Training Schedule

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12 hrs.

The knowledge and skills developed during the four sessions of this module are critical to successfully fulfilling any caregiving role. The competencies addressed include assessing and building self- esteem, understanding behavior, and developing effective interpersonal skills. These sessions are designed to illustrate how to connect one’s understanding of self-esteem and the meaning of behavior to the use of effective communication skills and the discipline process.

MODULE 2: Using Discipline to Protect, Nurture & Meet Developmental Needs

9 hrs.

The purpose of Module 2 is to increase our understanding of the importance of discipline in meeting developmental needs, and to provide some concrete techniques and skills we can use to manage behavior effectively. Building on the concepts presented and skills developed in Module 1, the three sessions in this module focus on proactive and reactive approaches to using discipline to protect, nurture and advance children’s development. For those Resource Families who have completed modules 1 and 2 and are interested in further optional training, the following modules are available:

MODULE 3: Addressing Developmental Issues Related to Sexuality

3 hrs.

This module, consisting of one three-hour session, provides information on normal sexual development and behavior in children and youth, identifi es factors which indicate problematic sexual behavior, and outlines techniques for educating children about sexuality.

MODULE 4: Responding to the Signs and Symptoms of Sexual Abuse

6 hrs.

This module consists of two sessions. The first session is intended to increase the participants understanding of sexual abuse, while the second session is focused on assisting foster caregivers to respond effectively to the issues of sexual abuse. You must have completed Module 3 to register for Module 4.

MODULE 5: Supporting Relationships Between Children and Their Birth Families

9 hrs.

The objectives of this module are to help foster caregivers understand the importance of the child’s family relationships, to develop skills to support these relationships, and to provide ways for participants to share the caregiving role and to help birth parents.

MODULE 6: Working as a Professional Team Member

9 hrs.

This module provides foster caregivers and staff with an understanding of how the professional team works on behalf of children and families. The three sessions include information and skill development related to teamwork, the tasks of foster caregivers as professional team members, and confl ict management.

MODULE 7: Promoting Children’s Personal and Cultural Identity

6 hrs.

his module addresses the meaning of culture, cultural competence and the impact of culture on self esteem, how to incorporate the child’s culture and traditions into daily life, managing the diverse traditions within the family, and the importance of recording the child’s life story in a way that promotes a positive sense of identity.

MODULE 9: Managing the Fostering Experience

9 hrs.

This module examines the impact of placement on the foster family. Participants explore ways to manage the changes, transitions, and challenges they will face. They consider how they might manage the impact of abuse and neglect allegations, the importance of safeguarding, documentation, and the Protocol for Investigation of Allegations of Abuse in a Foster Home.

MODULE 11: Understanding and Promoting Infant & Child Development

6 hrs.

There is a growing body of knowledge in child development that provides more hope than ever that children - even those who have experienced signifi cant trauma - can be helped to achieve their developmental goals. We will explore basic concepts in child development, research that supports these, and how these concepts shape our approach to providing care for these infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children.

MODULE 12: Understanding and Promoting Preteen & Teen Development

6 hrs.

This module addresses key developmental tasks of pre-teens and teens, barriers and challenges to healthy development that youth in family foster care are likely to experience, and how this ultimately impacts the youth’s ability to successfully transition to adulthood. The participants are also guided to develop strategies to promote resilience and healthy development.

MODULE AS-1: Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence

9 hrs.

This Advanced and Specialized training module provides a basis for understanding the dynamics of domestic violence, including why victims often remain with their abusers, the connection between domestic violence and child abuse, the impact of domestic violence on children, and strategies for caregiving for children who have experienced domestic violence. Prerequisites for this training: P.R.I.D.E. Core Modules 1, 2, 11 &12. P.R.I.D.E. Module Overview

MODULE AS-2: Teens in Care: Supporting Attachment

6 hrs.

This Advanced and Specialized training module helps participants understand how trauma and loss, experienced in early stages of development, will affect the teen’s ability to form and build healthy relationships. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of integrating teens into the family routine and ways to promote healthy relationships with the teen on a day-to-day basis. A social worker referral is needed to register for this module. Prerequisites: P.R.I.D.E. Core Modules 1, 2, 11, and 12.

MODULE AS-3: Working Together to Improve the Educational Outcomes for Youth

9 hrs.

This Advanced and Specialized training module helps participants to improve educational outcomes for youth in care. The module focuses primarily on the needs of youth aged 12 and older. Prerequisites: P.R.I.D.E. Core Modules 1, 2, 11, and 12.

MODULE AS-4: Preparing Youth for Successful Adulthood

12 hrs.

Youth preparing to leave care need to develop life skills such as getting a job, managing money, and learning how to cook, but they also need strong and lasting relationships with caring adults. This Advanced and Specialized training focuses on the importance of stable, consistent, and healthy relationships in helping youth learn life skills and transition effectively into adulthood. Prerequisites: P.R.I.D.E. Core Modules 1, 2, 11, and 12.

FASD and the Developing Brain

6 hrs.

This module considers the impact of alcohol exposure on fetal brain development and the resulting physical, cognitive, and behavioural impacts. The training offers evidence-based ways to support affected children in care, their birth families, and their resource families.

Understanding Trauma

12 hrs.

Understanding how trauma impacts children and their families who have experienced abuse, neglect, and violence and other trauma is critical for resource families and professionals working with them. Those who have experienced trauma may not feel safe, even when they are no longer in danger. In this training participants learn how taking concrete steps to promote physical and psychological safety can help manage the challenging behaviours that these children and their families present.

Managing Transitions

6 hrs.

Adjusting to change can be very challenging for the children entrusted to our care. This two-session module examines the impact of transitions on children who have experienced trauma. Participants will gain an understanding of the types of transitions children in their care might experience, how the child’s response is intertwined with their experiences of trauma, and the impact this has on the resource family. In addition, participants will learn specific strategies to support children’s emotional safety as they manage the challenging responses and behaviors these children and families present with.