Caregiver Ongoing Training Course Descriptions
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| A Caregiver Guide to Medications | This course discusses caregivers’ roles and responsibilities in proper administration and monitoring of medications. Topics include understanding various types of medications and their effects, and discussing basic principles and rights of medication administration. Caregivers will learn to locate reliable health-related resources and build readiness to address challenges as they arise. |
| Acceptance: Helping LGBTQ Youth Thrive | This course provides an opportunity for learners to explore issues related to caring for youth who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or are questioning their sexual orientation (LGBTQ). There are more ways to identify than just LGBTQ. Participants will learn more about some of these identities in the vocabulary section. These identities are often evolving, expanding, and becoming more inclusive of all individuals. For the purpose of this class, the material presented will use the acronym LGBTQ, but the youth in your care may have varying identities. |
| ADHD: Childhood Through Adolescence | This course provides an overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including information on how ADHD is diagnosed and how ADHD impacts children and adolescents. Topics include examining the influence ADHD has on the brain and how this effects behaviors and symptoms. This course discusses common challenges faced by children and adolescents with ADHD, as well as the benefits. Participants will learn various strategies and organizational supports to aid children and adolescents with ADHD. |
| Attachment: A Child's Ability to Connect | This course explores the importance of bonding and attachment for children and their development. Topics include examining attachment theory, recognizing how trauma affects children’s attachment and relationships, and understanding and addressing attachment issues and attachment disorder in children. Participants will learn strategies to foster trusting and secure relationships with children. |
| Autism Spectrum Disorders | This course provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Topics include understanding the symptoms, prevalence, potential causes, and treatment options for children and youth with ASD. This course aims to provide caregivers with practical guidance in caring for children and youth diagnosed with ASD. Participants will gain knowledge of how ASD influences the brain and learn strategies that can benefit children and youth with ASD. |
| Behavioral Health Medications: A Guide for Caregivers (psychotropic medications) | This course discusses the safe and effective use of psychotropic medications for children and youth in NH DCYF custody or guardianship. Topics include understanding psychotropic medications, their uses, and alternative treatment options. This course will discuss the process of informed consent and birth parents’ legal rights. Participants will develop an understanding of different classes of psychotropic medications, their side effects, as well as guidelines for administering and monitoring their use. |
| Being an Advocate for Kids in Care | This course explores the legal and case-specific aspects of NH’s child welfare system, including the DCYF practice model, Solution-Based Casework (SBC). With this background, participants will develop strategies to successfully advocate for children in out-of-home placement, using community resources and connections. The course will explore risk and protective factors for children in placement. Participants will learn positive communication skills, both written and verbal, and strategies for building professional relationships. During the course, participants will develop tools to advocate successfully for children in placement. |
| Caring for Children with Psychological Disorders | This course will provide information about emotional and behavioral disorders and will offer a range of practical strategies and recommendations for managing the behavioral and emotional needs of children with these disorders. |
| Caring for Children Who Exhibit Sexualized Behaviors (Specialized) | This course defines child sexual abuse and describes developmentally appropriate sexualized behaviors and those behaviors that may be indicators of sexual abuse. Participants will examine patterns of behavior that perpetuate the cycle of abuse. This course will assist caregivers in developing strategies to set boundaries and reduce inappropriate sexual behavior as well as identify resources to support children and youth. |
| Child Abuse and Neglect | This course discusses various forms of child maltreatment and examines how abuse and neglect impacts children, families, and communities. Topics include exploring the psychological, developmental, and behavioral impacts of abuse, as well as understanding potential risk factors and family dynamics that may contribute to child abuse and neglect. |
| Children Exposed to Domestic Violence | This course examines domestic violence and its impact on children, families, and communities. Topics include understanding and recognizing signs of traumatic bonding in children and families. Strategies for working with families and children with domestic violence histories are also explored. |
| Child Development: The Early Years | This course focuses on early development of children, ages infant-preschooler. Topics include developing an understanding of various developmental domains, examining temperament traits and their influence on behavior, and discussing the effects of early trauma on the developing child. Participants explore different parenting styles and strategies for guiding positive behavior. |
| Child Development: The Middle Years | This course focuses on development of children in the middle childhood range, ages 6-12. Topics include an understanding of various developmental domains, discussion of typical and expected behaviors, and gaining insights into the impact trauma has on the developing child. This course provides information and considerations for caregivers and other influential individuals to promote healthy development in children. |
| Child Development: TheAdolescent Years | This course provides an introduction to child development during the adolescent years. The primary focus of this course will be on the development of children between the ages of 12-18. This course provides information about development that occurs across various domains throughout adolescence. Topics will address how trauma impacts growth and development and the implications this has for adolescents. Additionally, the course provides caregivers with strategies to support the healthy development of youth in their care. |
| Choose Love | The course will introduce caregivers to the Choose Love program. The Choose Love program’s formula is based on four-character values: courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion in action, which will be discussed and practiced to promote the well-being and resilience of children and youth in care. The course will provide caregivers with information and tangible skills they can themselves and with children and youth. |
| Communicable and Infectious Diseases | This course provides an overview of a variety of childhood infectious diseases and alerts caregivers to situations that have the potential for disease transmission. The course clarifies how infections occur, how they are passed from one person to another, universal precautions, immunizations, and other ways of protecting children and their caregivers from illness. This course will guide caregivers in the prevention and prompt treatment of illnesses. |
| Complexities of Sibling Relationships | This course explores sibling dynamics and provides caregivers and residential staff with skills and strategies to achieve strong family bonds. Various topics will be discussed, including birth order, sibling rivalry, and siblings with special needs, adolescent transitions, and family roles. The impact foster, relative care placement, and adoption has on family relationships will be examined, as well as strategies for maintaining sibling connections. |
| Conversations with Curious Kids: The Human Body | This course, Conversations with Curious Kids: The Human Body, will give an overview of information about sexual and gender and important topics related to these areas of development. With the knowledge gained through this course, your knowledge base will be expanded to not only increase your understanding but help you in answering questions about sexuality and gender that many children and young people are curious about. You won't know how to answer every question, that that's okay! The hope for this course is that it will provide you with valuable resources to assist in formulating answers to tough questions that curious kids ask and help you know when it's developmentally appropriate to have these conversations. |
| Creating Connections Through Life Stories | This course explores the importance of helping children and youth record their life stories. This course provides concrete ideas and strategies to help children and youth develop life stories and suggests ways caregivers can help children and youth identify, address, and resolve emotions about their past. Participants will learn how to provide a safe space for children to tell their stories, and how acknowledging a child’s past with honesty and sensitivity helps to alleviate guilt, shame, and self-blame children and youth often feel. |
| Documentation for Court and Case Review | This course provides an overview of the court system and the roles and responsibilities of those involved with the process. Participants will learn the importance of documenting and communicating detailed and objective information that may be used in case plans and court reports. Topics include examining documentation types, understanding confidentiality procedures, and preparing a child for court. |
| Drug Facts: Risk, Protection, and Prevention | This course discusses adolescent risk factors for drug use and prevention strategies caregivers can utilize to mitigate future risks. Topics include exploring commonly used drugs, understanding the proper storage of prescription medicines, and recognizing signs and symptoms of drug use. This course provides caregivers with information on how to address teen drug use, including treatment options and community resources. |
