Training to Become a Foster Parent

Are you interested in becoming a foster parent? If so, you may be wondering what kind of training you will need to become a foster parent. While the requirements may differ greatly from state to state, there are training requirements that must be met. All state health and human services offices must provide training for foster parents. This training helps them meet the needs of children in their care, gives them information on techniques for managing behavior and preventing abuse and neglect, and helps them understand the expectations of the agency.

New foster parents need preparation and training in order to be effective in their role. Foster parents who have been accepted for a home study or relatives who are in the process going through a home study must be made familiar with:

• The social, family and personal problems that can lead to family breakdown and the need for the placement of children.
• The problems and reactions of children upon separation. The function and responsibility of the foster family relative to the child, the parents and the agency staff.
• The agency’s policy and practice of having defined goals to achieve permanency for each child that is entering the foster care system.
• The authority of the local social services districts, the Office of Children and Family Services and the Family Court to supervise any agency’s practice.
• The nature of the relationship between agency staff and foster parents and children.
• The payments to foster parents for care and expenses. It is important to know that foster parents who receive a higher level of board rate are required to actively participate in annual training.
• The rights and responsibilities of a foster parent as defined by a letter of understanding that must be executed at the time of certification or licensing.

One of the most common training programs for foster parents is MAPP Training.
Many counties and agencies use the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting/Group Preparation and Selection (MAPP/GPS) Pre-Certification Training Program. The MAPP approach to foster parenting encourages open communication and trust among foster families, adoptive families, birth families and casework staff. This program can be used in an ongoing basis as a method of training. In addition, the MAPP program examines 12 criteria or skills necessary for successful foster/adoptive parenting. Through the use of role-playing, personal profiles and other techniques, the social worker and the applicant make mutual decisions about foster parenting. The objectives of the training for prospective foster and adoptive parents are:

• Learning what to expect and what services are available.
• Developing the ability to look at one’s own strengths and needs.
• Developing parenting skills and giving love and attention to a troubled child.
• Learning about all stages of child development.
• Helping all children manage their behavior.
• Helping promote a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of teamwork.
• Helping the foster parents develop a solid understanding of the child’s parents.

There are numerous other programs available to support you in your role as a foster parent. Your local department of social services or other local agency may offer in-service training session for foster parents that can address the multitude of issues confronting foster parents and the children in their care.

In addition further medical and mental health training can help foster parents manage certain issues and learn skills in dealing with them. Some of these issues could include:

• Child and adolescent development and behavior
• Emotional effects of child abuse and neglect
• Caring for a teen parent and her infant
• Domestic violence
• Loss and separation
• Behavior management
• Effects of drug and alcohol abuse
• Depression.

Having the appropriate training can support foster parents with skills in being sensitive to signs of emotional distress in children and skills in crisis counseling. Such knowledge should help foster parents feel more confident in their role.