Since 2017, all new foster carer applicants are required to complete the Preparation Training for new Foster Carers course prior to the placement of any children.
There are two versions of the course available:
In person
- Available in the metropolitan area.
- An 18-hour course, consisting of six 3-hour modules.
- New courses start each month, except January, and is offered over three Saturdays, or four Wednesday evenings and one Saturday, generally alternating each month.
Self-paced
- An online course that applicants can complete from any location where they have access to the internet, which includes an introductory module, and six learning modules.
- Applicants download a workbook for each module and use this as a guide for their learning.
- Once the workbook is completed, it is submitted to the Department’s Family and Foster Care Learning Team for assessment and feedback.
- The course consists of videos, reading, questions, and a range of other resources.
- Completion of this course should be achievable within three months.
Prior to accessing the course, applicants should have a general understanding of fostering, should have had a discussion with their agency or the Department, and had an initial home visit.
Enrolment in the course is available via a foster care agency or the Department, applicants are not able to enrol themselves into this course.
Perth metropolitan applicants
Applicants who live in the Perth metropolitan area are expected to attend the course in-person unless there are exceptional circumstances. In-person attendance provides the best learning experience as you can interact with other applicants, guest carers and facilitators.
Modules should be completed in order, and if required, attendance can be spread beyond a month. Speak to the course facilitator for flexible arrangements.
Course dates are available from your foster care agency or Department contact.
Regional applicants
Most regional applicants will access the self-paced course but are welcome to attend in person if they are able to. Regional applicants are supported in their learning by local Departmental staff and the Family and Foster Care Learning Team.
Contact the Department of Communities Family and Foster Care Learning Team at:
- Email: fosterworkshops@communities.wa.gov.au
- Mobile: 0429 087 396
- Facebook: Family and Foster Care Learning
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