CYF extends foster care training

A funding boost from the government will enable Child, Youth and Family to run up to 50 extra training courses for new foster carers each year, Child, Youth and Family Minister Ruth Dyson said today.

The funding of $113,000 a year means up to 1000 more caregivers or prospective caregivers will be able to participate each year in introductory courses in their own regions.

Ms Dyson said she hoped all new caregivers would be able to do the induction training.

“This extra funding will mean greatly improved access to training. Courses will be able to be run more often, and more widely. Ultimately, more training for caregivers means we can give children and young people better quality of care.”

For the induction courses, 15 hours training is provided over six sessions. The sessions teach caregivers and prospective caregivers what they can expect from the role, their responsibilities as caregivers, the needs and behaviour of children in care, cultural awareness, safety, and the law.

The announcement comes as Child, Youth and Family seeks to widen its pool of caregivers.

Ms Dyson said this week, Foster Care Awareness Week, was an opportunity to acknowledge the work of caregivers, who did an extremely important job.

Children are placed in care when they are believed to be ‘at risk’ because they are experiencing (or likely to experience) physical or sexual abuse, violence or conflict at home, emotional or physical neglect, a lack of stable or adequate care, or are exhibiting challenging behaviour.

Child, Youth and Family also offers ongoing training to caregivers through its National Caregiver Training Programme.

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