Online Foster Parent Education

Through an introductory online experience, the student will learn how online courses work and the personal preparation required for successful learning online. Topics covered include technical preparation, navigating the online course environment, online relationships, and how online learning differs from face-to-face instruction. The class will help students identify when and how online learning is best incorporated into their educational activities.

This course will provide caregivers with the basic understanding of the impact of alcohol and other substances. Participants will learn about the physical and emotional impact of substance abuse on the abuser and the family. Signs and symptoms of use and abuse will be discussed. Resources will also be provided.

This workshop identifies behavior patterns leading up to a child's acting out, preventing and minimizing acting out. Different behavioral strategies will be identified for pre and post teen years and practical applications will be practiced. Participants will identify self–esteem deficits and steps to improve self–esteem. Parenting styles and communication patterns will be identified. De–escalation techniques and managing anger will be addressed. Positive behavioral supports will be identified using environmental management.

This workshop will identify the common signs, symptoms, and characteristics of children and infants with ADHD/ADD and other related mental health issues (fetal alcohol syndrome, infants born with cocaine or other amphetamine addictions, etc.). The workshop will address current theories, treatment, and behavior management techniques for working with children with the above diagnosis. Participants will learn how to access DSHS hotlines and other assistance in crisis and emergency situations.

This workshop will address behavioral management strategies for working with children with extreme behavioral and/or mental health issues. Topics covered will include the sexually aggressive youth, suicide, runaway issues, crisis intervention, de–escalation, discipline, and environmental management. Participants will learn how to access DSHS hotlines and other assistance in crisis and emergency situations.

This course is designed to offer an environment where participants can learn how cultural identity can impact the self esteem of children in care. Students will have the opportunity to learn about and access resources that will improve their ability to help youth in their care understand, value, and embrace their own cultural identity.

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In this workshop, caregivers will gain confidence in their role as an educational advocate for their child(ren). Students will increase their knowledge and understanding of early intervention and educational systems and supports. Students will learn how to access educational resources, how to collaborate effectively with social workers and school staff, and how to encourage and support their child's educational and developmental goals.

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Kinship Caregivers: Helping Relatives Navigate the System
This course is designed to inform kinship/relative caregivers about the Children's Administration and increase their understanding of the child protection and child welfare systems. This course will prepare kinship caregivers for the challenges they will face as caregivers and provide insight into the changing roles for themselves, the child, and the child's parents, and acquaint them with the options and resources available to them.

This course assists caregivers in understanding the importance of maintaining contact with birth families. A general understanding of the importance of birth family contacts will be discussed. Participants will learn the importance of healthy boundaries and clear expectations when relating to birth families. Open Adoption Agreements will be discussed as well as the impact of these agreements on the child.

This workshop will help caregivers understand Attachment Theory and how multiple placements can impact a child's ability to attach. Further, the workshop will assist caregivers in learning skills and creating an environment that will help a child feel safe and secure. Participants will learn about the stages of grief and loss and how children and caregivers experience these emotions in a variety of ways. Additionally, the impact of grief and loss on early brain development will be discussed.

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Stuck in the Middle- Guide for Kinship Caregivers

This workshop is designed for caregivers who are currently providing care or those interested in providing care to a family member who are placed in their home by the state foster care system. The workshop will help family caregivers recognize family boundaries, develop strategies for responding to family members, gain an understanding of how a relative placement can change the overall family dynamics and how to resolve conflict with the biological parent. The workshop will also explore how to work collaboratively with the state social worker and how to access state resources for children in kinship care.

This course is designed to teach caregivers the knowledge and skills needed to help foster children succeed independently. Participants will learn strategies for supporting foster children in completing an application for Federal Financial Aid, setting up a budget, writing a check and balancing a checkbook. Participants will also learn techniques for preparing a resume and preparing for a job interview.

This course provides caregivers with initial assessment skills and suggestions for accommodation techniques when working with children with disabilities. Fostering a child with special needs requires knowledge and skills related to the child's specific disability. This workshop will address the unique needs of these children and concrete suggestions for how to best meet their needs.