Learning and Development for Carers

Grow your skills. Support children with confidence.

Being a carer is rewarding — and sometimes challenging. Ongoing learning gives you practical tools, strategies and confidence to support the children and young people in your care.

Training can help you:

• Understand how trauma, neglect or abuse affect development and behaviour
• Support children to stay connected to culture, family and community
• Prepare for restoration with family
• Respond to challenges with patience and insight

Learning isn’t one-off. It continues throughout your entire carer journey.

Your Carer Development Plan

Every carer has a plan to support their learning and development — a personal roadmap that guides your growth, helps you access training when you need it, and gives you the confidence to provide the best care.

It might be called different things depending on who supports you:

• DCJ carers: Carer Development Plan
• Non-government agency carers: Individual Learning Plan or similar

When you first become a carer, your caseworker will help you create a plan that reflects your strengths, interests, and learning goals. This plan guides the training and support that’s right for you throughout your caring journey.

Your plan is updated every year during your Annual Carer Review to record completed training and identify any new learning you may want or need.

Tip: If a situation arises and you need specific knowledge or support, don’t wait for your Annual Review — contact your caseworker right away.

To learn more about the annual carer review process see:  Your carer review and authorisation.

What your plan does

• Identifies your learning needs and interests — talk with your caseworker about topics you want to learn more about, like trauma-informed care, supporting a child with a disability, or managing family contact.
• Lists available training opportunities — free courses, workshops, and online learning matched to your goals.
• Tracks your progress — your caseworker updates your plan at your Annual Carer Review to record completed training and note any new education you may want.

Why it matters

• Ensures you have ongoing access to the training and support you need.
• Helps you respond confidently to challenges in your caring role.
• Supports your personal growth while helping children and young people thrive.

Flexible and responsive

If a specific challenge arises, don’t wait for your Annual Review — talk to your caseworker to update your plan anytime.

Tip: Keep your plan handy and review it regularly — it’s your personal tool for learning, confidence, and growth as a carer.

Training opportunities for carers with Carers for Kids NSW

The Carers for Kids NSW website offers a wide range of free learning opportunities, including:

• Face-to-face sessions in metropolitan and regional areas
• Online courses you can complete in your own time
• Workshops and practical skill sessions

Topics include:

• Supporting teenagers
• Navigating family contact
• Understanding the impact of prenatal substance use
• Trauma-informed care
• Supporting children with disability

To find out more or register:

• Phone: 1300 782 975
• Website: https://carersforkidsnsw.org.au/training/

Aboriginal-led training with AbSec

AbSec – NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation provides culturally strong, practical training for Aboriginal carers and carers supporting Aboriginal children and young people. Training draws on community knowledge and lived experience.

To find out more or register:

• Phone: 1800 888 698
• Website:absec.org.au

Your caseworker can also help you connect with AbSec training that meets your needs and the needs of the child or young person in your care.

Learning in your local community

You may find helpful workshops or information sessions near you, often offered by:

• Health centres
• Schools
• Early childhood nurses, teachers, or family support workers

Topics may include parenting skills, school readiness, managing health conditions like asthma or diabetes, or supporting children with autism or learning differences.