| Emerging Trends in Technology: Keeping Kids Safe | This course provides caregivers with information on technology and precautions caregivers can take to protect children in their care. Topics include examining realistic dangers of current technology, exploring social media apps, and recognizing factors that can leave youth vulnerable to dangers online and through other technology. |
| Emergency Foster Care Training | Emergency Foster Care Training provides an opportunity for foster parents to develop an understanding of what it means for care for a child in an emergency care situation. Topics include examining the roles and responsibilities of an emergency foster care provider, and understanding and exploring strategies to respond to various emotions and behaviors of an incoming foster child. Emergency foster care training offers opportunities for foster parents to consider their families and their individual roles in caring for children in short-term emergency care. |
| Exploring Adoption | This course explores what adoption is and how it differs from foster care and other permanency options. Participants will examine how adoption impacts the birth family, child, and the adoptive family. Topics include developing an understanding of the effects of trauma, grief and loss, and the role of racial and cultural diversity in adoption. Further readings and ongoing support resources are discussed. |
| Fostering Success in School (Specialized) | This course provides participants with strategies that can facilitate school success of children in foster care. Topics include ways caregivers can communicate and collaborate with schools, guidance on understanding the special education process in in New Hampshire, and techniques to promote positive learning and growth. |
| Guiding Teens through NH TRAILS | Guiding Teens through NH Teen Responsibility and Independent Living Skills (TRAILS) provides caregivers and mentors with information on how a teen’s early developmental deficits and/or emotional disabilities can impact their ability to learn adult independent living skills during adolescence. This course explores the teenage brain and emotional development, and examines how to bridge the gap between what skills teens have and those they need. Strategies to motivate youth in working through TRAILS curriculum and towards independent living are discussed. |
| How Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Affects Kids in Care | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is prevalent within the foster/adoptive community and one of the most commonly misunderstood and challenging brain-based disorders. This course provides participants with an understanding of the lifelong impacts and range of effects associated with FASD. Participants will identify common behavioral challenges and the unique strengths of individuals with FASD. With this information, participants can reframe the meaning of behaviors while modifying expectations and environments. The impact on the family and individuals living with FASD are discussed, in addition to the importance of being an advocate for an individual with FASD. |
| How's Your Stress Life? | This course focuses on the symptoms of stress and the effects it has on children, families, and caregivers. A primary emphasis of this course is the emotional investment and resulting stress of being a caregiver to children in care who may have experienced one or more forms of maltreatment. Effective strategies for managing stress are presented throughout the course, including the use of support systems. Participants will gain an understanding of how to identify stressors and apply stress management techniques. |
| Human Trafficking: An Introduction to Caregivers | This course provides caregivers with an introduction to the important topic of human trafficking. Participants will develop an understanding of the scope and prevalence of human trafficking within the United States and locally within New Hampshire. The course will address common misconceptions about human trafficking and examine risk factors for children and youth in care. |
| Human Trafficking: Risk Factors and Protective Tactics | This course provides caregivers with information on factors that put children/youth in care at risk for human trafficking. Topics include risk factors and warning signs caregivers should be aware of, as well as insights into various tactics and strategies traffickers use to recruit and leverage control over trafficking victims. |
| Human Trafficking: Supporting Youth Survivors | This course discusses the impacts human trafficking has on child/youth victims, and how caregivers can provide support to children/youth in their care. The course will provide an overview of human trafficking and explore factors that put children/youth in care at heightened risk. This course also offers tips and strategies caregivers may use when working with children/youth who are survivors of trafficking, including suggested tips for talking with youth, as well as tools to provide protective factors to prevent victimization and/or re-victimization. |
| Human Trafficking: What Caregivers Need to Know | This course is meant to increase caregivers’ awareness of human trafficking and discusses the signs and behaviors of children and youth victims. Topics include gaining an understanding of both sex and labor trafficking, recognizing risk factors and warning signs that a child or youth may be a victim of or at imminent risk of trafficking, and learning strategies and tools to prevent and respond to human trafficking in children and youth. |
| Introduction to Special Education | This course provides caregivers with an overview of the special education process in New Hampshire. Participants will gain knowledge of special education law, including current trends and philosophies within the field that will empower caregivers to remain active members of children’s support teams. This course also discusses opportunities to partner with birth families and provides resources to support secondary students in the transition planning process. |
| Introduction to Specialized Care (Specialized) | The Specialized Care Series expands on the FACES training completed to become licensed and takes a deeper dive in areas such as: the unique needs of adolescents, connections with birth families, parenting children exhibiting sexualized behaviors, supporting children’s success in school, and understanding the effects of fostering on foster families. Foster parents come to this Specialized Care Series with valuable lived experience and will have the opportunity to learn from one another, share their expertise, and deepen their skills as a caregiver. This course provides an overview of the five courses to follow, outlines a framework for understanding specialized care, and most importantly, offers opportunities to communicate with other foster parents who have decided to embark on this journey as well. |
| Kids' Abnormal/Normal Expectations | This course focuses on the importance of recognizing, respecting, and honoring individual differences. Participants will examine how one’s culture and identity impacts their interactions with the world, explore diversity within families, and discuss strategies to celebrate and acknowledge differences. This course provides participants an opportunity to consider how caregivers can adapt to meet the needs of various children in care. |
| Maintaining Relationships and Promoting Connections | This course discusses the importance of preserving and supporting meaningful connections between children and birth families. Participants will develop an increased awareness of the significance of family connections, family systems, and communication with important individuals in a child’s life. Topics include understanding family challenges that can contribute to abuse and neglect and considering families from other perspectives. |
| Medications: Residential Staff Review (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) | This training provides a review of material presented in the course, "Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know.” Areas of review include outlining staff responsibilities, defining and categorizing medications, understanding the processes for administering medications, and what to do in the case of emergencies. Beyond the review, this course explores ethical issues that surround children/youth and medications, and promotes a deeper understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and personal privacy of residents. Prerequisite: “Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know”, "Medications: Residential Staff Review" or approved equivalent within the last 18 months |
| Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) | This course is designed to educate residential staff on best practices and proper protocols for administering medications to children and youth in their care. The roles and responsibilities required of staff in order to be authorized by the state of NH to administer medications are discussed. Safe storage procedures, accurate documentation, and information regarding medical orders are examined. Participants explore the different categories of medications and identify effects of medications on children/youth’s body systems. Participants learn the correct protocol for administering prescription and non-prescription drugs when conditions are ideal, and how to react to situations accordingly. Reliable health resources will be identified. |
| My Family After Adoption | This course is designed to provide adoptive parents with information and support to help them develop self-awareness and insight into the difference between the expectations they have had regarding adoption and the realities of adoption. It provides a forum to explore family challenges and stress, and their responses. The challenges include children’s behavior, extended family, community reactions to special needs and culturally diverse adoptions, and the inevitable changes as the family adapts and grows. |
| NH F.I.R.S.T: First Initial Response and Support Team | This course focuses on skill building for those who are providing volunteer on-call support to foster families facing allegations of abuse and neglect. Participants learn how to describe the investigation process, improve their listening and communication skills, maintain confidentiality, convey preparation plans for meetings with Division for Children Youth and Families (DCYF) investigators, and describe measures to prevent future allegations. |
