Understand the Care System and its Impact on Children
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09094
Max group:
12
Explore the care system and its effects on children, focusing on support, challenges, and outcomes



Course Summary
The Care System and its Impact on Children
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the care system and the significant impact it has on children. It explores the various stages of the care system, from placement to eventual leaving care, and the challenges children face during their time in care. The course will also examine how experiences in care affect a child's emotional, psychological, and social development. Participants will learn about the roles of carers, social workers, and other professionals, as well as the legal framework and policies that guide the care system. The course focuses on the importance of supporting children in care to achieve positive outcomes, including education, stability, and emotional wellbeing. By the end of the course, you will have a thorough understanding of how the care system works, the potential risks children may face, and how to provide effective support to children in care. Key Learning Objectives: Understanding the Care System Gain knowledge of the different types of care placements (foster care, residential care, etc.). Learn about the legal framework, policies, and procedures guiding the care system. Explore the roles and responsibilities of social workers, carers, and other professionals involved in the care of children. Impact of Care on Children’s Development Understand the emotional, psychological, and social effects of being in care. Learn about the potential long-term outcomes for children in care, including attachment issues, trauma, and identity development. Explore how different care experiences shape a child’s behavior, relationships, and mental health. Supporting Stability and Emotional Wellbeing Learn strategies for supporting children in care to build stable, trusting relationships. Understand the importance of emotional support, routine, and stability in a child's life. Address common challenges faced by children in care, including feelings of abandonment, fear, and isolation. Education and Outcomes for Children in Care Explore the educational challenges faced by children in care and how to address them. Learn strategies for promoting academic success and engagement in education. Understand the link between education and positive outcomes in the care system. Legal and Safeguarding Considerations Understand the legal rights of children in care, including protection from abuse and neglect. Learn about safeguarding protocols and how to identify and respond to concerns in the care setting. Explore the process of reviewing and monitoring care plans to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children. Supporting Transitions and Leaving Care Learn how to support children as they transition from care to independence. Understand the challenges faced by young people leaving care and the importance of preparing them for adulthood. Explore post-care services and how to ensure ongoing support for young people leaving the system. Collaboration with Families and Professionals Explore the importance of working with families and other key professionals in the care system. Learn how to advocate for children in care, ensuring their voices are heard. Understand the role of multi-disciplinary teams in providing holistic care. Best Practices in Supporting Children in Care Identify best practices for building resilience and promoting positive outcomes for children in care. Learn how to approach care provision with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Explore practical strategies for creating a supportive and nurturing environment for children in care.





Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to the Care System
Overview and purpose of the care system
Types of care placements: foster care, residential care, kinship care, adoption, respite care
Key statutory and voluntary agencies involved
Legal framework: Children Act 1989 & 2004, Care Standards Act 2000, Adoption and Children Act 2002
Roles of local authorities and social workersModule 2: The Impact of Care on Children’s Development
Emotional and psychological effects: trauma, attachment issues, emotional disturbances
Impact of early life experiences on brain development and emotional regulation
Risk factors: abuse, neglect, instability, multiple placements
Social and behavioral impacts: socialization, peer relationships, identity development
Behavioral challenges: aggression, withdrawal, academic difficulties
Strategies to support positive behavior and social developmentModule 3: Types of Care Placements and Their Impact on Children
Foster care: benefits, challenges, role of foster carers, transitions
Residential care: structure, routines, group living, staff roles
Kinship care: impact on identity
Adoption: processes and emotional journeyModule 4: Supporting Stability and Emotional Wellbeing
Importance of stability for emotional and psychological development
Creating consistency in caregiving, schooling, and community involvement
Role of routines, security, and permanence
Strategies to build emotional resilience and self-esteem
Role of attachment and positive relationshipsModule 5: Education and Care: Promoting Academic Success
Educational challenges: school mobility, learning difficulties, trauma
Supporting academic engagement and success
Role of foster carers and social workers in education
Advocating for children within the education system
Building educational support plans and collaboration with schoolsModule 6: Safeguarding and Legal Protections
Safeguarding principles and protocols for children in care
Identifying and responding to abuse, neglect, exploitation
Importance of safeguarding training for carers and professionals
Children’s legal rights: protection, voice, dignity
Key legal frameworks and access to advocacy and support servicesModule 7: Supporting Transitions in and Out of Care
Preparing children and families for care placement
Establishing trust and safety in early care days
Supporting young people leaving care: independent living, education, employment
Emotional and practical support during transitionsModule 8: Collaboration with Families, Professionals, and Multidisciplinary Teams
Importance of family involvement and positive relationships
Managing conflicts and family reunification
Roles of social workers, healthcare providers, educators, therapists
Building multidisciplinary teams and effective communicationModule 9: Supporting the Wellbeing of Caregivers and Professionals
Recognizing caregiver stress and burnout
Importance of self-care and support for caregivers and professionals
Ongoing professional development and training
Accessing supervision, peer support, and professional resourcesModule 10: Best Practices and Case Studies
Reviewing real-life case studies and identifying key success factors
Developing action plans for supporting children in care
Reflecting on personal learning and professional practice frameworks

Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.

Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.



Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;