Fostering outcomes: Strategies for recruiting and retaining foster carers

£315.00

Attracting and retaining high-quality foster carers is one of the most critical challenges faced by local authorities. In this interactive one-day masterclass, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools to improve your foster carer recruitment strategies and enhance retention efforts. Designed for social care managers, recruitment officers, foster care coordinators and practitioners, and communications professionals in the public sector, this course will focus on practical, actionable strategies to build a sustainable and committed foster care workforce.

Throughout the day, you’ll learn innovative approaches to engaging prospective carers, understanding the barriers they face, and creating compelling narratives to drive outcomes. From effective storytelling and digital recruitment campaigns to retention strategies based on support, recognition, and continuous development, this course will provide a comprehensive roadmap to strengthening your foster care recruitment and retention efforts.

Next course date: 15 Decemeber 2025.

To pay by purchase order, please contact accounts@trainingandskills.org.

Attracting and retaining high-quality foster carers is one of the most critical challenges faced by local authorities. In this interactive one-day masterclass, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools to improve your foster carer recruitment strategies and enhance retention efforts. Designed for social care managers, recruitment officers, foster care coordinators and practitioners, and communications professionals in the public sector, this course will focus on practical, actionable strategies to build a sustainable and committed foster care workforce.

Throughout the day, you’ll learn innovative approaches to engaging prospective carers, understanding the barriers they face, and creating compelling narratives to drive outcomes. From effective storytelling and digital recruitment campaigns to retention strategies based on support, recognition, and continuous development, this course will provide a comprehensive roadmap to strengthening your foster care recruitment and retention efforts.

Next course date: 15 Decemeber 2025.

To pay by purchase order, please contact accounts@trainingandskills.org.

Course Agenda

Course duration: 1 Day
Target audiences: Social care managers, foster care coordinators, recruitment officers, and local authority communication teams

1.      Introduction and course overview

  • Welcome and introductions

  • Overview of course objectives and outcomes

  • Importance of effective recruitment and retention strategies in foster care

2.      Understanding the current challenges in foster carer recruitment

  • Exploring common barriers to recruitment and retention

  • Analysing trends in foster care recruitment and retention rates

  • Challenges faced by foster carers

  • Key reasons for recruitment struggles and high turnover rates

  • Implications of these challenges on children in care

  • Identifying gaps in current local authority practices

3.    Building effective recruitment strategies

  • Targeting and engaging diverse communities

  • Developing compelling, realistic marketing campaigns

  • Building relationships with local organisations and communities

  • Using data-driven approaches to identify potential foster carers

  • Creative approaches to fostering recruitment in underrepresented areas

4.    Retention strategies for keeping foster carers engaged and supported

  • Understanding the needs of foster carers

  • Developing training and development

  • Support offers

  • The role of support groups, mentoring, and peer networks

  • Mobilising feedback

5.    Storytelling for outcomes

·       The importance of storytelling

·       Authenticity of authentic stories to drive connection

·       Techniques for crafting powerful, relatable stories

·       Apply storytelling techniques to foster carer recruitment campaigns.

·       Maximising reach

6.    Enhancing foster carer recruitment and retention using technology

  • Leveraging social media and digital platforms

  • Online recruitment

  • Virtual support and training

  • Exploring data management tools

7.     Developing an action plan (interactive activity)

8.    Next steps

Course materials provided:

  • Slide deck & handouts

  • List of best practice resources

  • Sample action plan templates

  • Access to additional online resources for ongoing learning