| Nurturing the Learning Brain | This course provides caregivers with an introduction to brain development topics relevant to children and youth in care. Brain architecture and neuroplasticity concepts will be introduced, as well as examining the role caregivers have in promoting healthy development and learning. The impact of trauma on the developing brain will also be discussed. Additionally, this course will consider a different perspective on how children and youth learn and examine ways to foster executive functioning skills in children and youth. Ideas and practices caregivers can implement to support the resilience of children and youth in their care will be discussed. |
| Positive Connections with Birth Families (Specialized) | This course examines the role and importance of birth families in the lives of children in care. Participants explore the benefits to the child and caregivers in forming positive relationships with birth families. This course discusses approaches to engage family members to promote family connections, including utilizing effective communication strategies. Identifying family strengths and examining differences in culture, beliefs and values will be discussed. |
| Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Children | This course examines the importance of encouraging and modeling healthy nutrition for children. Participants will discuss strategies to promote healthy eating, manage food and feeding-related issues, and develop an understanding of food safety and nutritional information. Community resources will be explored, as well as opportunities to share healthy eating tips and meal ideas. |
| Promoting Positive Behavior with School Age Children | This course focuses on skills and strategies caregivers can use to support positive behavior in children. Participants will examine how childhood traumatic stress affects behavior, explore appropriate behavior guidance techniques, and develop an understanding of the influence peers have on children’s behavior. The importance of role modeling positive behaviors and expectations will be discussed. |
| Resource Parent to Resource Mentoring | This course prepares seasoned resource parents to assist and support novice resource families within their local community. Participants will understand their role as a mentor and will learn techniques for approaching and reaching out to new resource families. The focus will be on building a positive, trusting relationship within the supportive resource parent team, and understanding the importance of birth family engagement. Problem solving and trouble-shooting situations will be explored. |
| RPPS: Defining and Promoting Normalcy | This course will describe the federally mandated Reasonable and Prudent Parent Act of 2014 and how this act supports promoting normalcy for children and youth in care. Participants will review the complexities of what normalcy means for children and youth in care and learn how to make decisions and communicate with those involved to support the child and promote the best activities for each unique situation. |
| Separation and Loss | This course examines the significant losses children in care have experienced. Participants will develop an understanding of the grieving process and learn to recognize signs of stress related to loss. This course provides caregivers with strategies to assist children address feelings of sadness, anxiety, and anger, and develop effective coping strategies. Theories of attachment, in addition to identifying stress indicators in both children and caregivers will be discussed. |
| Sexual Harassment and Assault Awareness Training (PREA) - RESIDENTIAL ONLY | This course examines the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) as it applies to juvenile facilities in New Hampshire. Participants will explore the history of PREA and develop an understanding of the law, investigatory processes, and PREA juvenile standards. This course discusses investigations of sexual abuse of youth in custody. The roles of first responders, as well as recognizing and managing the effects of vicarious trauma will be discussed. |
| Strategies to Support Youth with Challenging Behaviors | This course explores the impact abuse and neglect has on children’s behaviors. Participants will examine ways to reduce and eliminate troublesome youth behaviors through utilizing a strengths based approach. This course also discusses caregiver stress and stress management techniques. |
| Substance Misuse: Adolescents and Their Families | This course provides caregivers with information about the science of addiction, the impact on development, and the correlation between early trauma and substance abuse. Participants will examine New Hampshire specific statistics on drug and alcohol abuse among teens, as well as the types of substances most often abused. This course explores the signs and symptoms of adolescent substance abuse and the protective factors caregivers can put into place to mitigate substance use and abuse. Treatment options and available community resources for youth and families struggling with substance abuse will be discussed. |
| Supporting Kids with an Incarcerated Parent | This course examines the potential impact a parent’s incarceration has on children and families. Participants will develop an understanding of the criminal justice process and corrections system in New Hampshire. Topics include exploring the emotional, behavioral, and social implications for children with an incarcerated parent, as well as identifying strategies for talking with children. Challenges that interfere with permanency planning, reunification, and parent-child contact, as well as approaches to address these obstacles will be discussed. |
| Teen Behavior: What's Typical? What's Not? | This course takes a close look at adolescent behaviors. Participants will distinguish between developmentally appropriate behaviors and those that may be cause for concern. Topics include understanding adolescent brain development and its relation to impulse control, as well as examining how trauma impacts development. Participants will identify effective strategies and techniques to communicate, set boundaries, and have an overall positive impact on adolescent behavior. |
| The Effects of Foster Care on the Foster Family (Specialized) | This course examines how foster care can change and shape the family dynamics and relationships within the resource family. Topics include understanding family systems, exploring attachment disorders, and recognizing cultural diversity in foster families. Constructive ways to deal with stress within family relationships will be discussed. |
| The Trauma of Sexual Abuse | This course provides an overview of the prevalence of child sexual abuse, and its effects upon children who have been victimized. Topics include the complexities of sexual abuse, its effects on a child, and how these effects may manifest within a home or residential environment. This course will offer caregivers suggestions on how to respond and support the child. Participants will explore ways to create a safe environment, strategies to prevent sexual abuse from occurring during placement, and the responsibilities of reporting disclosures or discoveries of child sexual abuse. This course will also discuss working with the non-offending parent, and how to protect oneself and family from false allegations. |
| The Unique Needs of Adolescents and their Caregivers (Specialized) | This course explores the developmental changes that occur during adolescence and explores strategies for caregivers to communicate more effectively with adolescents. Participants will explore adolescent development and the disruptive impact trauma can have on development. Topics include determining warning signs of high risk behaviors and mental illness, as well as strategies to effectively communicate with teens. |
| Transitions: Preparing for Placement Changes | This course explores the impact planned and unplanned moves have on children in foster care, and provides caregivers with strategies to ease transitions. Topics include understanding how moves may reactivate emotional and behavioral responses to separation and placement, and how to discuss moves in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. Exploring the use of transitional objects, and understanding the impact of transitions on caregivers, their families, as well as birth families will also be discussed. |
| Understanding and Managing Anger | In this course, participants will discuss common misconceptions about anger, and explore anger as a vital human emotion. This course will look at how adults experience and respond to anger, as well as identify some of the skills adults can utilize to regulate and process emotions. Additionally, participants will examine anger in children, particularly understanding the intensity of emotions for children and youth in care. Caregivers will learn ways to support children and youth when they experience anger and identify opportunities to help children develop the skills to respond in productive ways. |
| Understanding Birth Families | This course explores the benefits of working with birth families and examines birth family/foster family shared parenting partnerships. Topics include identifying opportunities to partner with birth families, understanding how parents’ past trauma may influence their ability to form trusting relationships and manage conflicts, and discussing techniques to model positive parenting techniques. Strategies for managing conflict resolution are also discussed. |
| Understanding Developmental Disabilities | This course explores various developmental disabilities, including the signs and symptoms that may impact an individual throughout their lifetime. This course provides caregivers with information to understand and meet the unique needs of children with developmental disabilities Resources, services, and educational supports will be discussed, as well as the impact caring for a child with developmental disabilities has on families. |
| Understanding Fire Setting Behaviors in Children | This course provides participants with insights into the signs and motivations of children who play with fire. Discussions include supervision procedures, fire safety plans, and effective fire safety skills. Participants will also explore using a strengths-based perspective to reduce the likelihood of fire setting behaviors. |
