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 Catrina Carwell at 419-213-3505 or by e-mail catrina.carwell@jfs.ohio.gov
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*
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.
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
*VIRTUAL*
Anxiety Disorders among Children and Adolescents: Recognition and Interventional
Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 16800
Stacy Simera, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
The purpose of this course is to educate caregivers on the diagnosis and treatment of child and adolescent anxiety disorders. Primary focus will be on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment practices.
AHA Pediatric Heartsaver First Aid and CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Locator# 9487
Thasia Awad, Instructor
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 is 2-hour mandatory hands-on skills testing for Lucas County Children Services licensed caregivers only from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
** For caregivers from other counties who wish to seek certification can attend this portion for a fee, payable to the trainer.
*VIRTUAL*
A World of Opportunities: Substance Use Indicators-Hidden in Plain Sight
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 17052
Tamme Smith, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
Learn about Ohio’s drug trends while virtually exploring various settings and types of drug paraphernalia. Learn how to identify possible substance misuse through symptoms/signs. Finally, arm yourself with resources to support someone struggling with a substance use challenge.
Normalcy and the Reasonable and Prudent Standard: What’s the Standard?
Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 13447
Lamar King, Instructor
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.
Engaging Youth in Transition Planning
Friday, October 11, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Locator# 14136
Lamar King, Instructor
5.5 Credit Hours
Transition planning is a personal process, and young people must fully participate. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008 includes a requirement that a youth-directed transition plan be developed 90 days prior to a youth turning 18. However, it is important that we recognize that transition planning begins well before this time. This training provides a definition of transition planning, examines the benefits of youth engagement, and outlines the transition planning process. In addition, participants will learn about the Foster Club’s Transition Planning Toolkit – a document that helps transitioning adolescents develop their plans for the future.
*VIRTUAL*
Using Discipline to Teach Self-Regulation
Saturday, October 12, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Locator# 17036
Dave Zidar, Instructor
2.75 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.
Role of Caregivers in Healthy Sexual Development of Children and Teens
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 12180
CeCe Norwood, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
This training, part of the Fundamentals of Fostering series, helps caregivers discuss sexual issues with children and adolescents in a way that is consistent with their developmental level. Content also includes strategies on how to maintain a supportive and safe environment with children and adolescents that encourages healthy sexual development and provides exposure to normal experiences that promote healthy sexual development appropriate to each child.
*VIRTUAL*
The Basics of Caring for Children who have Been Sexually Abused.
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Locator# 14956
Janice Williams, Instructor
3.75 Credit Hours
This training is designed to help equip caregivers with the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to care for children who have been sexually abused. Caregivers will practice providing children with accurate information about sexual abuse and using strategies to help children understand and manage the impact of sexual abuse.
*VIRTUAL*
Distinguishing Between Poverty Experienced by Families and Child Neglect
Monday, October 21, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 16820
Dr. Christine Kelly-Cross, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
It is important that resource families understand that poverty and neglect do not always go hand in hand. In this class, you will learn to not only distinguish between the two but also understand why poor children are more likely to come to the attention of the child protection system. You will learn how structural racism factors in the disproportion of children of color in foster homes, how poverty can be a risk factor of neglect but not a prerequisite, and how bias and stereotypes can impact a caregiver’s ability to work with a child and their family experiencing poverty. Most importantly, you will learn strategies that will help you work collaboratively with families from a socioeconomic status that differs from your own.
*VIRTUAL*
Trauma Related Behaviors
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 9:30am – 11:30am
Resource Readiness: TRAUMA AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY, PROMOTING ATTACHMENT
Locator# 16832
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
2 Credit Hours
This course helps participants learn how chaos, threat, neglect, and other adversity during development can alter the developing brain and that, in turn, can change the ways children think, feel and act. Participants will understand the major stress-responses we use to cope with perceived and actual threat and the reasons for and range of adaptive symptoms from inattention and distractibility to avoidance and shut-down. Also covered are the reasons for rejection and testing and recognition of the survival skills and coping strategies that result in a complex range of behaviors.
