Ongoing Caregiver Training
Resource families(formerly named foster caregivers) are required by the State of Ohio to complete 30 hours of training every two years to maintain their foster care license. Treatment resource families are required to complete 45 hours. The curriculum is developed in accordance with the caregiver’s Individual Training Needs Assessment (ITNA) and Individual Development Plan (IDP).
Registration Instructions:
If you are a resource family through LCCS, enroll yourself in training sessions through CAPS LMS:
Should you need assistance, please contact Kandi Bennett-Kanu at 419-213-3505 or by e-mail [email protected]
If you are a resource family through another agency, or if you are a daycare provider for LCCS, you will NOT be in CAPS LMS. Please contact Mrs. Bennett-Kanu to register as a guest.
~ Training Schedule ~
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
*VIRTUAL*
Teens in Foster Care and Emotional Resiliency
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | 9:00am-12:00pm
Jewell Harris, Instructor
Locator #10988
3 Credit Hours
Regardless of where young people are placed in the child welfare system, they need to develop boundaries, emotional health, and the skills to build lifelong relationships. There are specific tools that can help young people overcome the trauma of their pasts and navigate adult relationships. This workshop has been designed to incorporate the insights of foster care alumni throughout the nation to equip professionals to facilitate the emotional development of youth in care. It includes national research on foster care alumni and post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants will leave with concrete tools to support adolescents in foster care with the development of personal boundaries and the skills to build trusting, restorative relationships.
Verbal De-escalation in Child Welfare
Saturday, June 8, 2024 | 9:00am-12:00pm
Brian Lowery, Instructor
Locator #10267
3 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: This class will examine how pre-placement experiences and current stressors may affect a foster child’s emotions, leading to escalating behaviors. This workshop reviews the skills of active listening, non-violent communication, and de-escalation. Levels of crisis development and the conflict cycle are discussed, emphasizing appropriate foster parent response. Trainees will participate in exercises and demonstrations concerning personal space, body posture and motion, which will enable them to more successfully deal with emotional or physical crisis which can occur with children living in out of home care.
Life Skills Pathway Tools for Take Off: Independent Living Transition Planning
Saturday, June 8, 2024 | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Brian Lowery, Instructor
Locator #12976
3 Credit Hours
This Life Skills Pathway curriculum is made up of an instructor-led course followed by a transfer of learning activity the caregiver completes with the youth. The instructor-led course will assist resource parents in gaining access to the tools and resources available for their youth ages fourteen and up. They will become familiar with various Independent Living Assessments and will discover how the scores of those assessments’ transfer to an Independent Living Plan. Parents will recognize the value of working as a team with their youth’s caseworker and youth. Resource parents will review the ODJFS Toolkit and various resources that are available to assist their youth toward successful emancipation. Completion of the instructor-led session awards a Level-1 Assessment badge, and a Level-2 Assessment badge is awarded upon completion of the transfer of learning activity by the caregiver.
Examining Unconventional and Mischaracterized Trauma Expressions in Black Males
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | 9:00am-4:00pm
LaToya Logan, Instructor
Locator #9276
5.5 Credit Hours
Raising awareness related to diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment referrals based on a lack of cultural inclusion surrounding Black males who exhibit aggression and apathy is the necessary first step to addressing disparities. Viewing apathy as a defense mechanism encourages social workers to strengthen their assessments and challenge outcomes. It allows for a deeper understanding of how trauma experiences can manifest into aggression and apathy based on cultural norms and environmental factors that have not been evaluated. Through cultural competence and inclusion of cultural differences, social workers can lead changes in the fields of mental health and social services. They can help promote equity in educational programming and support, make court referrals for treatment options instead of confinement, and develop more effective assessments and treatment interventions that have a direct impact on individuals, families, and communities.
*VIRTUAL*
Connect: Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Michelle Bell, Instructor
Locator #12639
3 Credit Hours
A basic and interactive virtual three-hour training session on the dynamics of domestic violence, the impact of exposure to domestic violence on children, and strategies for supporting children who have been exposed to domestic violence.
