Support and training

We want all our foster carers to be confident in nurturing vulnerable children and young people so they can heal, achieve, and make good progress.

Caring2Learn is our extensive award-winning support package, it is unique to Lincolnshire, providing foster carers with an annual calendar of comprehensive training and bespoke support.

During the application process

We’ll prepare you for fostering with a comprehensive 3-day preparation course where you’ll discover everything you need to know about fostering, from understanding the reasons behind children entering care to engaging in interactive exercises to understand trauma responses and equip you with the skills to expertly manage them.

Core training

Following your application approval, you will complete your Year 1 Training Pathway, this is both in person and online training which includes:

  • foster carer’s induction
  • safe care training
  • safeguarding
  • trauma awareness
  • first aid
  • information sharing (eLearning)
  • equality and diversity (eLearning)
  • e-safety (eLearning)
  • you will also have opportunities to take additional courses should you wish, such as ADHD awareness, supporting grief and loss, sleep workshops, and much more.

Buddy scheme

You will be connected with one of our foster care champions. Our champions are experienced carers who will provide you with peer support throughout the assessment and approval process. They have been in your shoes, so will be able to relate to your experience and provide you with independent support and guidance. Once approved, we’ll pair you with an experienced local foster carer who you can approach for advice or simply just to have a chat.

Join our fostering community and dive into the vibrant foster care community with exciting events and coffee mornings organised by fellow carers—because fostering is more than caring for children, it's a journey alongside a community of like-minded individuals.

Support for existing foster carers

As a foster carer with Lincolnshire County Council we want to make sure that you feel valued and supported throughout your fostering journey. With this in mind, we offer a comprehensive package of training and support which includes:

Training

Using our innovative online portal you can book onto any of the following of our courses to develop

your skills as a foster carer.

  • foster carer’s induction 
  • safe care training
  • safeguarding
  • trauma awareness

Buddy scheme

Our brilliant buddy scheme enables you to connect with an experienced local foster carer who you can approach for advice or simply just to have a chat.

Our vibrant fostering community

Be part of our valued fostering community and come along to our events and coffee mornings to create new friendships and networks and share experiences.

Enjoy a free Fostering Network membership

Be part of The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, bringing together everyone who is involved in the lives of children and young people who are fostered to make foster care the very best it can be.

All of our foster carers have a free membership to the Fostering Network, giving you exclusive access:

  • online webinars
  • workshops
  • community forums
  • discounts on holidays and attractions to make every moment unforgettable
  • 24hr seven days a week support

Their helpline is manned by friendly and professional Social Workers giving you support when you need it the most.

Stay connected

Stay connected with our foster carers whatsapp group chat and facebook groups. If you are not already a part of these contact us by email.

Need to get in touch

To get in touch with a member of our friendly team please call us on 01522 00000.

We’d love you to get involved in our social channels, so please like and share our pages.

The Fostering Network

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity, bringing together everyone who is involved in the lives of children and young people who are fostered to make foster care the very best it can be.

All of our foster carers have a free membership to the Fostering Network, giving you exclusive access to dynamic online webinars, workshops and community forums along with discounts on holidays and attractions to make every moment unforgettable.

“I’ve had a great first year of fostering. I’ve felt supported by every professional I’ve worked with

and thank Mandy for all her support and encouragement over the last few months of her being my

SSW and Lucy for her support at the start.” – Annie