| Understanding How Permanency is Achieved: The 2018 Protocols | This course provides foster parents with an overview of how permanency is attained and provides an introduction to 2018 court protocols. This course discusses the significant role caregivers have in achieving timely permanency for children. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of concurrent planning and develop knowledge of the court process and associated timelines. |
| Understanding Trauma | This course provides caregivers with information about trauma and chronic stress that children in care may have experienced and may continue to experience while in care. Research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how a child’s brain development is impacted by trauma will be explored. Participants will gain an awareness of how trauma can impact a child’s emotions and behaviors, as well as their ability to form healthy relationships with others. Skills for recognizing responses to trauma, as well as strategies to support children and youth will be discussed. Caregivers will consider their own experiences, the influence of trauma on caregiving, and develop a self-care plan. |
| Understanding Your Teen | This course provides caregivers with an understanding of the adolescent years. Topics discussed include exploring adolescent development theories and how developmental tasks may be influenced by foster care placements. Participants will gain knowledge of potential risk factors and explore ways to increase protective factors for teens. |
| Voluntary Mediated Agreements in Adoption | A Voluntarily Mediated Agreement (VMA) is an option for the birth parent(s), adoptive parent(s) and adoptee to craft an agreement for ongoing communication and/or visitation that is in the best interest of a child. It recognizes each person’s interests, and is also legally enforceable by the courts. This course describes the VMA process, defines legal terms, and examines protocols to give participants the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively participate in mediation and judicial determinations. The course emphasizes the importance of building relationships with the birth family prior to the VMA process. By defining child-centered and family-focused planning, the course explores ways VMAs can address the core issues in adoption, including grief and loss. The roles of the mediator, the birth parent, the adoptee, the adoptive parent, and others are defined. Ways to support the youth’s role in the mediation process, the format of the mediation process, and types of post-adoption contact are also explored. |
| Working with Transgender Youth - RESIDENTIAL ONLY | This course examines ways to support transgender youth and the challenges and barriers transgender youth face within the child welfare system. Participants will discuss and differentiate gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and transgender. This course will discuss policy, physical space, and safety relative to transgender youth in care. |
| Emerging Trends in Technology: Keeping Kids Safe | This course provides caregivers with information on technology and precautions caregivers can take to protect children in their care. Topics include examining realistic dangers of current technology, exploring social media apps, and recognizing factors that can leave youth vulnerable to dangers online and through other technology. |
| TBRI 1 : Overview | This TBRI Module 1: Overview is part 1 of a 4-part series made up of the following: The (1) Overview, (2) Connecting, (3) Empowering, and (4) Correcting. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic approach that is multi disciplinary, flexible, attachment centered, and challenging. It is an evidence based, trauma informed intervention that is specifically designed for children who come from hard places, such as maltreatment, abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, and violence, but you’ll see that the principles apply to all children. TBRI consists of three sets of harmonious principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles, which you’ll learn about more in this and other training modules |
| TBRI 2: Connecting | This TBRI Module 2: Connecting is part 2 of a 4-part series made up of the following: The (1) Overview, (2) Connecting, (3) Empowering, and (4) Correcting. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic approach that is multi disciplinary, flexible, attachment centered, and challenging. It is an evidence based, trauma informed intervention that is specifically designed for children who come from hard places, such as maltreatment, abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, and violence, but you’ll see that the principles apply to all children. TBRI consists of three sets of harmonious principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles, which you’ll learn about more in this and other training modules |
| TBRI 3: Empowering | This TBRI Module 3: Empowering is part 3 of a 4-part series made up of the following: The (1) Overview, (2) Connecting, (3) Empowering, and (4) Correcting. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic approach that is multi disciplinary, flexible, attachment centered, and challenging. It is an evidence based, trauma informed intervention that is specifically designed for children who come from hard places, such as maltreatment, abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, and violence, but you’ll see that the principles apply to all children. TBRI consists of three sets of harmonious principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles, which you’ll learn about more in this and other training modules |
| TBRI 4: Correcting | This TBRI Module 4: Correcting is part 4 of a 4-part series made up of the following: The (1) Overview, (2) Connecting, (3) Empowering, and (4) Correcting. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic approach that is multi disciplinary, flexible, attachment centered, and challenging. It is an evidence based, trauma informed intervention that is specifically designed for children who come from hard places, such as maltreatment, abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, and violence, but you’ll see that the principles apply to all children. TBRI consists of three sets of harmonious principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles, which you’ll learn about more in this and other training modules |
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| A Caregiver Guide to Medications | This course discusses caregivers’ roles and responsibilities in proper administration and monitoring of medications. Topics include understanding various types of medications and their effects, and discussing basic principles and rights of medication administration. Caregivers will learn to locate reliable health-related resources and build readiness to address challenges as they arise. |
| Acceptance: Helping LGBTQ Youth Thrive | This course provides an opportunity for learners to explore issues related to caring for youth who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or are questioning their sexual orientation (LGBTQ). There are more ways to identify than just LGBTQ. Participants will learn more about some of these identities in the vocabulary section. These identities are often evolving, expanding, and becoming more inclusive of all individuals. For the purpose of this class, the material presented will use the acronym LGBTQ, but the youth in your care may have varying identities. |
| ADHD: Childhood Through Adolescence | This course provides an overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including information on how ADHD is diagnosed and how ADHD impacts children and adolescents. Topics include examining the influence ADHD has on the brain and how this effects behaviors and symptoms. This course discusses common challenges faced by children and adolescents with ADHD, as well as the benefits. Participants will learn various strategies and organizational supports to aid children and adolescents with ADHD. |
| Attachment: A Child's Ability to Connect | This course explores the importance of bonding and attachment for children and their development. Topics include examining attachment theory, recognizing how trauma affects children’s attachment and relationships, and understanding and addressing attachment issues and attachment disorder in children. Participants will learn strategies to foster trusting and secure relationships with children. |
| Autism Spectrum Disorders | This course provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Topics include understanding the symptoms, prevalence, potential causes, and treatment options for children and youth with ASD. This course aims to provide caregivers with practical guidance in caring for children and youth diagnosed with ASD. Participants will gain knowledge of how ASD influences the brain and learn strategies that can benefit children and youth with ASD. |
| Behavior and Crisis Management (Specialized) |
This 3-hour course is one of the required courses in the Specialized Care Credential Series. This training is required to earn the credential of Specialized Care, which then allows the caregiver to accept a higher level of need children and to receive the Specialized Care credential foster care daily rate. This series also provides advanced, targeted training and serves as a development opportunity for experienced caregivers, who are not on the Specialized Care credentialing learning track. The overall goal of this course is to equip caregivers with knowledge of how to ensure safety during a crisis involving escalated behavior. In addition, the course will describe de-escalation techniques that can be applied during a crisis cycle. Caregivers will learn different ways to develop a productive relationship with children who display challenging behaviors. Lastly, participants will examine how to promote youth skill development to support children/youth in managing their own behaviors. |
