Foster Parent Training

PRIDE = Parents Resource for Information, Development and Education

The Child Welfare League of America and members of the PRIDE National Advisory Committee (PNAC) developed a foster parent/adoptive parent model of practice that includes:

Following an inquiry, an agency social worker will arrange for a meeting with the applicant to explain the licensing requirements, including the house assessment and background checks, and discuss expectations and motivations for considering this job at this time. The first face-to-face meeting begins the mutual assessment process. Usually, the next step if both the agency and the family agree to proceed, is to begin the Pre-service training program. This is a nine session, 27 hour introduction to the foster care and adoption programs. This training is part of the mutual assessment process where both the family and the agency are looking to see if foster care or adoption is the right "fit" at this time. Financial reimbursement for expenses related to attending training is available and should be discussed at the first meeting. When a family meets the requirements and competencies of the program and becomes licensed, they will need to attend at least 12 hours of annual training. One source of this training will be provided by the agency in the form of PRIDE Core Training. It is also possible to obtain additional training hours through specialized training and in some cases, independent study. Training is required to enhance knowledge and skills and better enable foster/adopt families to deal with problems particular to the children entering the foster care system.

Questions related to scheduled training opportunities, training requirements, and reimbursable expenses associated with training should be directed to the Children & Family Services Training Center (701)777-3442. Or, contact your local County Social Services , Regional Human Services or PATH (Professional Association of Treatment Homes) agency.