What training do you need to become a foster carer?

You’re thinking of starting your journey as a foster carer and giving a safe and welcoming home to a child in need. You might be wondering whether you’ve got the necessary skills, qualifications or training?

This is a frequent worry for prospective foster carers. Reputable fostering agencies like Diagrama Fostering will offer you all the training and support you need.

No qualifications necessary

You do not need any relevant educational qualifications or training experience to be accepted into the vetting process. Foster carers are ordinary people, just like you, making an extraordinary difference in young lives. So, don’t let a lack of experience hold you back!

Once you are accepted as a ‘trainee’ foster carer, you will get comprehensive training during your time with your fostering agency and beyond. Here’s an outline of the training we provide to our foster carers, that give you all the skills you need to become the inspiring role model that children need when their lives are unsettled and stressful.

Pre-approval training

The first course you’ll take is ‘Skills to Foster’. This is a mandatory three-day course covering practical, day-to-day skills. The course also links to professional development qualifications and offers flexible support for different types of foster placements. Read more here.

Post-approval training

Once you’re approved as a foster carer, we offer regular and ongoing training opportunities. These cover a wide range of topics, such as safeguarding, boundary-setting, parenting teenagers and understanding trauma.

The training programme will also support you in understanding and learning about caring for children with complex needs, such as ASD and ADHD. We continually work with our foster carers to ensure that you and your foster children have everything you need. Read more here.

Diagrama foster carers are also able to access more in-depth training courses. These include managing trauma and enhanced connections, these give foster carers a greater understanding of the needs of looked after children as well as a better understanding of your responses and actions when fostering a child.

Next steps

To find out more about fostering with Diagrama Fostering and whether it’s right for you, speak to our team by booking a call with our friendly social workers, who can advise and answer any questions you might have.