Online Foster Parent Education

Through an introductory online experience, students 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.

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

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

This workshop identifies 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 addresses current theories, treatment, and behavior management techniques for working with children with the above diagnosis. Participants learn how to access DSHS hotlines and other resources in crisis and emergency situations.

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

NCOFP 007b

In this workshop, caregivers gain confidence in their role as an educational advocate for their child(ren). Students increase their knowledge and understanding of early intervention and educational systems and supports. Students 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.

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

This workshop helps caregivers understand Attachment Theory and how multiple placements can impact a child's ability to attach. Further, the workshop assists caregivers in learning skills and creating an environment that helps a child feel safe and secure. Participants 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 are discussed.

NCOFP 006c

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. This workshop helps 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. This workshop also explores 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 children succeed independently. Participants will learn strategies for supporting children in completing an application for Federal Financial Aid, setting up a budget, writing a check and balancing a checkbook. Participants also learn techniques for creating 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. Caring for a child with special needs requires knowledge and skills related to the child's specific disability. This workshop addresses the unique needs of these children and concrete suggestions for how to best meet their needs.