This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of

The importance of education as a tool for social inclusiveness and success

Foster care roles and responsibilities to self and others

Principles of diversity and inclusivity in foster care

Legal and duty of care requirements as a foster carer

The impacts of fostering on individual needs of children and young people in care

Impacts of foster care on children and young peoples cultural religious and spititual identity

Attachment theory and separation anxiety

Basic child developmental stages and domains

Processes and types of advocacy supports

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Communicate effectively with children young people and others

Identify and engage with specialist servicesindividuals as required to address individual needs of young people

Holistic care for children in foster care environment

In addition the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to

Effective use of behaviour management strategies

Model effective communications

Work with diverse groups of children and young people

Demonstrate appropriate use of effective inclusiveness strategies

Interact with children and young people in the provision of foster care

Develop rapport and positive relationships with children and young people in care

Implement experiences and care that is developmentally appropriate for the child and young person in care

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions

Assessment must demonstrate consistency of application of skills and knowledge described in this unit of competency

Access and equity considerations

All workers in community services should be aware of access equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment include access to relevant workplace or simulated realistic workplace setting where assessment may take place

Method of assessment

Assessment may include observation questioning and evidence gathered from a workplace environment

Implement strategies to support children and young people's life skills developmentmay include:

Promote the education achievementsmay include:

Implement strategies to encourage children to take pride in their own cultural identity, gender and abilities may include:

Expressions of separation anxiety for children and young people in foster care may include:

Behaviour management strategies may include: