Future foster carers begin their journey with skills to foster

Last weekend, we held days one and two of our Skills to Foster training for applicants looking to become foster carers with Beacon Fostering. This mandatory training forms an important part of the fostering assessment process and was delivered via video call, allowing applicants to learn together and share their experiences.

The Skills to Foster programme helps prospective foster carers gain a deeper understanding of the fostering role, consider how fostering may impact their family life, and decide whether fostering is the right path for them. It also introduces the key skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality care and highlights the significant and lasting difference foster carers can make to a child’s life.

One of our applicants said, “I thought the training was very useful, provided a lot more depth and guidance, and it was great to have the foster carers [existing experienced foster carers] join the call.”

The sessions were engaging and interactive, providing applicants with valuable insight into the realities of fostering while offering an opportunity to connect with others who are at a similar stage in their fostering journey.

The final day of Skills to Foster, day three, will take place in person at the Beacon Fostering office next week and will be led by our Registered Manager, Priankar Ghosh. The session will give applicants the opportunity to meet the wider team, build confidence in their future role as foster carers, and gain a greater understanding of the policies and procedures that support fostering practice. It will also help develop their understanding of the experiences and needs of children and young people in foster care, ensuring they are well prepared for the rewarding journey ahead.