Fostering can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also bring challenges. That’s why, when you foster with Foster for East Midlands Councils, you’re never expected to do it alone.
From training before you become a foster carer to ongoing support once you’re approved, there’s a network of people around you to help you feel confident and supported.
You don’t need to have all the answers
You don’t need previous fostering experience, qualifications or specific training to become a foster carer. What matters is your willingness to learn and your commitment to making a positive difference to a child’s life.
Free training is provided before and after approval, helping you understand what fostering involves and develop the skills and confidence you need.
Starting with Skills to Foster
As part of the approval process, prospective foster carers who haven’t fostered before complete Skills to Foster training.
It gives you the opportunity to explore what fostering is really like, understand the experiences of children and young people coming into care, and learn how you can support them. It’s also a chance to ask questions, meet others beginning their fostering journey and start building your support network.
The training is delivered virtually over a series of sessions, making it accessible for prospective foster carers.
Support continues after approval
Once you become an approved foster carer, you’ll have access to a range of support, including:
- Your own social worker for advice, guidance and support.
- Out-of-hours support when you need urgent help.
- A buddy scheme, connecting you with an experienced foster carer.
- Ongoing training tailored to your role and development.
- Opportunities to work towards recognised qualifications and career progression.
- Paid respite, giving you time to take a break while another foster carer cares for the children.
- Support groups for different fostering experiences and communities.
- Access to additional therapeutic support and wider fostering networks.
There are also opportunities to take part in activity days and celebration events, helping foster carers connect with others and feel part of a wider fostering community.
Keep learning and developing
Training doesn’t stop when you become an approved foster carer. You can continue developing your knowledge and skills through training on subjects such as safeguarding, first aid, safe care, therapeutic care, life story work, equality and diversity, and identity.
There are also opportunities to complete additional training for specialist types of fostering, such as Parent and Child placements. Training is available both face to face and virtually, at different times and locations.
A team around you
Fostering is a team effort. Having people you can turn to for advice, support and reassurance can make a real difference, whether you’re facing a new challenge, need practical guidance or simply want to talk to someone who understands.
Foster for East Midlands Councils works with local authority fostering services across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to support foster carers throughout their fostering journey.
Thinking about fostering?
If you’re wondering whether you could foster, you don’t need to have everything figured out before you enquire. Our recruitment team can answer your questions, explain the support available and help you understand what happens next.
Find out more about the support and training available on our Foster for East Midlands Support and Training web page.
Or the recruitment team on 03033 132 950 or email [email protected].
Because fostering may be your journey, but you don’t have to take it alone.
Watch the video which shows how you are supported as a foster carer with training.