Stalking Awareness

About this course

This training course provides Kent County Council foster carers with essential awareness and understanding of stalking behaviours, with a specific focus on safeguarding teenagers and supporting carers own personal safety. Drawing on expertise from The Suzy Lamplugh Trust and extensive professional experience within policing and the stalking sector, the course explores the realities of stalking, current trends involving young people, and the risks faced by carers supporting complex family dynamics.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of what constitutes stalking under UK legislation, how it differs from harassment and common misconceptions such as “love bombing”. The course highlights the significant risks associated with stalking — including high levels of underreporting and the increasing involvement of young people in controlling or unhealthy relationships. It also examines potential risks to foster carers, including scenarios where birth families may exhibit resentful or fixation-based behaviours.

The training adopts a proactive, supportive approach, equipping foster carers with practical knowledge to recognise early warning signs, respond appropriately, and access specialist help and guidance. The focus is not to create fear, but to strengthen carer confidence, promote safe practice, and help carers better support young people in navigating healthy relationships.