Your journey to becoming a foster parent starts here

Are you interested in becoming a foster parent or substitute carer? You do not need any previous knowledge or experience. We will help you explore the different opportunities and find a way of helping that suits you. You can decide later whether becoming a foster parent or substitute carer is right for you.

Join an information session to learn more

At our information session, you will learn what being a foster parent or substitute carer involves in practice. We will tell you about our training programmes, the support available and how you can get involved. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. Attending an information session does not commit you to anything. The next information session will be held on 30 September from 17:30 to 19:00 on Microsoft Teams.

We will prepare you for the role and support you along the way

Taking part in training does not commit you to becoming a foster parent or substitute carer. During the training, you will receive information and guidance and have the opportunity to explore your own strengths and readiness together with our professionals. After completing the training, you can take your time to decide whether you would like to continue your journey towards becoming a foster parent or substitute carer.

Our substitute carer training gives you the knowledge and skills you need for the role. During the training, you will learn more about what the role involves and have the opportunity to consider, together with our professionals, whether it would be a good fit for you or your family.

You can apply for the training by submitting an application to family care services. Once we have received your application, we will arrange a home visit. This gives us an opportunity to get to know one another and discuss your circumstances and readiness to become a substitute carer.

In addition to the home visit, the training includes two group sessions, one held in person and one online. Once you have successfully completed the training, you will receive a certificate.

Substitute carer training in spring 2027

In-person session: 9 January 2027, 9:00–16:00
Online session: 18 January 2027, 16:30–19:30

We will provide morning and afternoon coffee and refreshments during the in-person training day.

Could foster parenting be right for you? PRIDE training gives you information, support and an opportunity to consider whether becoming a foster family could be right for your family. You do not need to know yet whether you definitely want to become a foster parent. During the training, we will help you find answers to your questions and give you the time and space to consider your decision.

PRIDE stands for Parents, Resources for Information, Development and Education. The name reflects the training programme’s focus on parents, information, development and education.

Contact us and we will send you an application form for the training. We will then arrange a home visit so that we can get to know one another and discuss your family’s circumstances. Together, we will consider whether this is the right time for your family to begin the training.

Training in Karis, 25 August–10 December 2026

The training venue is in Karis at Gardbergs hus, Nabogatan 20, 10300 Karis.

Schedule:

25 August 2026, 17:30–20:30
2 September 2026, 17:30–20:30
17 September 2026, 17:30–20:30
30 September 2026, 17:30–20:30
21 October 2026, 17:30–20:30
4 November 2026, 17:30–20:30
11 November 2026, 17:30–20:00
3 December 2026, 17:30–20:30
10 December 2026, 17:30–20:30

Training in Espoo, 20 October 2026–11 February 2027

The training will be held at the premises of the Postipuu child welfare services, Armas Launiksen katu 10, 02650 Espoo.

Schedule:

20 October 2026, 17:30–20:30
29 October 2026, 17:30–20:30
9 November 2026, 17:30–20:30
19 November 2026, 17:30–20:30
9 December 2026, 17:30–20:30
7 January 2027, 17:30–20:30
21 January 2027, 17:30–20:00 (panel discussion; feel free to invite your loved ones)
28 January 2027, 17:30–20:30
11 February 2027, 17:30–20:30

Training in Lohja, 4 February–27 May Lohja

The training will be held at Ojamo parish community centre, Kartanonkuja 1, 08200 Lohja.

Schedule:

4 February 2027, 17:30–20:30
18 February 2027, 17:30–20:30
4 March 2027, 17:30–20:30
23 March 2027, 17:30–20:30
8 April 2027, 17:30–20:30
22 April 2027, 17:30–20:30
4 May 2027, 17:30–20:00 (panel discussion)
20 May 2027, 17:30–20:30
27 May 2027, 17:30–20:30

Interested? Take the first step

Apply for one of our training programmes or contact us if you have any questions. We will be happy to help you take the next step.

Family care coordinator Satu Smolander,
tel. 040 541 4289,
satu.smolander@luvn.fi
Family care coordinator Emmi-Maaria Mäkilä,
tel. 043 826 8540,
emmi-maaria.makila@luvn.fi
Family care coordinator Tarja Vastamäki,
tel. 040 644 2921,
tarja.vastamaki@luvn.fi

Your journey to becoming a foster parent starts here

Join an information session to learn more

We will prepare you for the role and support you along the way

Substitute carer training

Foster parent training

Interested? Take the first step