The Training, Support and Development (TSD) standards form part of a foster carer's induction into the role. They provide a national minimum benchmark that sets out what foster carers should know, understand and be able to do within the first 12-18 months after being approved. These standards were developed by the sector and were introduced in 2007 and apply to all approved foster carers in England. The TSD Standards form part of a national strategy, supported by the Department for Education, to raise the profile of foster carers as valued professionals and to improve and standardise service provision for looked after children.
All foster care providers are expected to engage with their foster carers to support them in achieving the TSD Standards. This ensures that the Standards are delivered in a way that allows carers to understand how the standards support them in their caring role, encouraging them to build on any areas for development identified in their assessment. The TSD Standards are also now a requirement of the National Minimum Standards (Fostering). Completion of the TSD Standards is a requirement for all approved foster carers in England and is referenced within the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services 2011.
©Crown Copyright