*VIRTUAL*
ADHD among Children and Adolescents
Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 14957
Stacy Simera, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
The purpose of this workshop is to educate attendees on the diagnosis and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. DSM diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment practices will be of primary focus.
Confidence in the Court Process for Resource Caregivers
Friday, October 25, 2024 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Locator# 16847
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.
*VIRTUAL*
Trauma Informed Parenting
Friday, October 25, 2024 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Resource Readiness: TRAUMA AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY, PROMOTING ATTACHMENT
Locator# 16852
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
2 Credit Hours
This course helps participants learn the three Rs (Regulate, Relate, Reason) and other practical trauma-informed parenting strategies. Trauma support resources for children are described. Participants will recognize the importance of finding activities to have fun with children; recognize the importance of connected parenting and the relationship as the foundational cornerstone; understand how to promote healthy behaviors; and recognize the importance of parent’s self-regulation. Also highlighted are ways to be proactive versus reactive and the difference between discipline and punishment.
*VIRTUAL*
Separation Grief and Loss
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Resource Readiness: TRAUMA AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY, PROMOTING ATTACHMENT
Locator# 16856
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
2 Credit Hours
This course helps participants understand the impact of separation and ambiguous loss, and the different ways children grieve. Life-long grieving and the importance of providing opportunities for grieving is explored. Strategies to help children deal with 8 grief and loss are identified. Participants will understand loss and fractured attachments with birth family members and previous placements; recognize the importance of establishing and maintaining essential relationships with and for children; understand the impact of frequent moves and the importance of managing transitions for children; and understand the separation, grief and loss experienced by all members of the foster/adoption network.
*VIRTUAL*
*JOINT (CAREGIVERS & STAFF)*
Teens in Foster Care and Emotional Resiliency
Thursday, October 31, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
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.
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
NCTSN: Becoming an Advocate and Taking Care of Yourself
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Locator# 13285
Deb McMullen, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
This workshop focuses on empowering the caregiver as an advocate for children in care and to make sure they get the help they need to recover from the effects of trauma. Participants will understand the need for, and the role of, trauma-informed professionals on the child’s treatment team. This workshop also explores the definitions and warning signs of compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress. Caregivers will identify specific self-care techniques and develop a selfcare plan for preventing secondary traumatic stress. This workshop is fourth is a series of four workshops developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
*VIRTUAL*
Attachment
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Locator# 16858
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
2 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: TRAUMA AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY, PROMOTING ATTACHMENT
This course helps participants understand the importance of attachment in parenting, both for the children and parents who are fostering or adopting. It covers the impact of fractured attachments/lack of attachments on children’s ability to attach and identifies strategies to develop healthy attachment bonds. This course also covers developing trust and developing children’s sense of connectedness and belonging. How to be attuned to children and recognizing and honoring children’s primary attachment to their families is also highlighted.
*VIRTUAL*
Substance Use and Abuse Among Children
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 16861
Stacy Simera
2.75 Credit Hours
This distance learning training will review the substances commonly abused by children and adolescents, define addiction paths and criteria, and introduce treatment options and techniques for youth with addiction.
*VIRTUAL*
Parenting a Child with a History of Sexual Trauma
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Locator# 16864
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
1.5 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: TRAUMA AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY, PROMOTING ATTACHMENT
This course helps participants understand the importance of attachment in parenting, both for the children and parents who are fostering or adopting. It covers the impact of fractured attachments/lack of attachments on children’s ability to attach and identifies strategies to develop healthy attachment bonds. This course also covers developing trust and developing children’s sense of connectedness and belonging. How to be attuned to children and recognizing and honoring children’s primary attachment to their families is also highlighted.