*JOINT*
Invisible Injuries: The Impact of Trauma
Friday, June 14, 2024 | 9:00am-4:00pm
Paula Walters, Instructor
Locator #8439
5.5 Credit Hours
Trauma is not segregated pockets of events or occurrences that happen in silos. Rather, trauma is intersections of different adverse life events that layer upon each other, forcing these events to be intertwined. When this occurs, a person is not able to differentiate between healthy and harmful environments. The intention of this workshop is to dismantle these silos, as treatment cannot only tackle one component of trauma independently from the others. Attendees will address myths that surround abuse, and be challenged to confront their own bias regarding the abusers, the victims, and the incidents of abuse. This workshop takes you to the uncomfortable steps of “walking a mile in the shoes of trauma survivors”.
*VIRTUAL*
Engaging Primary Families
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 9:00am-12:00pm
Deb McMullen, Instructor
Locator #12911
3 Credit Hours
This training is specifically designed for licensed resource families in the early years of caregiving. It will address the importance of engaging primary families. Common barriers to developing strong relationships with the primary family will be discussed. Participants will consider how a child might be impacted if they lose their connections with their primary family. Strategies to support positive relationships with primary families will be explored. This training is part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series.
AHA Pediatric HeartSaver First Aid and CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, June 22, 2024 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm**
Thasia Awad, Instructor
Locator #9483
6 Credit Hours
This course utilizes the American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid and CPR course materials but does not include skills testing. The participant receives a comprehensive overview of first aid basics for children, as well as CPR and AED use for all ages. **Please note that there will be a 2 hour(2pm-4pm) mandatory hands-on skills testing for Lucas County Children Services licensed caregivers only. For caregivers from other counties who wish to seek certification can attend this portion for a fee, payable to the trainer.
*VIRTUAL*
The Effects of Fostering
Saturday, June 22, 2024 | 9:00am-12:00pm
Deb McMullen, Instructor
Locator #12913
3 Credit Hours
This training is specifically designed for licensed resource caregivers in the early years of their caregiving development. This training will assist participants in identifying what factors contribute the most to their stress as caregivers and what strengths they bring to caregiving. Participants will learn to identify indicators that they or someone in their family may be experiencing burn out or secondary traumatic stress. Strategies to prevent or mitigate the stress of caregiving will also be addressed. This training is part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series.
Using Discipline to Teach Self-Regulation
Monday, June 24, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Krista Ruff, Instructor
Locator #12729
3 Credit Hours
This training, part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series, focuses on helping caregivers understand discipline as a series of teachable moments rather than a way to control behavior. Participants will consider the importance of self-regulation and how various parenting styles influence discipline. Participants will learn discipline strategies for teaching children how to regulate their emotions and behaviors.
*VIRTUAL*
Psychotropic Medications: Questions to Ask about Kids on Meds
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Stacy Simera, Instructor
Locator #12581
3 Credit Hours
The purpose of this course is to educate caseworkers, foster parents and other stakeholders on psychotropic medication use in the treatment of mental disorders among children and adolescents. Specific attention will be paid to answering the questions most people ask, or should ask, regarding psychotropic medication.
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
AHA Pediatric Heart Saver First Aid and CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, July 27, 2024 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm**
Ryan Hennessey, Instructor
Locator #14446
6 Credit Hours
This course utilizes the American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid and CPR course materials but does not include skills testing. The participant receives a comprehensive overview of first aid basics for children, as well as CPR and AED use for all ages. **Please note that there will be a 2 hour(2pm-4pm) mandatory hands-on skills testing for Lucas County Children Services licensed caregivers only. For caregivers from other counties who wish to seek certification can attend this portion for a fee, payable to the trainer.
Conscience Development in Children
Saturday, July 27, 2024 | 9:00am- 12:00pm
Jim Still-Pepper, Instructor
Locator #12727
2.75 Credit Hours
Violence without remorse; cruelty without regard. Children without a conscience scar and scare us. This workshop explores the world of conscience. During the workshop we’ll take an in-depth look into common diagnoses of kids without a conscience. Foster and adoptive parents will learn how to develop effective strategies for teaching conscience to their children.
Tug of War: The Ins and Outs of Power Struggles
Saturday, July 27, 2024 | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Jim Still-Pepper, Instructor
Locator #12728
2.75 Credit Hours
Workers and Caregivers face power struggles and oppositional behavior from youth they serve. Whether the issues are part of normal child development, or indications of more serious problems, this course was created to give insight and understanding into behaviors that often lead to relationships that are filled with frustrating stalemates. It will give space, time and suggestions for participants to develop a strategic approach to dealing with the underlying issues behind power struggles.
