Education and Training

Whether you are a seasoned biological parent or grandparent, or you are coming to a kinship care role completely inexperienced in parenting, you will need further education, training and guidance. This is not a reflection on your parenting skills, or your life experience; this is about the challenges that most children entering kinship care will face, and helping you to prepare for and face those challenges with the child.

In Canberra there are several organisations that provide a range of face-to-face training opportunities, many of which are free or lost cost. Training opportunities that are available specifically for foster and kinship carers are particularly great, as you learn the content, whilst also connecting with other carers. The exchange of stories and advice between carers allows us to know that we are not alone in this journey, and that can be extremely therapeutic for many carers.

If you can’t make it to face-to-face training, there are also many places online through which you can access training. There are plenty of benefits to learning online, including going at your own pace and learning at a time that suits you (also you don’t have to get to the venue or find parking!)

Whatever training or educational opportunities you decide to engage with, make sure you let your ACT Together Carer Support Worker know so that your achievements can be added to your file. Each and every one of your learning experiences improves your knowledge and skill base, reinforces those skills, and leads to better outcomes for you and you family.