Top transferable skills to become a foster carer

Ever wondered about becoming a foster parent but simply don’t know where to start? Chances are, you may have already developed the skills required to be a foster carer in your career. Luckily, we’ve compiled list which highlights the relevant skills foster carers require.

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, the assessment process will require you to prove relevant experience. However, did you know that your experience didn’t have to be childcare specific? In fact, many career paths equip people with the essential transferable skills to become a carer. Some career roles that provide ample fostering experience include:

• Teacher
• Police officer
• Nurse
• Carer
• Social work
• Prison officer
• Caring assistants
• Volunteers for children’s groups

If you have worked in any of these industries or similar fields, it’s highly likely you be able to provide evidence of transferable skills during the application process. If you do not work in these fields, do not be disheartened – chances are, you have already gained the necessary skills in other lines of work or general life experience.

Fostering skills

So, what exactly is the perfect fostering skillset? Your attributes and character are central to the fostering process. Assessors look for:

• Teamwork
• Patience
• Empathy
• Understanding
• Communication
• Cooperation

Our team do not expect you to be a fully-fledged foster carer during the application process – in fact, once you become a foster carer, you will have plenty of specialist training and courses readily available. You will also have an opportunity to attend a skills to foster course, which is developed to provide you with the introductory skills for fostering. This programme will help you to understand the desirable personality skills for the role and will help you better decide whether fostering is right for you.

For more information on foster parent skills required during the assessment process, get in touch with a member of our team now. Alternatively, read up on how to apply to become a foster carer now.