Training for foster carers is “inadequate” and new national standards are needed, a charity has claimed.
Speaking to the parliamentary Education Select Committee, Kevin Williams of the Fostering Network called for a new training standards and nationally recognised qualifications. The Committee is currently examining the mental health of children in care.
Williamson said:
“Once we have that type of training then we’ll be able to think about developing registration for foster carers, and part of that training needs to include an understanding of attachment, but also a clear understanding of …mental health issues…It’s about developing and building their self-esteem and resilience.”
David Graham of the Care Leavers’ Association also spoke to the Committee, saying care homes would also benefit from higher training standards amongst their staff.
“Within good residential care there is an ideal opportunity to work on building those relationships for young people, building that trust and communication. Too often it’s workers with the lowest qualifications who are put in those day to day situations.”
I am not sure Foster care training is inadequate, of course we can always do more, but the original assessment, Then the original training plus the on going training that foster cares receive is often high quality training. Practical hands on though is often different to theoretical training both are needed. Which is where Social work is often in short supply. Having fostered many children for many years I am very aware that the advice, correction, strong direction from social workers who have never fostered is often counterproductive and at worst damaging to the children. The big problem is of course whilst the regs say the child must come first in reality what comes first is Money, and what comes second is the protection of the Social workers Job, and making sure there is not blame that can be placed at their door. Children therefore take third place. However more training for foster cares sure, is ongoing.