1st July 2020

My name is Orla and I have been a kinship foster carer for almost 2 years. I look after my two sisters; they are 13 and 16 years old. I has recently taken part in online training.

What are the benefits of virtual learning & development opportunities for you as a foster carer? 

The benefits of learning and developing opportunities to me as a foster carer are that I get to develop my knowledge further in the comfort of my own home. By doing so I am able keep up to date with fostering practises and ensuring that I have the skills I need to look after my sisters.

Can you tell me about the online sessions you have completed and what you plan to complete?

I have completed a Suicide Prevention Course and also Basic First Aid training course; both online, alongside some reading material on the ‘Fostering In A Digital World App.’

I plan to complete more online reading and online training; I would like to learn more about social media, emotional wellbeing and childhood adversity regarding mental health.

What did you enjoy about completing online sessions what are the benefits of online training?

I enjoy online training as I can do it in the comfort of my own home whenever I have free time, and I feel that I can cover the materials that I want and I can take control of my own learning, although I do miss the social interaction with other people.

Do you think there is a need for both online and face-to-face learning?

I think that both online and face-to-face training are equally important.

Have you any tips for other foster carers thinking about online learning & development?

One thing I would like to tell other foster carers about online training is to take advantage of all of the training you can, you might never know when it will benefit you, but I guarantee that at some stage it will. Learn at your own pace whenever you get a free minute. I have learnt some things that will benefit me in life in general.

 

We have over 50 online training courses available to our foster carers and adoptive parents. Click here to view the online training resources and remember to tell your supervising social worker if you complete any training to update your records.