Pre-service training is required for all foster/adoptive families as a part of the licensing process. These trainings, offered by Utah Foster Care Foundation trainers across the state, provide unique insights into the process of becoming a foster/adoptive family, the situations these families encounter, solutions to typical problems, the emotional aspects of being a foster/adoptive family and many other topics important for those preparing to foster.
Prospective foster parents are required to attend all 8 classes (equal to 32 hours) of training prior to licensure. In order to attend training, you must be registered for classes by a representative of Utah Foster Care Foundation after your In-Home Consultation has been completed. To schedule an In-Home Consultation, fill out our online contact form, and a representative in your area will contact you.
1. Orientation
2. Licensing & Medical Policy
3. Abuse & Neglect
4. Impact of Abuse on Development
5. Attachment, Grief & Loss
6. Discipline & Stress Mgmt.
7. Adoption & Permanency
8. Cultural Issues & Primary Families
Class 1: Orientation
This is an overview of foster care, kinship care and adoption. Parts of the class are co-taught by a foster parent. A brief history of the Child Welfare system is given along with the Utah Division of Child & Family’s (DCFS) current practice principles. The concept of Child & Family Team Mtgs. is discussed as well as defining roles for foster parents.
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Class 2: Licensing and Medical PolicyThis class explains the expectations for foster/adoptive parents in regards to medical, dental and counseling appointments. The last half of the class is DCFS’s practice guidelines and Office of Licensing (OL) rules. Class discussion focuses on levels of care, reimbursement rates, the licensing process and general guidelines from DCFS for out-of-home care.
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Class 3: Abuse and Neglect
The first part of this class provides an overview of what constitutes child abuse and neglect, how to recognize indicators of maltreatment in children and the dynamics in families in which maltreatment might occur. The second part discusses the definition and types of sexual abuse, the dynamics of that abuse and characteristics of children who have been sexually abused. The last part of this class focuses on how parent and caregivers can best facilitate healing for these children.
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Class 4: Impacts of Abuse on Development
In this class caregivers become familiar with the primary stages and milestones of normal physical, cognitive, social and emotional development in children. Class discussion revolves around potential negative effects of abuse, neglect and sexual abuse on children’s development. Caregivers are given tools and skills to help children as well as local resources to draw from.
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Class 5: Attachment, Grief, and Loss
Class discussion revolves around the effects of separation for the child and birth family and how to help children handle feelings of sadness, loss, anxiety and anger. The negative impact of multiple placements is explored and the benefits of birth family involvement discussed.
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Class 6: Discipline
Class discussion revolves around appropriate and effective uses of discipline. Trainers present materials on why physical punishment is very harmful to children, especially those who have experienced abuse. Choices in discipline are presented to focus on positive and logical consequences. The last part of the class discusses the effect of caregiving on foster parents and how to recognize chronic stress and deal with its implications.
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Class 7: Adoption and Permanency
The class focuses on issues that children who have been adopted may have and issues that adoptive parents may have. The adoptive parents will learn:
- To recognize common post-adoption issues for both parent and child, including loss, identity, control, and divided loyalties
- How parental fantasies about a “dream child” and the child’s fantasy of his or her birth parents can impact the long-range adjustment of the family
- How to identify events that trigger adoption issues; the positive impact of utilizing resources
- The importance of talking to the child about adoption, discussing adoption issues, and the birth history of the child in a positive manner
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Class 8: Cultural Issues and Primary Families
The importance of recognizing each child’s cultural roots as well as the difference between race, ethnicity and gender are discussed. Families have the opportunity to learn from birth parents, adoptive parents and foster parents how to integrate each child’s cultural ties into their own families. Reuniting families is a major focus of all the classes and this class exemplifies the benefits and realities of that plan. Speakers share their stories, caseworkers extoll the benefits of cultural identity and families have the opportunity to ask questions and vicariously experience a little bit of foster care and adoption.
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Toll-free: 877.505.KIDS
Local: 801.994.5205
moreinfo@utahfostercare.org