What Training Do You Need to Become a Foster Parent? 

Becoming a foster parent is an incredible journey – one that transforms lives, including your own. You may be wondering if you have the right skills and qualifications to be able to do it.  

The good news is, at Mosaic Foster Care, we believe that with the right training, guidance, and support, anyone with a caring heart can provide a safe, nurturing home for a child in need. 

Whether you’re in Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, or Bedfordshire, Mosaic Foster Care is here to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence you need for a successful fostering journey. 

Become A Foster Parent - No Qualifications Required... Just a Willingness to Learn 

You don’t need any formal educational qualifications or previous experience to become a foster parent. Foster carers come from all walks of life. What matters is your ability to provide a caring, supportive home and your willingness to learn. 

At Mosaic Foster Care, we ensure everyone, regardless of background, receives the training and guidance necessary to succeed. Our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared and supported at every stage. 

Pre-approval training with Skills to Foster: Your First Step Toward Fostering Success 

At Mosaic Foster Care, we ensure all foster parents are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to support children effectively. Our Skills to Foster training programme is a comprehensive and engaging course designed to prepare you for the fostering journey.  

This mandatory training covers essential aspects of foster care and ensures you are ready to provide a nurturing, safe and supportive environment for children in need. 

Our Skills to Foster training is delivered over three sessions by our expert team of social workers and therapists, including Jenna Pearman, Practice Manager, and Aly Thompson, Therapeutic Lead. The course is flexible, engaging and designed to build your skills, understanding and confidence step-by-step. 

What Does the Skills to Foster Programme Cover? 

Here’s a breakdown of what you will learn during this foundational training: 

Understanding the Role of Foster Carers 

• What foster carers do and why children come into care. 

• How children’s development is impacted by their experiences. 

• How you can support a child’s journey through care. 

Identity and Life Chances 

• The importance of helping children develop a positive sense of identity. 

• How prejudice and discrimination affect children’s life chances. 

• Supporting children who are separated from their birth families. 

Working as Part of a Team 

• How foster parents collaborate with social workers, birth parents, and other professionals. 

• Understanding the legal framework and the importance of confidentiality. 

Attachment and Positive Behaviour 

• Basic principles of attachment and how past trauma affects behaviour. 

• Providing a secure and nurturing environment to help children heal and thrive. 

Safer Caring Practices 

• Recognising and managing risks related to abuse, neglect and allegations. 

• Implementing safer caring strategies to protect children and your family. 

Managing Transitions 

• Supporting children through changes and helping them prepare for adulthood. 

• Promoting stability and continuity during periods of uncertainty. 

The Therapeutic Component: Mosaic’s SMILE Framework 

On the final day, led by Aly Thompson, you will be introduced to Mosaic’s SMILE therapeutic framework. This session focuses on: 

• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and developmental trauma. 

• Relationship-Based Care: Building bonds with children through trust and empathy. 

• Therapeutic Support: How Mosaic’s in-house therapeutic team will support you throughout your fostering journey. 

Become A Foster Parent: Why Skills to Foster Matters 

This training is more than just a course — it’s the foundation for a successful fostering journey. By the end of the programme, you’ll feel prepared, informed, and confident in your role as a foster parent. You’ll understand how to advocate for the children in your care, manage challenges, and work collaboratively with Mosaic’s team of professionals. 

At Mosaic Foster Care, we believe in continuous development. Even after completing the Skills to Foster programme, you’ll have access to ongoing training courses, workshops, and a wealth of resources  – a knowledge bank of useful sources of information and training to support your growth.  

Whether you’re learning about safeguarding, trauma-informed care, or attachment theory, we ensure your training evolves with your experience. 

Post-Approval Training: Continuous Learning and Development 

Once approved, your learning doesn’t stop. At Mosaic Foster Care, we offer ongoing training opportunities tailored to your needs and the needs of the children in your care. Our post-approval training covers a wide range of topics, such as: 

• Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding the impact of trauma and providing therapeutic support 

• Parenting Teenagers: Strategies for supporting adolescents through challenging times 

• ASD and ADHD Training: Caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 

• Attachment and Bonding: Building secure relationships with your foster child 

• Resilience and Self-Care: Strategies to maintain your own well-being and prevent burnout 

We understand that every child is unique. If you encounter a new challenge or need additional support, our team is just a call away. We’ll quickly source the right training to help you meet your foster child’s needs. 

Specialist Accredited Therapeutic Training: Mosaic’s Unique SMILE Framework 

At Mosaic, we specialise in therapeutic foster care, supporting children with complex needs, such as trauma, disabilities, or behavioural challenges. Our unique SMILE therapeutic framework ensures that you receive: 

• Immediate Access to Therapeutic Support: Rapid interventions, often within hours, to address challenges before they escalate 

• Tailored Training: Specialised accredited courses to help you manage specific issues like trauma, sensory processing disorders, or mental health challenges 

• Ongoing Development: Regular workshops, reflective practice sessions, and peer support to enhance your skills 

Our approach equips you with the tools to provide a stable, nurturing environment where children can heal, grow, and thrive. 

Online Resources for Foster Parents 

Our website offers a wealth of training resources, including: 

• Webinars and online courses 

• Guidance documents and best practice guides 

• Support tools for managing daily challenges 

Whether you need information on safeguarding, resilience, or specific health conditions, our website ensures you have access to the right resources at the right time. 

The Fostering Network and External Training Resources 

In addition to Mosaic’s in-house training, you can benefit from resources provided by leading organisations such as: 

• The Fostering Network: Offers a wide range of training courses, advice and support 

• The Foster Care Training Hub: An online platform with comprehensive training resources for foster carers 

• The Institute of Recovery from Childhood Trauma (IRCT): Connects networks of professionals to develop and improve best practice to support children who have been traumatised and need help to recover. 

As an affiliate member of the Association for Psychodynamic Practice and Counselling in Organisational Settings (APPCIOS) you will also have the opportunity to become trained in psychodynamic approaches and build a professional portfolio of higher learning. 

These resources ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest legislation, best practices and fostering standards. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Foster Care Training 

1. What if I need training on a specific issue? 
At Mosaic, we tailor training to your needs. If you encounter a challenge, our team will source the right training quickly. 

2. Do I need to pay for training? 
No, Mosaic provides all essential training at no cost to you. We invest in your development to ensure you can provide the best care possible. 

3. Is training available online? 
Yes! Through online platforms, you can access training courses, webinars and resources anytime. 

4. What kind of support is available during training? 
Our social workers and support team are always on hand to answer questions, offer advice and provide guidance. 

Considering Fostering? Speak to Mosaic Foster Care Today 

Ready to start your fostering journey in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, or Bedfordshire? At Mosaic Foster Care, we’re committed to providing the training, support and resources you need to thrive as a foster parent. 

📞 Speak to a Mosaic foster parent today and take the first step toward making a lasting difference in a child’s life.