What training is on offer?
Overview of trainingThere is some mandatory training which we require all of our foster carers to undertake to ensure they’re able to provide the best care for local children. But, in addition to this, we have lots of other training and development opportunities available which allow our carers to build their skills in certain types of foster care and to help care for children with additional needs or who require specialist support.

How can I develop as a foster carer?
Whilst you might only be approved to provide care to one child at the initial approval stage, there are opportunities for you to become approved to provide care for more children if you would like to do so or to specialise in a specific type of care. By speaking with the fostering team, they will be able to guide you to the necessary training and guide you through the process to help you achieve your fostering goals.
Preperation training for new foster carers
Continued training and development
Training for certain fostering types

Support for Foster Carers
Fostering is a role that is incredibly rewarding, but sometimes, there can be occasions when you may need support. Each of our foster carers are allocated a Supporting Social Worker who will meet with you regularly to chat with you, find out how things are going and help you in any way they can. Our supervising social workers are a vital part of our foster carers’ experience, and they will be there to ensure that you have all that you need to provide the best care to the children in your care. For many, fostering can be a new experience with many unknowns, so having a familiar face to call upon can ease any uncertainties.

Foster Carer Community
At Foster for Plymouth, we have built a strong fostering community amongst our carers, fostering teams and the children in our care. We have regular social events and support groups for our carers to attend and gain peer-to-peer support, as well as support from social workers. These are brilliant opportunities for our carer to talk about all things fostering and all about life outside of fostering, too.

Our Buddy Scheme
Our Buddy Scheme is a brilliant scheme for our new foster carers which includes us assigning you with one of our more experienced carers as a go-to person for you to call upon for support when you might not feel like contacting your SSW. Although your SSW is there to help you with these things, we know how valuable it is to have the support of someone in the same shoes as you! Our Buddy carers are all willing and keen to help you where they can and guide you through your fostering journey.

Mockingbird Scheme
Supported by The Fostering Network, we are implementing The Mockingbird Scheme as a part of our service. The Mockingbird scheme is there to replicate the wider family network which children may have experienced prior to coming into the care of the authority. The carers involved are there to help each other and the children within the scheme in a tight network who often meet up to socialise, support and look after one another!

Foster Carer Portal
Further supportTo assist our carers, we have created a Portal where they can fill out all of the essential documentation, book on to social events and book relevant training courses. The simple-to-use Portal also hosts a wealth of helpful information, brilliant resources and important contact information so you can gain support and insight from the comfort of your own home.
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