| Behavioral Health Medications: A Guide for Caregivers (psychotropic medications) | This course discusses the safe and effective use of psychotropic medications for children and youth in NH DCYF custody or guardianship. Topics include understanding psychotropic medications, their uses, and alternative treatment options. This course will discuss the process of informed consent and birth parents’ legal rights. Participants will develop an understanding of different classes of psychotropic medications, their side effects, as well as guidelines for administering and monitoring their use. |
| Being an Advocate for Kids in Care | This course explores the legal and case-specific aspects of NH’s child welfare system, including the DCYF practice model, Solution-Based Casework (SBC). With this background, participants will develop strategies to successfully advocate for children in out-of-home placement, using community resources and connections. The course will explore risk and protective factors for children in placement. Participants will learn positive communication skills, both written and verbal, and strategies for building professional relationships. During the course, participants will develop tools to advocate successfully for children in placement. |
| Caring for Children and Youth with Medically Complex Conditions (Specialized) | This 3-hour course is an elective offered as part of the Specialized Care Credential Series. Caregivers will be provided with an overview of what to expect when caring for a child or youth who has been diagnosed with a complex medical condition. This course will describe different types of authorization forms and information about health insurance. Caregivers will become familiar with different types of medical equipment and supplies, as well as learn about their role and the available resources to support children and youth with complex medical needs. Participants will examine common diagnoses, including symptoms and support considerations. |
| Caring for Children with Psychological Disorders | This course will provide information about emotional and behavioral disorders and will offer a range of practical strategies and recommendations for managing the behavioral and emotional needs of children with these disorders. |
| Caring for Children Who Exhibit Sexualized Behaviors (Specialized) | This course defines child sexual abuse and describes developmentally appropriate sexualized behaviors and those behaviors that may be indicators of sexual abuse. Participants will examine patterns of behavior that perpetuate the cycle of abuse. This course will assist caregivers in developing strategies to set boundaries and reduce inappropriate sexual behavior as well as identify resources to support children and youth. |
| Child Abuse and Neglect | This course discusses various forms of child maltreatment and examines how abuse and neglect impacts children, families, and communities. Topics include exploring the psychological, developmental, and behavioral impacts of abuse, as well as understanding potential risk factors and family dynamics that may contribute to child abuse and neglect. |
| Children Exposed to Domestic Violence | This course examines domestic violence and its impact on children, families, and communities. Topics include understanding and recognizing signs of traumatic bonding in children and families. Strategies for working with families and children with domestic violence histories are also explored. |
| Child Development: The Early Years | This course focuses on early development of children, ages infant-preschooler. Topics include developing an understanding of various developmental domains, examining temperament traits and their influence on behavior, and discussing the effects of early trauma on the developing child. Participants explore different parenting styles and strategies for guiding positive behavior. |
| Child Development: The Middle Years | This course focuses on development of children in the middle childhood range, ages 6-12. Topics include an understanding of various developmental domains, discussion of typical and expected behaviors, and gaining insights into the impact trauma has on the developing child. This course provides information and considerations for caregivers and other influential individuals to promote healthy development in children. |
| Child Development: The Adolescent Years | This course provides an introduction to child development during the adolescent years. The primary focus of this course will be on the development of children between the ages of 12-18. This course provides information about development that occurs across various domains throughout adolescence. Topics will address how trauma impacts growth and development and the implications this has for adolescents. Additionally, the course provides caregivers with strategies to support the healthy development of youth in their care. |
| Choose Love for Caregivers | The course will introduce caregivers to the Choose Love program. The Choose Love program’s formula is based on four-character values: courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion in action, which will be discussed and practiced to promote the well-being and resilience of children and youth in care. The course will provide caregivers with information and tangible skills they can themselves and with children and youth. |
| Communicable and Infectious Diseases | This course provides an overview of a variety of childhood infectious diseases and alerts caregivers to situations that have the potential for disease transmission. The course clarifies how infections occur, how they are passed from one person to another, universal precautions, immunizations, and other ways of protecting children and their caregivers from illness. This course will guide caregivers in the prevention and prompt treatment of illnesses. |
| Conversations with Curious Kids: The Human Body | This course, Conversations with Curious Kids: The Human Body, will give an overview of information about sexual and gender and important topics related to these areas of development. With the knowledge gained through this course, your knowledge base will be expanded to not only increase your understanding but help you in answering questions about sexuality and gender that many children and young people are curious about. You won't know how to answer every question, that that's okay! The hope for this course is that it will provide you with valuable resources to assist in formulating answers to tough questions that curious kids ask and help you know when it's developmentally appropriate to have these conversations. |
| Documentation for Court and Case Review | This course provides an overview of the court system and the roles and responsibilities of those involved with the process. Participants will learn the importance of documenting and communicating detailed and objective information that may be used in case plans and court reports. Topics include examining documentation types, understanding confidentiality procedures, and preparing a child for court. |
| Drug Facts: Risk, Protection, and Prevention | This course discusses adolescent risk factors for drug use and prevention strategies caregivers can utilize to mitigate future risks. Topics include exploring commonly used drugs, understanding the proper storage of prescription medicines, and recognizing signs and symptoms of drug use. This course provides caregivers with information on how to address teen drug use, including treatment options and community resources. |
| Education (Specialized) | This 1-hour self-paced course is one of the required courses in the Specialized Care Credential Series. This series also provides advanced, targeted training and serves as a development opportunity for experienced foster caregivers, who are not on the Specialized Care credentialing learning track. This course is from the Children's Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Education. National Training and Development Curriculum: Right Time Training. Participants will understand educational considerations that may need to be put in place for children who have experienced loss, separation, or other traumatic experiences; know how to advocate for children in the school settings; be aware of challenges children may encounter in school; understand IEP and 504 plans; aware of strategies to partner with teachers and schools for academic success; know how to plan for higher education and/or vocations. This course is open for one week, self-paced, and automatically graded. You must complete the pre and post-knowledge checks to receive credit for this course. |
| Emerging Trends in Technology: Keeping Kids Safe | This course provides caregivers with information on technology and precautions caregivers can take to protect children in their care. Topics include examining realistic dangers of current technology, exploring social media apps, and recognizing factors that can leave youth vulnerable to dangers online and through other technology. |
| Emergency Foster Care Training | Emergency Foster Care Training provides an opportunity for foster parents to develop an understanding of what it means for care for a child in an emergency care situation. Topics include examining the roles and responsibilities of an emergency foster care provider and understanding and exploring strategies to respond to various emotions and behaviors of an incoming foster child. Emergency foster care training offers opportunities for foster parents to consider their families and their individual roles in caring for children in short-term emergency care. |
| Exploring Adoption | This course explores what adoption is and how it differs from foster care and other permanency options. Participants will examine how adoption impacts the birth family, child, and the adoptive family. Topics include developing an understanding of the effects of trauma, grief, and loss, and the role of racial and cultural diversity in adoption. Further readings and ongoing support resources are discussed. |
| Exploring Family Dynamics When Fostering | There are many considerations when children and youth enter your home. Children and youth in care have their own identities that have been influenced by their families of origin, inclusive of parents, siblings, and extended family members. Additionally, families who provide care to children and youth have their own family culture, which includes familiar norms, routines, traditions, and relationships. This course will explore the intersection of family cultures and how family dynamics may be influenced while providing foster care to children and youth. Participants will develop ways to prepare their family on how to navigate challenges, and better understand trauma behaviors within the family dynamics. Lastly, participants will identify emotional stressors and create ways to cultivate wellness in the family structure. |