*VIRTUAL*
Understanding and Building Attachment
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 | 10:00am -1:00pm
Janice Williams, Instructor
Locator # 14940
2.75 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: This training, specifically designed for licensed resource families, in the early years of their caregiving development, will provide participants with an understanding of how attachment develops and the four attachment styles. Participants will learn indicators for each attachment style and strategies to help children develop attachments. This training is part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series.
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
Confidence in the Court Process for Resource Caregivers
Thursday, August 1, 2024 | 10:00am -1:00pm
Locator# 14942
Lauri Wolfe, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: A court-involved child protection case can be overwhelming due to the complex process, including understanding the timeline and hearings, preparing youth, and testifying. This course aims to provide a clear explanation of those issues as well as strategies to manage them. Additionally, the course will describe attorney tactics and identify tools to help individuals prepare for and effectively testify in court.
* JOINT (CAREGIVERS & STAFF) *
Teens in Foster Care and Emotional Resiliency
Friday, August 2, 2024 | 9:00am- 12:00pm
Locator #10989
Jewell Harris, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
Regardless of where young people are placed in the child welfare system, they need to develop boundaries, emotional health, and the skills to build lifelong relationships. There are specific tools that can help young people overcome the trauma of their pasts and navigate adult relationships. This workshop has been designed to incorporate the insights of foster care alumni throughout the nation to equip professionals to facilitate the emotional development of youth in care. It includes national research on foster care alumni and post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants will leave with concrete tools to support adolescents in foster care with the development of personal boundaries and the skills to build trusting, restorative relationships.
AHA Pediatric HeartSaver First Aid and CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, August 3, 2024 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm**
Thasia Awad, Instructor
Locator #9485
6 Credit Hours
This course utilizes the American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid and CPR course materials but does not include skills testing. The participant receives a comprehensive overview of first aid basics for children, as well as CPR and AED use for all ages. **Please note that there will be a 2-hour mandatory hands-on skills testing for Lucas County Children Services licensed caregivers only. For caregivers from other counties who wish to seek certification can attend this portion for a fee, payable to the trainer.
*VIRTUAL*
Connect: Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | 6:00pm-9:00pm
Michelle Bell, Instructor
Locator #12734
2.75 Credit Hours
A basic and interactive virtual three-hour training session on the dynamics of domestic violence, the impact of exposure to domestic violence on children, and strategies for supporting children who have been exposed to domestic violence.
VIRTUAL*
Zzz’s to A’s: Supporting Sleep for Better Functioning
Thursday, August 8, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Stacy Simera, Instructor
Locator #14946
2.75 Credit Hours
The purpose of this course is to educate child protective workers and caregivers on child and adolescent sleep needs, the effects of chronic sleep deprivation, and how to better support healthy sleep.
*VIRTUAL*
Engaging Primary Families
Friday, August 9, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Janice Williams, Instructor
Locator #14947
2.75 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness This training is specifically designed for licensed resource families in the early years of caregiving. It will address the importance of engaging primary families. Common barriers to developing strong relationships with the primary family will be discussed. Participants will consider how a child might be impacted if they lose their connections with their primary family. Strategies to support positive relationships with primary families will be explored. This training is part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series.
Communicable Diseases-Protecting Your Family’s Health
Monday, August 12, 2024 | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Angela Buckalew, Instructor
Locator #14144
2.75 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: This workshop introduces the concept of trauma as an underlying factor in some foster children’s problems. It provides an overview of the essential elements of trauma-informed parenting and provides real world examples of trauma in children. Caregivers are introduced to factors that influence a child’s response to traumatic experiences and to the concept of resilience. This workshop is the first in a series of four workshops developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Wounded Warriors: The Treatment of Sexually Abused Males
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | 9:00am-4:00pm
Brian Bethel, Instructor
Locator #7579
5.5 Credit Hours
Foster and adoptive parents often encounter males who have been sexually abused. However, research shows that the sexual abuse of males in our culture often goes unrecognized, unreported, and tragically untreated. Although most studies on the long-term consequences of sexual abuse have focused on females, the sexual abuse of males is equally devastating. Our culture has encouraged males to believe they should be strong and in charge; and consequently, many men find it difficult to acknowledge that they have been sexually abused.
