Fostering is ultimately rewarding but can be a challenge at times. A reliable support network of friends and family, as well as the comprehensive and ongoing support we provide, is essential for dealing with and overcoming the challenges of looking after vulnerable children.
Foster carer training
To become a carer with Nexus Fostering, you need no specific qualifications, but you’ll need the enthusiasm to attend relevant training courses and support groups.
In any role, there is always more to learn, so your training starts from day one of the assessment processes when you will be invited to a Skills to Foster Course.
The Skills to Foster Course provides an overview of fostering and will help you understand the role of foster carers and the needs of children and young people looked-after. You’ll also benefit from further training and regular workshops to keep your knowledge up to date throughout your career as a foster carer.
Providing you with the right skills
Our regular and insightful free training includes a number of fostering-specific courses including;
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Attachment
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Child development
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Therapeutic Parenting
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Emotional well-being for foster carers
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Looking through a child’s eyes
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Gang culture, exploitation, and the risks of teenage years
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Preparing children for adoption
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Self-harm and how to help
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Helping children improve their educational potential
24-hour support
Our support is second to none. We pride ourselves on offering 24/7 support, 365 days a year.
When you foster with Nexus Fostering, you’ll benefit from our out-of-hours service giving you access to a social worker who knows about you and your placement 24/7. In addition, you’ll be supported through phone calls and visits from your dedicated social worker, outreach worker support and access to experienced local staff.
If you need more support, especially at the beginning of a new placement, our supervising social workers and social work assistants are always available to help.
Providing you with the right support
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Therapeutic support
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Regular support groups for carers, some tailored to help with specific issues
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Outreach workers supporting children in placement & optional support for all children of foster carers
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Day trips and activities for all the family, including your own children
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A fortnight’s paid respite per year
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Regular monthly supervision with dedicated, professionally trained staff
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Monthly newsletters containing helpful updates and reminders for carers and all young people
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Frequent visits from your own dedicated supervising social worker and phone contact in-between
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Experienced, local staff and managers are available 24/7, every day of the year, to support you
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Membership of Foster Talk, which includes access to their legal advice line