| Fostering Success in School (Specialized) | This course provides participants with strategies that can facilitate school success of children in foster care. Topics include ways caregivers can communicate and collaborate with schools, guidance on understanding the special education process in New Hampshire, and techniques to promote positive learning and growth. |
| Guiding Teens through NH TRAILS | Guiding Teens through NH Teen Responsibility and Independent Living Skills (TRAILS) provides caregivers and mentors with information on how a teen’s early developmental deficits and/or emotional disabilities can impact their ability to learn adult independent living skills during adolescence. This course explores the teenage brain and emotional development, and examines how to bridge the gap between what skills teens have and those they need. Strategies to motivate youth to work through TRAILS curriculum and towards independent living are discussed. |
| How Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Affects Kids in Care | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is prevalent within the foster/adoptive community and one of the most commonly misunderstood and challenging brain-based disorders. This course provides participants with an understanding of the lifelong impacts and range of effects associated with FASD. Participants will identify common behavioral challenges and the unique strengths of individuals with FASD. With this information, participants can reframe the meaning of behaviors while modifying expectations and environments. The impact on the family and individuals living with FASD are discussed, in addition to the importance of being an advocate for an individual with FASD. |
| How's Your Stress Life? | This course focuses on the symptoms of stress and the effects it has on children, families, and caregivers. A primary emphasis of this course is the emotional investment and resulting stress of being a caregiver to children in care who may have experienced one or more forms of maltreatment. Effective strategies for managing stress are presented throughout the course, including the use of support systems. Participants will gain an understanding of how to identify stressors and apply stress management techniques. |
| Human Trafficking: An Introduction to Caregivers | This course provides caregivers with an introduction to the important topic of human trafficking. Participants will develop an understanding of the scope and prevalence of human trafficking within the United States and locally within New Hampshire. The course will address common misconceptions about human trafficking and examine risk factors for children and youth in care. |
| Human Trafficking: Risk Factors and Protective Tactics | This course provides caregivers with information on factors that put children/youth in care at risk for human trafficking. Topics include risk factors and warning signs caregivers should be aware of, as well as insights into various tactics and strategies traffickers use to recruit and leverage control over trafficking victims. |
| Human Trafficking: Supporting Youth Survivors | This course discusses the impacts human trafficking has on child/youth victims, and how caregivers can provide support to children/youth in their care. The course will provide an overview of human trafficking and explore factors that put children/youth in care at heightened risk. This course also offers tips and strategies caregivers may use when working with children/youth who are survivors of trafficking, including suggested tips for talking with youth, as well as tools to provide protective factors to prevent victimization and/or re-victimization. |
| Introduction to Special Education | This course provides caregivers with an overview of the special education process in New Hampshire. Participants will gain knowledge of special education law, including current trends and philosophies within the field that will empower caregivers to remain active members of children’s support teams. This course also discusses opportunities to partner with birth families and provides resources to support secondary students in the transition planning process. |
| Introduction to Specialized Care (Specialized) | The Specialized Care Series expands on the FACES training completed to become licensed and takes a deeper dive into areas such as: the unique needs of adolescents, connections with birth families, parenting children exhibiting sexualized behaviors, supporting children’s success in school, and understanding the effects of fostering on foster families. Foster parents come to this Specialized Care Series with valuable lived experience and will have the opportunity to learn from one another, share their expertise, and deepen their skills as a caregiver. This course provides an overview of the five courses to follow, outlines a framework for understanding specialized care, and most importantly, offers opportunities to communicate with other foster parents who have decided to embark on this journey as well. |
| Maintaining Relationships and Promoting Connections | This course discusses the importance of preserving and supporting meaningful connections between children and birth families. Participants will develop an increased awareness of the significance of family connections, family systems, and communication with important individuals in a child’s life. Topics include understanding family challenges that can contribute to abuse and neglect and considering families from other perspectives. |
| Medications: Residential Staff Review (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) | This training provides a review of material presented in the course, "Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know.” Areas of review include outlining staff responsibilities, defining and categorizing medications, understanding the processes for administering medications, and what to do in the case of emergencies. Beyond the review, this course explores ethical issues that surround children/youth and medications, and promotes a deeper understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and personal privacy of residents. Prerequisite: “Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know”, "Medications: Residential Staff Review" or approved equivalent within the last 18 months |
| Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) | This course is designed to educate residential staff on best practices and proper protocols for administering medications to children and youth in their care. The roles and responsibilities required of staff in order to be authorized by the state of NH to administer medications are discussed. Safe storage procedures, accurate documentation, and information regarding medical orders are examined. Participants explore the different categories of medications and identify effects of medications on children/youth’s body systems. Participants learn the correct protocol for administering prescription and non-prescription drugs when conditions are ideal, and how to react to situations accordingly. Reliable health resources will be identified. |
| Nurturing the Learning Brain | This course provides caregivers with an introduction to brain development topics relevant to children and youth in care. Brain architecture and neuroplasticity concepts will be introduced, as well as examining the role caregivers have in promoting healthy development and learning. The impact of trauma on the developing brain will also be discussed. Additionally, this course will consider a different perspective on how children and youth learn and examine ways to foster executive functioning skills in children and youth. Ideas and practices caregivers can implement to support the resilience of children and youth in their care will be discussed. |
| Positive Connections with Birth Families (Specialized) | This course examines the role and importance of birth families in the lives of children in care. Participants explore the benefits to the child and caregivers in forming positive relationships with birth families. This course discusses approaches to engage family members to promote family connections, including utilizing effective communication strategies. Identifying family strengths and examining differences in culture, beliefs and values will be discussed. |
| Promoting Belonging for Children in Care | Our identity starts to develop through our earliest interactions with our parents and family. This course helps caregivers understand and advocate for youth who have experienced a loss of identity resulting from being separated from their family. Participants will explore the different experiences that influence our identities. This course will describe how to support children and youth who have diverse backgrounds and identities different from our own. Topics covered will include personal, social, and cultural identities. |
| Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Children | This course examines the importance of encouraging and modeling healthy nutrition for children. Participants will discuss strategies to promote healthy eating, manage food and feeding-related issues, and develop an understanding of food safety and nutritional information. Community resources will be explored, as well as opportunities to share healthy eating tips and meal ideas. |
| Promoting Positive Behaviors in School-Age Children | This self-directed online course will take approximately (12) hours to complete. The purpose of this course is to empower caregivers to nurture positive behaviors in the children they care for. The course begins with an overview of what childhood trauma is and how it impacts victims' well-being and behavior. Participants will learn how to identify and respond to symptoms of trauma in sensitive and effective ways. Participants will explore trauma-informed parenting models that can help their children feel safe and self-regulate their emotions and actions. Finally, the course will provide tools for partnering with people and organizations outside the home. Participants will discover ways to work with their child's school and birth parents.
