Can I foster?

Training for carers

We make sure you have all the learning and guidance you need.

Your learning as a Carer starts early in the process with pre-approval foster care training. Here we introduce you to Key Assets and how we work; we talk about why children come into our care and how plans are made for them; we cover looking after Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; and we introduce you to the impact of trauma on children’s development.

Looking after a child or young person who has experienced trauma, abuse or neglect can be challenging. They may respond in ways that you do not expect. Often their experiences have taught them that adults are a threat. They may harbour anger and unspoken distress. There are ways of responding to the needs of traumatised children that will help them build trust in adults and begin to heal their trauma. All Carers need to learn about trauma and how best to respond.

We offer excellent face to face training where Carers learn alongside each other with specialist in the field. This is a good way to get to know other carers too. But we know that it can be difficult sometimes to get to training events so we also give Carers access to our online learning system so you can undertake your learning at a time that suits you.

Below is a list of just some of the subjects covered in Carer training, just to give you an idea of the range of topics we cover.

  • the impact of trauma on children’s brain development
  • foetal alcohol syndrome
  • understanding attachment
  • building resilience
  • developing young people’s identity and self-esteem
  • understanding and responding to sexualised behaviour
  • attachment and the Team Parenting™ approach
  • teamwork, communication and recording
  • cultural awareness
  • the birth mother’s perspective
  • first aid/health and safety
  • preparing young people for independence

Key Assets respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land

Key Assets Australia is a non-government, not for profit, non-religious, children, family and community services agency. Our purpose is to achieve positive and lasting outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Call to speak to our team

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm