Being a foster parent is a rewarding job that makes a difference in the life of a child. A foster parent cares for a child during a vulnerable time in his life: when he is unable to stay at home with his birth parents. Foster parents are required to attend a certain amount of training before becoming licensed to care for the special needs of a foster child.
Significance
Foster parents undergo training while becoming certified to prepare them to care for the child placed in their home. Some foster children come from difficult backgrounds or may have moved through several placements and are dealing with feelings of anger or mistrust. Foster parent training teaches how to manage difficult behavior and feelings of grief in children. It equips parents with information so that if issues arise, parents are armed with education to work through potential problems.
Types
The types of classes required for parent training vary by state. Foster parents typically must take classes pertaining to parenting a hurt child; discipline methods; caring for sibling groups; managing grief and loss; and contact with birth parents. The state of Texas offers training for parents known as the Parent Resource for Information, Development and Education, PRIDE, which is mandatory for potential foster parents. PRIDE courses cover topics such as attachment issues, grief and loss, and the effects of abuse.
Methods
Training is delivered through different methods, and depending on the agency, parents may have flexibility in meeting the required hours they need. Some programs offer foster parent training online, providing a certificate of completion at the end. This type of program works for families who cannot attend all classes in person. Other training includes meeting for workshops or several sessions with an instructor, as well as self-study workbooks and videos.
Requirements
The number of hours that potential foster parents need to complete for parent training varies by state. Some states require few hours, while others have an extensive process.
Considerations
In addition to completing required training before becoming certified for a foster placement, parents must maintain licensure by continuing education. Coursework is offered through various organizations to meet standards required by each state. Just as the number of pre-placement hours varies by state law, post-placement hours differ as well.
