Information for Current foster Carers
Learning and development workshops
The Foster Carer Development workshops are held in the Metro area, and provided to country areas via video conferencing. The aim of the workshops is to support carers (and staff) to build on their strengths, their areas of interest and to develop knowledge and skills to provide better support for children in care.
Workshop topics are chosen in consultation with the Foster Care Association, carers, and staff, and based on feedback of the current needs. These workshops are presented by professionals in their field, are interactive, and encourage carers (and staff) to actively engage in learning and skill development.
Carers are able to enrol in these workshops using the enrolment form which is distributed annually in January along with a yearly Development Workshop calendar. Upon completion of the course, each participant will receive a certificate of partiicpation.
Flexible learning options for carers
People learn in a variety of different ways. Some prefer to be part of a group in a workshop session while others prefer one on one learning opportunities in their own homes, or by telephone, web, email or videos etc.
The Department is now catering for these different styles of learning by providing learning materials and opportunities in a range of different modes (click on learning opportunities icon to see what is available).
The Foster Care Development Workshop Calendar 2018
Foster carer development workshops enrolment form
Foster carer Resources
Support for carers
The Foster Care Association of Western Australia is an important partner in recruiting, training and supporting foster carers in Western Australia.
Foster Carer Handbook
Financial Support Information
The Care Team Approach Practice Framework highlights the importance of all members of a child’s care team, including a child’s carer, working together with the child in the centre of their thinking and interactions with each other. Each care team member provides invaluable support and participates in meeting the needs of the child to keep them strong, connected and secure.
Care Team Approach Practice Framework
Foster Families Charter of Rights
The Foster Families Charter of Rights honours carers (foster, family and significant other carers) and acknowledges the important role of all members of a foster family who contribute to the care of children and young people in out-of-home care.
Foster Families Charter of Rights
Leaving Care
Leaving care to independence
A guide for carers supporting young people leaving care and transitioning to independence.
Fostering information sheets
Documented Education Plans
Confidentiality
Guidelines on smoking
Health care planning
Safe Sleeping
Taking care of yourself
Use of Physical Punishment and Other Discipline
Child Care Services
Family and Significant other Care handbook
FASD – Characteristics Across the Lifespan (FASD Australia)
Permanency Planning - Information Sheet
Practice Guidance – swimming pools and other bodies of water
Viewpoint Information sheet for carers
Information from Kidsafe Western Australia on Child Car Restraints
Information from Road Safety on Child Car Restraints
Prospective special guardians
Under review:
Attachment
Centrelink benefits for foster carers
Childhood trauma
Family contact – information for relative carers
Mandatory Reporting
Preparing a child for respite
Safety and Wellbeing concerns related to Carer Households
What happens if a foster child says I have hurt them?
What happens if a foster child says I have hurt them? - Information for foster carers booklet