Training and support
We committed to providing high quality foster care for children
in Kent. This means that we provide the best training and support
to our foster carers to make sure that our
standards of care are met.
Induction for new foster carers
As a new foster carer you will be given
an induction programme covering your first year.
During the induction you will meet members of our team
and other foster carers. You will also find out about the ongoing
training and development opportunities available to
you.
Meet your buddy
You will be paired up with an experienced foster
carer, known as a buddy, who will be there to support you through
your first months as a foster carer.
Your personal development
Your fostering social worker will work with you to put
together a personal development plan for the year ahead that
is unique to you. We'll give you a training portfolio so you
can keep track of all the training you have done.
Your development plan will be reviewed annually as part
of your foster carer review.
Training
There will be lots of opportunities to do all kinds of training.
Qualifications
There will be opportunities for you to gain qualifications,
including Diploma Level 3 and BTEC Level 4.
Telephone support
Telephone support is available 24 hours a day.
Support groups
Our foster carer support groups meet locally and are a place
for carers to share experiences, discuss good practice and
learn from each other.
Specific support groups are available for birth children of
families who foster.
Other resources
A range of resources and written
material are available.