Training course pilot experience in czech republic

On 26 June 2024, Mise HERo in Creating Care project conducted a pilot training course aimed at enhancing communication skills and strategies crucial for recruiting foster families. Held online, this event brought together eight professionals from diverse backgrounds, including psychologists, social workers, ergo therapists, and psychotherapists, who are deeply committed to supporting vulnerable populations and advancing the cause of foster care.
 
The facilitators have extensive experience in implementing projects with a European scope, addressing the needs of minorities, families with children, the elderly, and individuals with health disabilities. Their organization they were from offers a wide range of supportive activities, including training, seminars, psychological and psychotherapeutic services, career and life counselling, internships, and volunteering opportunities. Their expertise and commitment to helping disadvantaged individuals (including those from foster care) make them highly relevant to the topic of foster care.
 
Participants provided valuable feedback on the training course, evaluating it across several key characteristics: innovation, sustainability, usefulness, accessibility, accuracy, feasibility, acceptability, and expected impact. Overall, the course received positive ratings, with participants appreciating the creative tasks, literature, and comprehensive approach to information delivery. They highlighted the importance of focusing on foster care as it addresses the needs of the most vulnerable groups and acknowledged the high demand for quality and educated caregivers in this field.
 
The course materials were complimented for their user-friendliness, clear and understandable language, and precise targeting of the intended audience. Participants found the inclusion of case studies from partner countries particularly enriching, providing insight into the diverse realities of foster care systems across different regions. Additionally, the training offered participants the opportunity to try out activities firsthand and learn how to apply them in real-life situations.
 
While the feedback was generally positive, some participants noted that the course could benefit from additional information on recruiting new potential families. Nonetheless, they expressed confidence in the training's potential to generate positive outcomes for the target group. The variety of activities offered stakeholders a choice of the most appropriate options for their own needs and those of foster parents.
 
In conclusion, the pilot training course successfully provided essential communication skills and strategies for recruiting foster families. The positive feedback from participants underscores the course's potential to make a significant impact on foster care recruitment efforts. As the project continues to refine and expand its offerings, it empowers professionals to better serve vulnerable populations in need of foster care.