Overview of Becoming a Fostering Family Training Programme
The process of preparing potential foster parents is essential. The right support and approach has a big impact on the likelihood of successful placements. A key factor is therapeutic parenting – an approach which underpins our Becoming a Fostering Family programme.
The Becoming a Fostering Family training programme actively engages participants. It includes a combination of expertly crafted online learning and face-to-face workshops, led by qualified social workers. By completing most of the preparatory work online, the programme creates a streamlined, cost-efficient process, as unsuitable candidates are less likely to progress.
This training programme grants potential foster parents a deeper understanding of attachment, trauma and therapeutic parenting - essential tools they need to succeed. The learning includes real-world examples, fully engaging participants in personal reflection. It enables learners to:
- Reflect on how their thoughts and beliefs shape their parenting style.
- Reflect on their childhood and attachment style.
- Explore ways to stay present for a child in their care.
- Embrace a therapeutic parenting approach, discovering strategies to connect with children who have experienced trauma and neglect.
- Build the skills and knowledge required for a successful fostering placement.
Aims of Becoming a Fostering Family Training Programme
- Provide a reliable pathway to becoming a foster parent, forming part of the official approval process.
- Support participants on their approval journey by providing essential knowledge and a therapeutic skillset.
- Equip participants with the knowledge and skills to apply therapeutic parenting approaches, leading to more sustained and supportive placements.
- Inspire potential foster parents to take the next step in the application process by boosting their confidence.
- Aid in supporting sustained foster placements by giving foster parents the tools they need to appropriately deal with challenges.
- Help to identify suitable foster parents early in the process, saving local authorities and agencies time and money preparing unsuitable candidates