*VIRTUAL*
Foster Care-A Means to Support Families
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 7:15pm – 8:45pm
Locator# 16868
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
1.5 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: MANAGING PLACEMENT TRANSITIONS
This course helps participants understand the child welfare experience from the perspective of the child’s parents and supports finding compassion for parents and the challenges they may be facing. Strategies to nurture children’s relationships with their parents and to integrate and maintain on-going communication and connection between parents and children are covered. This course describes the potential challenges in partnering with the child’s parents and for helping children prepare for visits, including understanding and managing reactions to visits.
Normalcy and the Reasonable and Prudent Standard: What’s the Standard?
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 13448
Lamar King, Instructor
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.
Youth Development: Vital Link
Friday, November 8, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Locator# 13449
Lamar King, Instructor
5.5 Credit Hours
Youth are a tremendous and often overlooked resource. Agencies can improve their independent/transitional living programs by utilizing the skills youth possess. Not only will youth enhance agency programs, youth themselves will develop confidence and self-esteem through the contribution of their experiences. Participants will learn creative ways of empowering youth by allowing them to take on leadership roles, aid in decision-making, and assist in program implementation. Barriers and benefits will be discussed as well as attitudes regarding youth as resources. Participants will explore levels of youth involvement in independent/transitional living programs which will include advisory boards, mentor programs, peer helping and community involvement.
*VIRTUAL*
Managing the Effects of Separation
Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Locator# 17039
Dave Zidar, Instructor
1.5 Credit Hours
Placement in out-of-home care is sometimes necessary to keep children safe. When every interaction is approached using the skills reviewed in this course, it is not only best practice but also essential for minimizing the trauma of separation, assuring safe placements for children, and ultimately successful outcomes for families. Learners should walk away from this workshop having gained confidence, competence, and motivation to reduce separation induced trauma for children and families and skills to support families before, during, and after separation.
*VIRTUAL*
*JOINT(CAREGIVERS & STAFF)*
Teens in Foster Care and Emotional Resiliency
Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Locator# 17101
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.
*VIRTUAL*
Distinguishing Between Poverty Experienced by Families and Child Neglect
Friday, November 15, 2024 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Locator# 16869
Dr. Christine Kelly-Cross, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
It is important that resource families understand that poverty and neglect do not always go hand in hand. In this class, you will learn to not only distinguish between the two but also understand why poor children are more likely to come to the attention of the child protection system. You will learn how structural racism factors in the disproportion of children of color in foster homes, how poverty can be a risk factor of neglect but not a prerequisite, and how bias and stereotypes can impact a caregiver’s ability to work with a child and their family experiencing poverty. Most importantly, you will learn strategies that will help you work collaboratively with families from a socioeconomic status that differs from your own.
AHA Pediatric Heartsaver First Aid and CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Locator# 9511
Ryan Hennessey, Instructor
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 is 2-hour mandatory hands-on skills testing for Lucas County Children Services licensed caregivers only from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
** For caregivers from other counties who wish to seek certification can attend this portion for a fee, payable to the trainer.
*VIRTUAL*
NCTSN: Feeling, Behaviors, Connections, and Healing
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Locator# 13288
Deb McMullen, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
This workshop introduces caregivers to the cognitive triangle and the impact of trauma on children’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Caregivers will learn techniques for helping traumatized children to understand and control their emotional and behavioral reactions. It also explores how identity is created through connections and the impact trauma may have on these connections. Caregivers will understand why it is important for children to talk about their traumatic experiences, and how they can make the child feel safe while sharing. This workshop is third in a series of four workshops developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
*VIRTUAL*
Maintaining Children’s Connection with Siblings, Extended Family Members, and their Community
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Locator# 16870
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
1 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: MANAGING PLACEMENT TRANSITIONS
This course helps participants understand the importance of integrating and maintaining on-going communication and connection between siblings, including understanding sibling dynamics and the importance of sibling bonds. Tips for how to navigate and support visits with siblings are shared. This course also helps participants recognize the importance of maintaining connections with extended family members and the community at large (i.e., schools, church, friends, sporting teams) and identifies strategies to keep children connected to their community. The role of parents who are fostering in maintaining these connections is highlighted.
