Support and Training

Carers are the most valuable resource Capstone has, so a lot of thought, consultation and effort go into making sure carers have what they need to do their work.

What follows gives you some idea of the support you can expect:

• All those preparing to become foster carers will attend two days of Skills to Foster training followed by one day of CWDC Workshop training. This gives a detailed picture of what fostering is about and looks more closely at developing the skills and knowledge base you will need for a fostering career
   
• As with many careers, training is seen as an essential part of professional development and Vision organises a training programme on relevant topics. There will be six  training days per year organised at a venue near Birmingham. Subjects to be covered will include Child Protection, Drug Awareness, Safe Caring, First Aid and Behaviour Management
   
• Each carer will have their own social worker allocated by Capstone who will visit and phone as often as is necessary to support the placement. Formal supervision usually happens fortnightly
   
• Carers have access by telephone to the Emergency Duty Team 24/7
   
• We provide Capstone family get-togethers/days out for our carers and all the children in the home
   
• Where necessary, we provide appropriate support for carers’ own children who may be having a hard time with a particular child in care
   
• Where it is decided that a particular child would benefit from more formal therapy, carers are always part of that process and will meet with the therapist so that their insights and concerns are heard
   
• Carers are paid a good income (weekly) and have up to fourteen days paid holiday/respite a year
   
• Carers are given free membership of Fostering Network, a national body that provides guidance, publishes helpful documentation and organises seminars and training. Other benefits of this membership include insurance and legal advice
   
• Support group meetings are held at regular intervals. These meetings help carers to network, share experiences, socialise with likeminded people and discuss relevant topics and issues

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