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 the parenting and healing work that we are asking them to do.  What follows gives you some idea of the support you can expect:

• All those preparing to become foster carers will attend six sessions of training which 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 Capstone organises a training programme on relevant topics (see the list of standard courses that we deliver under Training Opportunities).  There are usually six or seven training days per year
   
• Each carer has 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’ clinics are arranged three or four times a year, where carers meet in small groups in a relaxed environment and discuss any issue that concerns them around a child in their care. The clinics are run by a Capstone therapist
   
• Some of our offices also run regular support meetings, where carers meet up with like-minded colleagues
   
• Capstone provides 24-hour support, 365 days of the year. Where necessary, they will go out to the carers’ home to provide face-to-face support at any time of the day or night
   
• 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 and have up to 14 days paid holiday a year

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