This workshop will offer participants an overview of the clinical signs and symptoms often exhibited by male survivors of sexual abuse. Moreover, participants will be exposed to the evidenced-based counseling approaches for the treatment of sexually abused males across varying developmental domains. Specific resources will be provided to further enable participants to strengthen advocacy efforts for male survivors.
*VIRTUAL*
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
NCTSN: Trauma 101
Saturday, August 17, 2024 | 9:00am- 12:00pm
Deb McMullen, Instructor
Locator #13271
2.75 Credit Hours
This workshop introduces the concept of trauma as an underlying factor in some foster children’s problems. It provides an overview of the essential elements of trauma-informed parenting and provides real world examples of trauma in children. Caregivers are introduced to factors that influence a child’s response to traumatic experiences and to the concept of resilience. This workshop is the first in a series of four workshops developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Dual System Youth: Providing Trauma-Informed Care and Advocacy for Youth Involved in both Child Protection and Juvenile Justice
Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Lauri Wolfe, Instructor
Locator#14948
2.75 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness – Legal and Ethical Issues
At-risk youth involved in child protection services and the juvenile justice system often experience additional trauma and heightened stress due to dual system involvement. This can result in increased behavior issues and academic difficulties. Resource caregivers need to be prepared and equipped to manage these challenges. A crucial aspect of readiness involves understanding and advocating for the youth; and educating the youth about the legal procedures, the connection to their care, and available supports and/or programs.
*VIRTUAL*
NCTSN: Understanding Trauma’s Effects and Building a Safe Place
Saturday, August 31, 2024 | 9:00am-12:00pm
Deb McMullen, Instructor
Locator #13282
2.75 Credit Hours
This workshop will help caregivers understand how trauma can interfere with children’s development and functioning, and how children of different ages may respond to trauma. Caregivers will be introduced to the concept of the “invisible suitcase” and how trauma-informed parenting can “repack” the suitcase. They will gain an understanding of the difference between physical and psychological safety and be introduced to the key component of a safety message. Caregivers will practice delivering an effective safety message and learn techniques to help children cope with trauma reminders. This workshop is the second in a series of four workshops developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Nine Essential Connections to Independent Living
Saturday, August 31, 2024 | 9:00am-12:00pm
David Zidar, Instructor
Locator #14951
5.5 Credit Hours
Attendees will learn how to coach children and youth on soft and hard skills needed for successful independent living. Skills that will be discussed are:
- Knowledge, skills and Information
- Maintaining relationships with significant people in their lives
- Connections to groups (family, spiritual community, work)
- Meaningful roles
- Source of joy (what makes them happy)
- System of values
- History (where they came from)
- Sense of place (certain places that are important to us)
- Means of support
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
*VIRTUAL*
The Effects of Fostering
Friday, September 6, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Janice Williams, Instructor
Locator #14952
2.75 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: This training is specifically designed for licensed resource caregivers in the early years of their caregiving development. This training will assist participants in identifying what factors contribute the most to their stress as caregivers and what strengths they bring to caregiving. Participants will learn to identify indicators that they or someone in their family may be experiencing burn out or secondary traumatic stress. Strategies to prevent or mitigate the stress of caregiving will also be addressed. This training is part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series.
Burnout Prevention
Saturday, September 7, 2024 | 9:00am-4:00pm
David Zidar, Instructor
Locator #14955
5.5 Credit Hours
This training is specifically designed for licensed resource caregivers in the early years of their caregiving development. This training will assist participants in identifying what factors contribute the most to their stress as caregivers and what strengths they bring to caregiving. Participants will learn to identify indicators that they or someone in their family may be experiencing burn out or secondary traumatic stress. Strategies to prevent or mitigate the stress of caregiving will also be addressed. This training is part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series.
Curly Hair and Skin Care: A Course for Multiracial Families
Saturday, September 7, 2024 | 9:00am-12:00pm
Lauren Burnette, Instructor
Locator #14953
2.75 Credit Hours
The need for hair and skin care education within transracial families, especially with ethnic undertones, is vital. While a percentage of foster parents are predominantly Caucasian, research shows that the percentage of African American children in foster care is on the rise. This supply and demand leaves gaps in cultural needs and knowledge while hair care is no exception.
