Foster Parent Training Programmes

The aim of the programme is to equip the learners with the information and skills that form part of the Professional Parenting Programme.

The framework of the Alternative Parenting programme includes the following:
Personal and interpersonal abilities and skills required for professional parenting, including exploration of the motivation to become involved and exploring and utilising resources

Legislation, requirements, and objectives of alternative care that involves training on the Child Care, foster care grants, and the treatment of HIV infected children

The dynamics surrounding professional parent, which entails information on childhood development from conception to early adulthood, its milestones and developmental areas;  and the management of problem behaviour

A workbook with outcome-based assignments that allows the trainee to implement what he’s learned on case studies.  The  portfolios in this workbook are presented in a manner that enables the trainer to evaluate the manner in which the content was integrated.  Portfolios are submitted to  the university to allow accreditation and the necessary certification

This program has been accredited by UNISA as well as Technikon SA.  Support and the relevant assistant programmes are offered to trained foster parents.  

The program has been developed by Doctor Rika Swanzen (MA Soc. Sc: D. Litt et Phil (Social worker), Professor Desiree de Kock from Technikon SA,  Tanya Kriel (Social worker) and Sterna Venter from the University of Johannesburg.