*VIRTUAL*
Reunification as the Primary Permanency Goal
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 6:45pm – 8:15pm
Locator# 16871
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
1.5 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: MANAGING PLACEMENT TRANSITIONS
This course helps participants understand the permanency options that exist and the role of parents who are fostering in permanency planning—especially with reunification. Permanency from the child’s perspective is explored. This course helps participants understand their role in caring for children while at the same time preparing them to return home and the role of parents who are fostering in working with the child’s family to achieve reunification. Concurrent planning is described.
*VIRTUAL*
Using Positive Psychology and Clinical Resilience, Wellness, and Happiness in the Prevention and Management of Mental Health Disorder
Thursday, November 21, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 16872
Stacy Simera, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
In the past, researchers thought the best way to improve human functioning was to understand and prevent disease. In recent years, however, we have recognized that much can be gained by examining and understanding the ingredients for wellness. Positive psychology refers to the study of happiness, as opposed to the study of unhappiness; and recent research shows that positive psychology as a modality can be as effective as CBT in the treatment of depression. In this workshop participants will explore the research and identify tools to help clients flourish and build resilience in their lives.
*VIRTUAL*
Impact of Substance Use
Friday, November 22, 2024 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Locator# 16873
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
1.5 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: Substance Abuse
This course helps participants understand the short and long-term impact on children exposed to substances prenatally including FASD. Also covered are issues that may be present if parents use(d) substances and medical issues that can arise due to substance exposure including a higher risk of later addiction. The genetic component of addiction and addiction as a chronic disease is described. This course also shares parenting strategies for children exposed to substances prenatally.
Management of Children with Challenging Behaviors
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Locator# 16486
Dave Zidar, Instructor
5.5 Credit Hours
This course addresses a variety of behaviors that all children may present, including stealing and physical assault. The course’s goal is to provide the skills to manage these behaviors with a reduced level of reactivity. This class is recommended for anyone who works with or manages an environment where children are present with these issues.
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
Using Discipline to Teach Self-Regulation
Monday, December 2, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:45pm
Locator# 12730
Kristie Ruff, Instructor
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*
Dual System Youth: Providing Trauma-Informed Care and Advocacy for Youth Involved in both Child Protection and Juvenile Justice
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Locator# 16875
Lauri Wolfe, Instructor
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*
Creating a Stable, Nurturing, and Safe Home Environment
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Locator# 16874
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
2 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: FAMILY SAFETY
This course helps participants become aware of strategies to make children impacted by trauma and loss feel psychologically and physically safe and covers how to set up a home to be safe for all household members. This course also covers how the sense of safety ties to behaviors, how to set boundaries, and how to show consistency and predictability using routines and rituals. How to be attuned to children and understand safety from a child’s perspective is also highlighted.
*IN PERSON-DEFIANCE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF JOBS & FAMILY SERVICES*
Mentoring Among Foster Caregivers-Strengthening the Team
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 9:00am-4:00pm
Locator# 14676
Deanna Prezioso, Instructor
5.5 Credit Hours
This class will give participants an understanding of the adult principals of learning and how they apply to mentoring. We will examine the role and purpose of a mentor for foster and adoptive caregivers, and common characteristics of effective mentors and mentees. Caregivers and staff will understand the similarities and differences between informal and formal mentoring and how the mentoring process can be used to build stronger foster families with better outcomes for the placements in their homes. Participants will also gain an understanding of how to develop an effective mentoring program.
*VIRTUAL*
Educational Advocacy
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 9:00am-12:00pm
Locator# 10270
Brian Lowery, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
This class will examine the complex dynamics facing birth families before, during, and after placement. While emphasizing the advantages of safe reunification of children with birth families, this training will help foster parents come to further appreciate the “biological bond,” as well as challenge them to consider forgiveness as a foundation of collaborative work with parents. This workshop will also develop a framework for shared parenting, including promoting and building the “parent/foster parent team,” and provide practical guidelines for such issues as visitation, phone calls, and establishing boundaries.