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RCCT Staff Roles and Responsibilities Module 1 (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) |
The role of a residential staff person can be both rewarding and challenging as you work with children-in-care and assist them in learning the skills they need to be healthy adults. Staff have a responsibility to provide the children and youth in their program with services that will support normalcy and permanency. Staff also work with families toward achieving treatment goals and provide youth with structure and healthy boundaries. When working with youth on healthy boundaries, it is important for the staff member to maintain a friendly but not overly familiar rapport with kids. Residential staff are professional and as such will have to evaluate their own boundaries to help youth learn to maintain healthy boundaries. Remembering staff are role models for youth, it is important that staff professionally represent their agency for both youth and their families. |
| RCCT Out of Home Placement Options Module 2 (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) | As residential staff you play a large role in the lives of the youth you serve. You are a role model, professional, leader, driver, cook, and many other roles that you may take on at your facility. In this Out-of-Home Placement Options class, you will have the opportunity to explore the process of how a child gets placed in your facility's care, how to support them as they get acclimated to the program, and how to provide services and support as they transition back home, or to a less restrictive placement, to a foster home, or as they transition to adulthood. The skills that they learn from you, as a staff, may impact their lives moving forward. |
| RCCT Serving Children, Youth, and Families Module 3 (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) |
When working in a residential placement you have many roles supporting the youth in care by providing consistent and objective structure. Focusing on the strengths of youth and their family can help staff create a safe environment. Once you have built a rapport with a youth you have the opportunity to help them grow. Communication with the family is a key part of a residential counselor's role. When it comes to treatment plans or transition plans, the youth and the family will have a role in the success of the plan. Working with the youth and family on change and how they can remain motivated to change will create a higher probability of success. In this class you will have the opportunity to practice communication skills to help families with the changes necessary for reunification. You will explore compassion fatigue and how to manage stress to care for yourself. Stress and burnout can have a negative impact on a residential staff and can lead to higher staff turnover rates. To help others you have to remain healthy yourself and have to plan to manage stress. |
| RCCT Development and Child Trauma Module 4 (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) |
A large percentage of children-in-care have experienced trauma. While working in a residential placement, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and how to respond to youth in a trauma-informed fashion. The Development and Child Trauma class explores the stages of development and the different theories of development. Trauma impacts the way a child develops, and it can have lasting effects on a child's mental health. Children-in-care have experienced grief and loss while being separated from their parents. Supporting children through the stages of grief is an important part of helping them develop and grow. You will have an opportunity to work on some scenario-based practical exercises in a group setting, working with your peers on situations that may be challenging from a staff's perspective but support a trauma-informed approach for the families that you serve. |
| RCCT Abuse and Neglect Module 5 (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) |
This course differentiates the types of child abuse/neglect and describes the factors that contribute to the abuse/neglect of children. The staff person’s role and responsibilities as a mandated reporter are explained as well as the importance of knowing the agency’s process for reporting and investigating allegations. Physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators of abuse/neglect are examined including the impact of child abuse/neglect on the child, family, and community. Strategies to manage challenging behaviors and options for appropriate psychological treatment are addressed. You will have an opportunity to work on some scenario-based practical exercises in a group setting, working with your peers on situations that may be challenging from a staff’s perspective but support a trauma-informed approach for the families that you serve. |
| RPPS: Defining and Promoting Normalcy | This course will describe the federally mandated Reasonable and Prudent Parent Act of 2014 and how this act supports promoting normalcy for children and youth in care. Participants will review the complexities of what normalcy means for children and youth in care and learn how to make decisions and communicate with those involved to support the child and promote the best activities for each unique situation. |
| Separation and Loss | This course examines the significant losses children in care have experienced. Participants will develop an understanding of the grieving process and learn to recognize signs of stress related to loss. This course provides caregivers with strategies to assist children address feelings of sadness, anxiety, and anger, and develop effective coping strategies. Theories of attachment, in addition to identifying stress indicators in both children and caregivers will be discussed. |
| Sexual Harassment and Assault Awareness Training (PREA) - RESIDENTIAL ONLY | This course examines the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) as it applies to juvenile facilities in New Hampshire. Participants will explore the history of PREA and develop an understanding of the law, investigatory processes, and PREA juvenile standards. This course discusses investigations of sexual abuse of youth in custody. The roles of first responders, as well as recognizing and managing the effects of vicarious trauma will be discussed. |
| Strategies to Support Youth with Challenging Behaviors | This course explores the impact abuse and neglect has on children’s behaviors. Participants will examine ways to reduce and eliminate troublesome youth behaviors through utilizing a strengths based approach. This course also discusses caregiver stress and stress management techniques. |
| Substance Misuse: Adolescents and Their Families | This course provides caregivers with information about the science of addiction, the impact on development, and the correlation between early trauma and substance abuse. Participants will examine New Hampshire specific statistics on drug and alcohol abuse among teens, as well as the types of substances most often abused. This course explores the signs and symptoms of adolescent substance abuse and the protective factors caregivers can put into place to mitigate substance use and abuse. Treatment options and available community resources for youth and families struggling with substance abuse will be discussed. |
| Supporting Kids with an Incarcerated Parent | This course examines the potential impact a parent’s incarceration has on children and families. Participants will develop an understanding of the criminal justice process and corrections system in New Hampshire. Topics include exploring the emotional, behavioral, and social implications for children with an incarcerated parent, as well as identifying strategies for talking with children. Challenges that interfere with permanency planning, reunification, and parent-child contact, as well as approaches to address these obstacles will be discussed. |
| Teen Behavior: What's Typical? What's Not? | This course takes a close look at adolescent behaviors. Participants will distinguish between developmentally appropriate behaviors and those that may be cause for concern. Topics include understanding adolescent brain development and its relation to impulse control, as well as examining how trauma impacts development. Participants will identify effective strategies and techniques to communicate, set boundaries, and have an overall positive impact on adolescent behavior. |
| The Trauma of Sexual Abuse | This course provides an overview of the prevalence of child sexual abuse, and its effects upon children who have been victimized. Topics include the complexities of sexual abuse, its effects on a child, and how these effects may manifest within a home or residential environment. This course will offer caregivers suggestions on how to respond and support the child. Participants will explore ways to create a safe environment, strategies to prevent sexual abuse from occurring during placement, and the responsibilities of reporting disclosures or discoveries of child sexual abuse. This course will also discuss working with the non-offending parent, and how to protect oneself and family from false allegations. |
