THE Childcare and Protection Agency’s (CPA) Foster Care Unit, over the weekend, hosted a two-day training workshop aimed at equipping new and prospective foster parents with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively care for children placed in their homes.

Facilitated by Patricia Gray, the comprehensive training covered a range of critical topics designed to strengthen foster parenting.
These included understanding the various stages of child development, the impact of trauma on children’s emotional and social well-being, and the importance of effective communication and appropriate disciplinary techniques.

Participants were also guided on how to instill positive values, navigate the socialisation process, and remain sensitive to the unique needs of children in foster care. Practical skills such as meal preparation for proper child nutrition and strategies to build stronger relationships between foster parents and children were also addressed.

A special focus was placed on the mental health of both children and caregivers, with sessions dedicated to stress management and emotional wellness.
Throughout the training, attendees were given opportunities to share personal experiences, discuss common challenges, and collaborate on solutions. The interactive sessions fostered a sense of community and support

among participants, many of whom expressed greater confidence in their ability to provide nurturing environments for vulnerable children.

The CPA continues to emphasise the importance of well-prepared foster parents as key partners in safeguarding the welfare of children in need of care and protection.