The courses listed here are intended for people who are considering becoming foster, adoptive, or kinship parents. The agency that you choose to work with will have a series of classes that you must attend and complete to become certified as a resource parent. FPC classes will help you meet your agency's requirements only if you arrange that in advance with the agency.
Advanced Parenting Workshops cost $30 or more per course per person. Workshops explore advanced parenting concepts and teach problem solving skills. During a three week period, participants view an audio/video presentation and then work together through an online discussion board with bi-weekly assignments and exercises. The workshop is still self-paced and results in a Certificate of Completion, but requires specific deadlines.
Similar in delivery to our Self-Paced Courses for parents but designed for social workers, Agency Staff Training Courses teach important skills for supporting youth and caregivers. Each course is available in two versions. Participants who complete the CEU Credit version will earn Continuing Education Credits (CEU) from the National Association of Social Workers and receive a Certificate of Completion from Foster Parent College. Those who complete the non-CEU Credit version will receive a Certificate of Completion from Foster Parent College only.
In June 2008, the National CASA Association officially recognized Foster Parent College as a source for continuing education credit for volunteers. Foster Parent College materials can be an informative and convenient way for CASA/GAL volunteers to learn about the challenges facing both youth in care and foster parents. As a CASA/GAL volunteer, these materials will be most useful when you view them through the lens of your four primary roles: to examine the situation, facilitate a collaborative relationship between all parties involved in the case, advocate in court for the child's best interest and keep track of whether the orders of the court are being carried out.
Brian Washburn, Training Director, National CASA