The CWDC Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Carers
CWDC launched the Training, Support & Development Standards for Foster Carers in May 2007 during Foster Care Fortnight. The Standards are accompanied by a Guide for Foster Carers, a Workbook and Guidance for Managers, Supervising Social Workers and Trainers. From April 2008 all Fostering Services are expected to be implementing the Standards.
Please click on the links below to download these documents.
Foster Care Development Portfolio Folder Inserts
Also available to download is a set of CWDC folder inserts to be used as a cover for Foster Carer Development Portfolios ring-binders.
- Foster Carer Development Folder - Front Cover Insert
- Foster Carer Development Folder - Spine Cover Insert
- Foster Carer Development Folder - Back Cover Insert
About the Standards
CWDC has developed these standards to support the training and development of foster carers. The Standards set out the key areas of training that foster carers will need before they are approved and what they need after approval.
These Training, Support and Development Standards build on the work of the CWDC Induction Standards which were launched in September 2006.
There are seven Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care:
- Standard 1: Understand the principles and values essential for fostering children and young people
- Standard 2: Understand your role as a Foster Carer
- Standard 3: Understand health and safety, and healthy caring
- Standard 4: Know how to communicate effectively
- Standard 5: Understand the development of children and young people
- Standard 6: Safeguard children and young people (keep them safe from harm)
- Standard 7: Develop yourself
For more information about the Standards and guidance on how to use them, please download the documents from the top of this page or download this PowerPoint presentation which gives more detailed information.
New - Key Messages from Early Implementation
This additional guidance has been published to coincide with the national roll out of the CWDC Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care from April 2008. It should be read in conjunction with the earlier guidance publications. The document captures the key learning from CWDC's early implementation and field testing of the Standards, and can be used to help inform implementation of the Standards in your Fostering Service. Click here to download Foster Care Early Implementation Guidance.
Examples
Cheshire County Council have mapped the Standards against both the Skills to Foster competencies and the relevant NVQ units. Many thanks to Sue Betteridge (Foster Carer) and Helen Keaney-Cheetham for undertaking and sharing this piece of work.