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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on fostering.

Fostering

Excited and nervous

10 replies

Catfriend · 13/09/2012 20:05

got got invited to the "skills to foster" course I'm very excited but also nervous as not sure what to expect!!!! I feel like "will it be like going back to school" all formal how intense will the course be. I have a million and one questions to ask!!!!!!!

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childatheart · 13/09/2012 21:11

The course is very thorough and it is designed to highlight the very positive side of fostering but also it covers areas some real hard hitting home truths.

Like any course it depends on audience participation, however you cover a lot of aspects that probably you had not even thought about.

Overall it gives you a very good overview and I guarantee it will make you think and ask questions of yourself and others.

Hope it goes well and i'm sure you will get a lot from it

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Catfriend · 14/09/2012 07:40

Thanks childatheart I'm taking it you have done the course!! How did you feel after the course? Are you a foster carer yourself?? Sorry for all the questions just wanting to prepare myself a little more. Do I need to take anything to the course???

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childatheart · 14/09/2012 08:11

Hi Catfriend.

Yes I am a foster carer and was approved 18 months ago, have had a little one for 14 months and may be expecting a 2nd little one shortly (approved for 2 or siblings).

It was 2 years ago this month that we first did the course and it took until the following April to complete, you don't need to take anything.

To be honest there were a couple of aspects that came up during the course that made me question did we really wan't to do this, but we overcame them and carried on. As I said previously some aspects will really make you question yourself and examine whether fostering is the path you wan't to follow, however if you are sure in your heart already these will easily be overcome.

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Catfriend · 14/09/2012 16:10

Thanks for your reply childatheart. The SW said it may take up to 9 months fron start to finish. At the end of the course do they tell you if you are moving onto the next stage of the process?!! Will I have time to ask questions at the training??

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childatheart · 14/09/2012 20:26

Catfriend,

Ask as many questions as you like, infact they actively encourage you to, this is your opportunity to explore whether fostering is right for you and your family as well as a potential child.

There is no moving on to the next stage, after the 9 months you decide if you wish to continue and if you do then your social worker will put you forward to a fostering panel, who will decide if you are approved to be a foster carer or not.

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Catfriend · 14/09/2012 21:41

Childatheart.

Is this potentially the start of the fostering ladder?? You are giving me great feedback and information. I'm now scared I just sit there and say nothing!!!! On the first day of the course do you receive the handbook??

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scarlet5tyger · 14/09/2012 22:13

Hi Catfriend, it's quite a few years since I did the course but you probay won't get too much out of it if you sit there and say nothing - and you probably won't want to either. The people who ran mine were excellent at encouraging us all to take part and even though I'm a naturally shy person I had no problems speaking up.

Not sure what handbook you're referring to, do you mean the foster carers handbook? My la give you this once you're approved, but it's nothing really compared to what you pick up in "real life".

As I say, my course was years ago and only lasted 2 weeks. Might be very different now.

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Catfriend · 15/09/2012 07:45

Hi scarlet5tyger

Thanks for replying I myself am a very shy person when it comes to speaking in groups especially where I don't know anyone!!!!! Yes the 'foster carers handbook' I thought I got that on the course. I'll let you know how my first day goes on the course!!!

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BusterTheDonk · 15/09/2012 12:02

Hi Catfriend,

just wanted to say I love you excitement... ahh I remember it so well...

you will get a 'Skills to Foster Manual' on the course... I remember being terrified by it... once you are approved, you'll receive your LA's Fostering Handbook which lists the 'rules'

We found the course very intense - strange mix of people - and you will be observed by several SW's who will make notes which may be used to cover any issues assuming you proceed onto the next stage. Some people left the course half way through - so don't be suprised if that happens.

Don't let my heartbreak and fury at SSD current hard situation put you off... but equally throw away those rose tinted glasses

Enjoy the journey...

Best wishes x x

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Catfriend · 15/09/2012 22:10

Hi BustertheDonk

I've been on the first stage of the course. It wasn't as intense as I thought it would be, but they did say the next few sessions are intense. I know what you mean by "strange mix of people". I just hope with the sw observing today I didn't ask too many silly questions.
I'm looking forward to the "skills to foster " handbook when I get it.