Carer education and training
Education and training can help you understand what’s going on for you and the child or young person in your care. It can help you develop strategies and solutions to improve the care experience for you and the child or young person in your care.
DCJ or the non-government organisation you are with should provide you with training. This will be part of your carer development or learning plan (it may have another name in your agency). Speak with your caseworker or case manager about the sorts of training you would like.
My Forever Family NSW also offers free training for all carers in Sydney and rural and regional NSW. You can find their calendar of upcoming training events here.
Courses and workshops cover topics such as:
- the impact of neglect and abuse on a child’s development and behaviour
- helping kids feel a positive connection to their culture
- preparing yourself, and the child or young person in your care, for restoration with their birth family
- talking to teens
- managing contact (family time) with family and kin
- understanding the impact of prenatal substance abuse.
Carer development or learning plans
All carers have a carer development or learning plan (it may have another name), which sets out your learning needs, interests and opportunities.
Your caseworker or case manager will work with you to create your plan. If you are a DCJ carer, your caseworker will conduct an Annual Carer Review. During this review, they will update your plan, record any education or training courses you’ve completed, and make note of any programs or services you may need or want to access.
Talk to your caseworker straight away if you need education or training to deal with a particular situation.
Other carer training
Health organisations and local schools also offer free workshops and information sessions on topics such as:
- strengthening parenting skills
- preparing a child for school
- managing asthma, diabetes, autism or learning delays.
You can speak to early childhood nurses, teachers or family support staff about what’s available in your local area.