Understanding training and support needs of foster carers of infants in out-of-home care

Infants constitute a significant proportion of admissions into out-of-home care (OOHC). These vulnerable infants face heightened health and well-being challenges compared to the general population. Addressing their complex needs is crucial to their well-being and requires knowledgeable foster and kinship carers. However, the extent to which these carers receive specialized training and support for infants is largely unknown. This study provides insights into the experiences of foster carers providing care to infants (<12 months) in Australia. A total of 232 foster carers participated in an online survey, reporting on support received and training in eight key areas: infant nutrition, feeding, bathing, sleeping, immunization, development, attachment, and developmental trauma. Analysis found, only 34 per cent of respondents reported that infants in their care received visits from community nurses or midwives, while 75 per cent took infants to see community health nurses. Training rates for basic infant care were low, ranging from 15 per cent to 30 per cent. Respondents without biological children were more likely to receive training. Surprisingly, 41 per cent of respondents did not receive any training. The majority (87 per cent) of respondents emphasized the need for infant specific training. While further research is necessary, these findings highlight the lack for current support for foster carers of infants in OOHC.