Curly Hair and Skin Care: A Course for Multiracial Families
Saturday, September 7, 2024 | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Lauren Burnette, Instructor
Locator #14954
2.75 Credit Hours
The need for hair and skin care education within transracial families, especially with ethnic undertones, is vital. While a percentage of foster parents are predominantly Caucasian, research shows that the percentage of African American children in foster care is on the rise. This supply and demand leaves gaps in cultural needs and knowledge while hair care is no exception.
Using Discipline to Teach Self-Regulation
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | 5:30pm-8:45pm
Kristie Ruff, Instructor
Locator #12730
3 Credit Hours
This training, part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series, focuses on helping caregivers understand discipline as a series of teachable moments rather than a way to control behavior. Participants will consider the importance of self-regulation and how various parenting styles influence discipline. Participants will learn discipline strategies for teaching children how to regulate their emotions and behaviors.
AHA Pediatric HeartSaver First Aid and CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm**
Ryan Hennessey, Instructor
Locator #9509
6 Credit Hours
This course utilizes the American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid and CPR course materials but does not include skills testing. The participant receives a comprehensive overview of first aid basics for children, as well as CPR and AED use for all ages. **Please note that there will be a 2 hour(2pm-4pm) mandatory hands-on skills testing for Lucas County Children Services licensed caregivers only. For caregivers from other counties who wish to seek certification can attend this portion for a fee, payable to the trainer.
*VIRTUAL*
Connect: Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 | 6:00pm-9:00pm
Michelle Bell, Instructor
Locator #12739
2.75 Credit Hours
A basic and interactive virtual three-hour training session on the dynamics of domestic violence, the impact of exposure to domestic violence on children, and strategies for supporting children who have been exposed to domestic violence.
*VIRTUAL*
Communicable Diseases-Protecting your Family’s Health
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Megan Wendling, Instructor
Locator #14955
3 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: This training is specifically designed for licensed resource caregivers in the early years of their caregiving development. This training will assist participants in identifying what factors contribute the most to their stress as caregivers and what strengths they bring to caregiving. Participants will learn to identify indicators that they or someone in their family may be experiencing burn out or secondary traumatic stress. Strategies to prevent or mitigate the stress of caregiving will also be addressed. This training is part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series.
*JOINT*(CAREGIVERS & STAFF)
Invisible Injuries: The Impact of Trauma
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 9:00am-4:00pm
Paula Walters, Instructor
Locator #8439
5.5 Credit Hours
Trauma is not segregated pockets of events or occurrences that happen in silos. Rather, trauma is intersections of different adverse life events that layer upon each other, forcing these events to be intertwined. When this occurs, a person is not able to differentiate between healthy and harmful environments. The intention of this workshop is to dismantle these silos, as treatment cannot only tackle one component of trauma independently from the others. Attendees will address myths that surround abuse, and be challenged to confront their own bias regarding the abusers, the victims, and the incidents of abuse. This workshop takes you to the uncomfortable steps of “walking a mile in the shoes of trauma survivors”.
Normalcy and the Reasonable and Prudent Standard: What’s the Standard?
Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Lamar King, Instructor
Locator#13445
2.75 Credit Hours
This training introduces caregivers to the concept of normalcy and defines the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard (RPPS). Caregivers will learn what needs to be considered when applying the RPPS and will practice applying the standard in a number of scenarios.
Lifelong Connections: Permanency for Older Youth
Friday, September 27, 2024 | 9:00am-4:00pm
Lamar King & Brian Lowery, Instructors
Locator#13446
5.5 Credit Hours
When planning for permanency with adolescents, we have to think and use approaches differently from when planning for younger children. Permanency for older youth is not centered around the living arrangement; it is not simply providing independent living services; and it is not just offering adoption. Instead, it provides youth with the opportunity to forge lifelong permanent connections to people they identify as important. This training allows participants to experience the impact of permanent connections and grasp why they are important. Finally, participants will come to understand how adolescent development relates to permanency.
Visit Information For Current Foster Parents,
for additional information about ongoing training requirements and resources.