigned an experienced carer as a `Buddy/Mentor`
to support you through the initial months as an approved
foster carer.
Planning and review
You have a personal development plan that is completed with your
fostering social worker. This states your training needs
for the next 12 months and how these will be met. This is
reviewed annually as part of the foster carer review. A
training portfolio will also be given to record your continual
learning.
On completion of each course you will be asked to record what
you have learnt in a learning log. You will also need to
note how you are applying this to your role as a carer.
This is discussed with your fostering social worker and goes
towards developing your training portfolio.
Training feedback
The Training Steering Group (which includes representatives from
all the Fostering Teams across Kent and foster carers) meets
regularly to evaluate and plan training across Kent. Your views on
training are most welcome. You can feedback through your
Training Steering Group area representative, your fostering social
worker and your course evaluation.
The training programme has been designed to avoid school
holidays and is generally based around school times.
A Resource Library is available and on-line learning
opportunities.
Find out more about the support available to new
foster carers
Useful reading