*VIRTUAL*
Mental Health Considerations
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 10:00am-11:00am
Locator# 16876
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
1 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: MENTAL HEALTH, SELF-REGULATION, AND SELF-CARE
This course provides a basic understanding of mental health disorders and conditions that commonly occur in childhood. Content is shared to illustrate that not all ‘survival’ behaviors or symptoms of grief are connected with mental health disorders. Commonly administered psychotropic medications are described and information about how to obtain consistent, adequate and appropriate access to mental health services is highlighted.
*VIRTUAL*
The Importance of Working with Primary Families
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 1:00pm-4:00pm
Locator# 10271
Brian Lowery, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
This workshop provides information about the losses experienced by birth families, expected behaviors of grieving birth parents, and ways to work effectively with birth families.
*VIRTUAL*
Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Families
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 9:00am-10:30am
Locator# 16877
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
1.5 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: CULTURAL AND DIVERSITY ISSUES
This course helps participants understand the impact of parenting children from different racial/ethnic/cultural backgrounds and to know how to honor and incorporate child’s race/ethnicity/culture into their existing family system. Strategies are identified to help children develop positive and proud identities and to help children and families prepare for and handle racism in all forms.
*VIRTUAL*
Cultural Humility
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 11:00am-12:00pm
Locator# 16947
Carmen Toro-Wooten, Instructor
1 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness: MANAGING PLACEMENT TRANSITIONS
This course helps participants understand the permanency options that exist and the role of parents who are fostering in permanency planning—especially with reunification. Permanency from the child’s perspective is explored. This course helps participants understand their role in caring for children while at the same time preparing them to return home and the role of parents who are fostering in working with the child’s family to achieve reunification. Concurrent planning is described.
*VIRTUAL*
Zzz’s to A’s: Supporting Sleep for Better Functioning
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 TIME: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Locator# 16918
Stacy Simera, Instructor
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*
*JOINT (CAREGIVERS & STAFF)*
Teens in Foster Care and Emotional Resiliency
Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Locator# 16919
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, December 14, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Locator# 9488
Thasia Awad, Instructor
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 is 2-hour mandatory hands-on skills testing for Lucas County Children Services licensed caregivers only from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
** For caregivers from other counties who wish to seek certification can attend this portion for a fee, payable to the trainer.
*VIRTUAL*
The Basics of Caring for Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused
Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 9:00am-1 :00pm
Locator# 17040
Dave Zidar, Instructor
3.75 Credit Hours
This training is designed to help equip caregivers with the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to care for children who have been sexually abused. Caregivers will practice providing children with accurate information about sexual abuse and using strategies to help children understand and manage the impact of sexual abuse.
*VIRTUAL*
A World of Opportunities: Substance Use Indicators-Hidden in Plain Sight
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 17049
Tamme Smith, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
Learn about Ohio’s drug trends while virtually exploring various settings and types of drug paraphernalia. Learn how to identify possible substance misuse through symptoms/signs. Finally, arm yourself with resources to support someone struggling with a substance use challenge.
*VIRTUAL*
Psychotropic Medications: Questions to Ask about Kids on Meds
Thursday, December 19, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Locator# 16921
Stacy Simera, Instructor
2.75 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.
*VIRTUAL*
Distinguishing Between Poverty Experienced by Families and Child Neglect
Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Locator# 16922
Dr. Christine Kelly-Cross, Instructor
2.75 Credit Hours
It is important that resource families understand that poverty and neglect do not always go hand in hand. In this class, you will learn to not only distinguish between the two but also understand why poor children are more likely to come to the attention of the child protection system. You will learn how structural racism factors in the disproportion of children of color in foster homes, how poverty can be a risk factor of neglect but not a prerequisite, and how bias and stereotypes can impact a caregiver’s ability to work with a child and their family experiencing poverty. Most importantly, you will learn strategies that will help you work collaboratively with families from a socioeconomic status that differs from your own.
Visit Information For Current Foster Parents,
for additional information about ongoing training requirements and resources.
