Learning and development for carers

Why ongoing learning matters

No carer is expected to know everything.

Every child and young person is unique, and new situations, challenges and opportunities can arise at any stage of your caring journey.

Ongoing learning can help you:

• understand the impact of trauma, neglect and abuse
• support children's emotional wellbeing and development
• strengthen cultural connections and identity
• prepare for family restoration and transitions
• respond to challenges with confidence and understanding
• build skills to support children with additional needs
• stay informed about changes in policies, services and supports

Learning is not about being perfect. It is about building your confidence, expanding your knowledge and helping children and young people thrive.

Your Carer Development Plan

Every authorised carer has a learning and development plan.

This plan helps identify your strengths, learning goals and any training or support that may be useful throughout your caring journey.

Depending on your agency, it may be called:

• a Carer Development Plan (DCJ carers)
• an Individual Learning Plan or similar (non-government agency carers)

Your caseworker will work with you to develop and update your plan.

Your plan can help you:

• identify areas you would like to learn more about
• access training and development opportunities
• record completed learning
• plan for future growth and development
• build confidence in your caring role

Your learning plan is usually reviewed during your Annual Carer Review, but it can be updated at any time.

Helpful tip - flexible and responsive

If you need support with a particular issue, don't wait for your annual review. Contact your caseworker and discuss what support, information or training may help.

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

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

Learning happens in many ways

Formal training is only one way carers learn.

Many carers develop valuable skills through:

• day-to-day caring experiences
• conversations with other carers
• peer support groups
• guidance from caseworkers and professionals
• listening to children and young people about their experiences
• reading resources and staying informed

Every experience can help build your confidence, knowledge and understanding.

Learning is a lifelong process and every carer brings valuable experience and strengths to the role.

Training opportunities through Carers for Kids NSW

Carers for Kids NSW offers a range of free learning opportunities for authorised carers.

Training may include:

• face-to-face workshops
• online learning
• webinars
• practical skill-building sessions
• self-paced courses

Topics may include:

• trauma-informed care
• supporting teenagers
• family contact and restoration
• understanding prenatal substance exposure
• supporting children with disability
• emotional regulation and behaviour support
• carer wellbeing and self-care

To learn 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 learning opportunities for Aboriginal carers and carers supporting Aboriginal children and young people.

Training is informed by community knowledge, culture and lived experience and can help carers strengthen children's connection to family, community, Country and identity.

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

To find out more:

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

Learning in your local community

You may also find learning opportunities through local organisations and services.

These may include:

• health services
• schools
• community organisations
• early childhood services
• family support programs

Topics may include:

• child development
• school readiness
• supporting learning at home
• managing health conditions
• supporting children with disability
• parenting and wellbeing strategies

Your caseworker may be able to suggest local programs that match your interests or the needs of the children in your care.

Need support now?

Sometimes carers need information or support for a specific issue rather than formal training.

If you are facing a challenge, such as:

• supporting a child who has experienced trauma
• responding to changes in behaviour
• supporting a child with disability
• managing school-related concerns
• preparing for family contact or restoration
• helping a child through a transition

speak with your caseworker.

You don't have to wait for a course or workshop. Your caseworker can often connect you with information, specialist services, resources or support that can help straight away.  

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to complete training?

Learning and development are an important part of being an authorised carer. Your caseworker can help identify any training that may be required or beneficial based on your circumstances and caring role.

Is training free?

Many training opportunities available through DCJ, Carers for Kids NSW and AbSec are free for authorised carers.

Can I complete training online?

Yes. Many courses, webinars and learning resources can be accessed online, allowing you to learn at a time that suits you.

Can I update my learning plan at any time?

Yes. Your learning and development plan can be reviewed and updated whenever your learning needs change.

What if I need help with a specific issue?

Speak with your caseworker. They can help connect you with resources, training, specialist advice or support services.

What if I need help and can't get hold of my caseworker or don't feel I'm getting the support I need?

Your caseworker should usually be your first point of contact for support, advice and information.

If you need additional support, cannot reach your caseworker, or feel you need further guidance, you can also contact:

• Carers for Kids NSW for advice, information, training opportunities and peer support - Phone: 1300 782 975, website: https://carersforkidsnsw.org.au/carer-support
• AbSec for culturally informed support, advocacy and resources, particularly for Aboriginal carers and carers supporting Aboriginal children and young people - Phone: 1800 888 698, website:absec.org.au

Seeking support early can help you access information, resolve concerns and feel more confident in your caring role.

What training is available for carers of Aboriginal children?

AbSec provides culturally informed learning opportunities, and your caseworker can help connect you with training that supports children's cultural identity and connections.

Do experienced carers still need training?

Many experienced carers continue learning throughout their caring journey. Training can provide new ideas, updated information and opportunities to connect with other carers.