Foster parent training 101: What to expect

Foster families often find welcoming a new child into their lives a rewarding and profound experience.

Ahead of this new responsibility, however, the right preparation is required.

Prospective foster parents undergo training to ensure that they are ready to provide a stable and nurturing environment. So, what should you expect in your training? This article gives an overview of a typical foster training course.

Understanding challenges

Your training will equip you with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing foster children.

Unique circumstances – including adverse childhood experiences – mean that you must understand how to build trust, help them regulate their emotions, and create a sense of safety.

Child development

You’ll be given insight into the growth of children, from the ages of a baby up through the teen years. This will cover not just physical, but mental and social growth, so that you know how to support their development and meet their health and educational needs.

Relationship building

Positive interactions help to smooth a foster child’s transition into your home.

Training will focus on areas such as co-parenting methods, behaviour management, and conflict resolution. You will be trained in how to promote the well-being of the children in your care, as well as understand the nuances of the foster care system.

Various learning methods

You can take your training through a mixture of face-to-face and online sessions. Depending on the time you have to commit to the training, it might take you from a few weeks to several months to complete.

To find out more, speak to the inclusive team at Beacon Fostering today.