We’re delighted that our free, rights‑based and trauma‑informed workshops for foster and kinship carers continue to be so well‑received across Scotland. Thanks to strong partnership working with local authorities and other organisations, all available places for our 2026 programmes have now been fully allocated.
To make sure carers everywhere still have opportunities to access support, we’re now developing a series of national online events that carers will be able to book onto directly. These new sessions will make our training more accessible than ever, wherever you are in Scotland.
The Need for Ongoing, Rights‑Based Support
Helen Bauld, Training and Programmes Manager at Children’s Health Scotland, said:
“We are seeing increasing demand for support from both kinship carers and foster carers across Scotland. Families are under growing pressure, particularly as waiting times for children and young people continue to rise, and kinship and foster families can be some of the hardest hit by these increasing demands.
Our rights‑based, trauma‑informed training offers vital ongoing support. These sessions create spaces where care experienced families feel seen, heard, and valued. We know that when families understand their rights, they feel more confident and better able to advocate for the children in their care.
We are committed to continuing this support, and we could not do so without the generosity of our funders, whose contributions make our free training programme possible.”
Voices from Carers
Carers consistently tell us how important it is to have access to safe, supportive spaces that recognise both their responsibilities and their rights.
- “It can feel like you’re carrying so much on your own. This training reminded me that I’m not alone, and that my wellbeing matters too.”
Kinship Carer - “Understanding our rights made a real difference. It gave me confidence to speak up and to feel like my voice mattered when decisions were being made.”
Foster Carer - “The sessions felt respectful and grounding. There was no judgement — just practical support and understanding of what caring really looks like day to day.”
Kinship Carer - “When waiting times increase, the pressure on families grows. Having continued support like this helps carers keep going and feel recognised.”
Foster Carer
Bespoke Paid Training – 2026 Availability
While our free training dates for 2026 are full, we can still offer bespoke paid‑for training during 2026 for organisations, charities, local authorities, and groups seeking tailored support. These sessions can be designed to meet local priorities and reflect specific workforce or community needs.
Get in Touch
- To enquire about a free 2027 training date, or
- To discuss bespoke paid training in 2026
please contact Niki at CECYPS@childrenshealthscotland.org.
We look forward to continuing to support care experienced children and young people, and the families and carers who stand alongside them, now and into 2027.