| The Unique Needs of Adolescents and their Caregivers (Specialized) | This course explores the developmental changes that occur during adolescence and explores strategies for caregivers to communicate more effectively with adolescents. Participants will explore adolescent development and the disruptive impact trauma can have on development. Topics include determining warning signs of high risk behaviors and mental illness, as well as strategies to effectively communicate with teens. |
| Transitions: Preparing for Placement Changes | This course explores the impact planned and unplanned moves have on children in foster care, and provides caregivers with strategies to ease transitions. Topics include understanding how moves may reactivate emotional and behavioral responses to separation and placement, and how to discuss moves in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. Exploring the use of transitional objects, and understanding the impact of transitions on caregivers, their families, as well as birth families will also be discussed. |
| Understanding and Managing Anger | In this course, participants will discuss common misconceptions about anger, and explore anger as a vital human emotion. This course will look at how adults experience and respond to anger, as well as identify some of the skills adults can utilize to regulate and process emotions. Additionally, participants will examine anger in children, particularly understanding the intensity of emotions for children and youth in care. Caregivers will learn ways to support children and youth when they experience anger and identify opportunities to help children develop the skills to respond in productive ways. |
| Understanding Birth Families | This course explores the benefits of working with birth families and examines birth family/foster family shared parenting partnerships. Topics include identifying opportunities to partner with birth families, understanding how parents’ past trauma may influence their ability to form trusting relationships and manage conflicts, and discussing techniques to model positive parenting techniques. Strategies for managing conflict resolution are also discussed. |
| Understanding Developmental Disabilities | This course explores various developmental disabilities, including the signs and symptoms that may impact an individual throughout their lifetime. This course provides caregivers with information to understand and meet the unique needs of children with developmental disabilities Resources, services, and educational supports will be discussed, as well as the impact caring for a child with developmental disabilities has on families. |
| Understanding Fire Setting Behaviors in Children | This course provides participants with insights into the signs and motivations of children who play with fire. Discussions include supervision procedures, fire safety plans, and effective fire safety skills. Participants will also explore using a strengths-based perspective to reduce the likelihood of fire setting behaviors. |
| Understanding How Permanency is Achieved: The 2018 Protocols | This course provides foster parents with an overview of how permanency is attained and provides an introduction to 2018 court protocols. This course discusses the significant role caregivers have in achieving timely permanency for children. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of concurrent planning and develop knowledge of the court process and associated timelines. |
| Understanding Trauma | This course provides caregivers with information about trauma and chronic stress that children in care may have experienced and may continue to experience while in care. Research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how a child’s brain development is impacted by trauma will be explored. Participants will gain an awareness of how trauma can impact a child’s emotions and behaviors, as well as their ability to form healthy relationships with others. Skills for recognizing responses to trauma, as well as strategies to support children and youth will be discussed. Caregivers will consider their own experiences, the influence of trauma on caregiving, and develop a self-care plan. |
| Working with Transgender Youth - RESIDENTIAL ONLY | This course examines ways to support transgender youth and the challenges and barriers transgender youth face within the child welfare system. Participants will discuss and differentiate gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and transgender. This course will discuss policy, physical space, and safety relative to transgender youth in care. |
| Emerging Trends in Technology: Keeping Kids Safe | This course provides caregivers with information on technology and precautions caregivers can take to protect children in their care. Topics include examining realistic dangers of current technology, exploring social media apps, and recognizing factors that can leave youth vulnerable to dangers online and through other technology. |
| TBRI 1 : Overview | This TBRI Module 1: Overview is part 1 of a 4-part series made up of the following: The (1) Overview, (2) Connecting, (3) Empowering, and (4) Correcting. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic approach that is multi disciplinary, flexible, attachment centered, and challenging. It is an evidence based, trauma informed intervention that is specifically designed for children who come from hard places, such as maltreatment, abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, and violence, but you’ll see that the principles apply to all children. TBRI consists of three sets of harmonious principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles, which you’ll learn about more in this and other training modules |
| TBRI 2: Connecting | This TBRI Module 2: Connecting is part 2 of a 4-part series made up of the following: The (1) Overview, (2) Connecting, (3) Empowering, and (4) Correcting. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic approach that is multi disciplinary, flexible, attachment centered, and challenging. It is an evidence based, trauma informed intervention that is specifically designed for children who come from hard places, such as maltreatment, abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, and violence, but you’ll see that the principles apply to all children. TBRI consists of three sets of harmonious principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles, which you’ll learn about more in this and other training modules |
| TBRI 3: Empowering | This TBRI Module 3: Empowering is part 3 of a 4-part series made up of the following: The (1) Overview, (2) Connecting, (3) Empowering, and (4) Correcting. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic approach that is multi disciplinary, flexible, attachment centered, and challenging. It is an evidence based, trauma informed intervention that is specifically designed for children who come from hard places, such as maltreatment, abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, and violence, but you’ll see that the principles apply to all children. TBRI consists of three sets of harmonious principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles, which you’ll learn about more in this and other training modules |
| TBRI 4: Correcting | This TBRI Module 4: Correcting is part 4 of a 4-part series made up of the following: The (1) Overview, (2) Connecting, (3) Empowering, and (4) Correcting. Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic approach that is multi disciplinary, flexible, attachment centered, and challenging. It is an evidence based, trauma informed intervention that is specifically designed for children who come from hard places, such as maltreatment, abuse, neglect, multiple home placements, and violence, but you’ll see that the principles apply to all children. TBRI consists of three sets of harmonious principles: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting Principles, which you’ll learn about more in this and other training modules |
| Youth Suicide Prevention (Specialized) | This 3-hour course is an elective offered as part of the Specialized Care Credential Series. This course will provide learners with an understanding of how mental health and suicide have become a national health crisis. Participants will become aware of the stigma associated with mental health, warning signs, and risk and protective factors including reducing access to lethal means. Learners will be provided strategies on how to respond to a crisis including suicide ideation displayed on social media. Caregivers will develop ways to promote positive youth development and assist children and youth to learn skills to increase their connection, resiliency, and confidence. |