What Training do Foster Carers Receive?

Foster Care | Posted June 19, 2026

Whenever OzChild foster carers speak at our information sessions, one message comes through loud and clear: foster carer training is one of the most important ways OzChild sets new carers up for success.

Many of our carers say the training they received before starting – and the support they continue to get – has helped them feel confident, prepared, and capable of giving children the safe, loving care they deserve. When you’re caring for a child who has experienced trauma, having the right tools and knowledge truly makes all the difference.

What’s included in foster carer training?

Foster Carer Training is there to guide and support you from the very beginning. Before a child is placed in your care, you’ll take part in essential foster care training. And once you’re an accredited foster carer, your learning continues through workshops, group sessions, and specialist programs. It’s all designed to help you respond to children’s needs and feel supported in your role.

Initial training

Before becoming an approved foster carer, you’ll complete a comprehensive foster carer training course, called Shared Lives. At OzChild, this includes multiple training sessions delivered by experienced professionals – plus a foster carer who shares their real-life experiences.

You don’t need to come in with any prior experience caring for kids. Just bring your willingness to learn and your passion for helping children thrive.

Topics include:

How children grow and form attachments with their caregivers
How trauma affects the brain and development in children
Behaviour support strategies, including the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy)
Legal responsibilities and how to keep children safe
Cultural awareness and identity support
Supporting children’s connection with their birth families

Is foster carer training available online?

The initial foster carer training in held in multiple formats to suit different schedules. Some training is held on weekends and some is held after work on week nights to suit full-time and part-time workers. The formats include:

In person training with a group of other carer applicants over two days
Self-paced training where you complete homework modules in advance and join online group sessions over two eveningsAgencies like OzChild make sure there are flexible options to suit different lifestyles and preferences.

Ongoing foster care training and support

Learning doesn’t stop once you’re accredited and have started fostering. OzChild offers ongoing foster carer training to help you build your skills and respond to new challenges. It’s flexible and tailored to your needs – and the needs of the child in your care.

You’ll have access to:

Online and in-person training sessions
Peer groups and support circles, and
Advanced training for therapeutic and trauma-informed care.

Ongoing training helps you stay confident and supported, no matter where you are in your fostering journey.

Specialist foster carer training for children with complex needs

Some children have additional support needs, such as disabilities, complex trauma, or medical conditions. That’s where specialist foster carer training comes in.

You may receive additional training in:

Therapeutic foster care models
Managing high-risk or complex behaviours
Understanding autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity
Trauma-informed care practices
Providing culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

You’re never alone as a foster carer. OzChild surrounds you with a dedicated team of case managers, therapists, and specialists who are there to guide you and the child every step of the way.

What other support do foster carers receive?

Training is just one part of a wide support network. OzChild makes sure you’re not doing this on your own. We provide:

24/7 on-call phone support – for questions, reassurance, or urgent help
Financial support – to help contribute towards the daily costs like food, clothing, and activities
Health and education contacts – to make appointments and navigate systems
Dedicated case workers – to support both you and the child in your care

We also provide opportunities to connect with other carers to give you a peer support network.

Foster carer training helps everyday people become extraordinary carers. Whether you’re just starting to explore fostering or already on the journey, training gives you the knowledge, confidence, and support to make a lasting impact on a child’s life.

If you’re ready to learn more, start with OzChild. We’ll walk beside you every step of the way.

Find out more about becoming a foster carer with OzChild, and check if you are in an area we service.

Becoming a Foster Carer in Victoria

Becoming a Foster Carer in ACT

Becoming a Foster Carer in Queensland

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