News - February 2008
The CWDC Training, Support and Development standards are being brought in on 1 April 2008
From this date all new foster carers must be working towards or received their certificate of completion for levels one and two of the Standards. All foster carers who were approved before 1 April 2008 must receive their certificate of completion by 1 April 2011. More information about the implementation of the standards can be found at www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/projects/fostercare.htm
The Fostering Network is getting together with drugs information service FRANK to produce some plain-speaking materials specifically for foster carers and looked-after young people
The information for foster carers will focus on the specific drug-related problems that can arise when fostering young people, the responsibilities of foster carers towards the young people in their care and the challenges of talking about drug misuse together.
For young people, the information will highlight where they can get more information, support and the law. Members of the Fostering Network will receive these materials free later this year.
Cheshire County Council has mapped the CWDC Training, Support and Development Standards against the Skills to Foster training course and NVQ in Health and Social Care
Developed by Sue Betteridge, a foster carer, this document allows foster carers to see where they can use their existing work in Skills to Foster and their NVQ to support the completion of the standards and vice versa. The mapping document is available at www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/pdf/Foster_Care/Mapping_doc_CheshireCC_Nov07.pdf.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has launched a consultation on home access to technology for learners aged 5-19
The Government is looking at the issue of how every home with school age learners has access to technology that may improve their educational achievement. You can read the consultation document and give your opinions at www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conDocument.cfm?consultationId=1522.
Foster carers to lobby parliament for the right for young people to stay with their foster carers until the age of 21
The Fostering Network is gearing up to lobby the House of Commons during the reading of the Children and Young People Bill. This is due to happen in early March and we are asking as many foster carers as possible to join us in trying to improve the lives of young people who often have to leave care before they are ready. More information about how you can join us is available in our campaigns section.
Spring workshops will help to understand how the standards affect delivery of training and professional development to foster carers.
After the success of similar events in the autumn, there are still a few places left on the spring workshops, Your Development Your Future: Understanding and Implementing the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care. Find out more and how to book in our training section.
