Fostering outcomes: Strategies for recruiting and retaining foster carers
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.
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.
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.
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