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 [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.
Lifelong Connections: Permanency for Older Youth
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Brian Lowery/Lamar King, Instructors
Locator# 20876
6.00 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. It is strongly recommended that participants attend Positive Youth Development: The Vital Link prior to attending this workshop.
Engaging Youth in Transition Planning
Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Lamar King, Instructor
Locator# 20965
6.00 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. It is strongly recommended that participants attend Positive Youth Development: The Vital Link prior to attending this workshop.
Youth Development: Vital Link
Friday, June 13, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Lamar King, Instructor
Locator# 20966
6.00 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.
AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid and Adult and Child CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Thasia Awad, Instructor
Locator# 16493
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. This workshop is approved for OCWTP training hours only and does not certify the participant in CPR or First Aid. **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*
Effects of Fostering
Monday, June 16, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cherylanne Norwood, Instructor
Locator# 21161
2.75 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.
*VIRTUAL*
Using Discipline to Teach Self-Regulation
Monday, June 16, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:15pm
Cherylanne Norwood, Instructor
Locator# 21293
3.00 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*
The Broken Bond: An Overview of Attachment Disorders and Strategies for Interactions
Monday, June 23, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Brian Bethel, Instructor
Locator# 21323
2.75 Credit Hours
Reactive Attachment Disorders are a group of mental health disorders in which the child is unable to form healthy relationships, particularly with their primary caregiver. While Attachment Disorders are complex, parents and caregivers can serve as important resources for advocating and guiding children through the treatment process. Since early intervention is key to the most positive of outcomes it is important that caregivers are competent in the recognition and awareness of attachment challenges. This training provides an introductory overview of Reactive Attachment Disorders and emphasizes the importance of early intervention and research-supported treatment for empowering children with attachment disruption.
*VIRTUAL*
An Overview of Hoarding: A Clean Sweep
Monday, June 23, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Brian Bethel, Instructor
Locator# 21326
2.75 Credit Hours
Hoarding Disorder is recognized as a mental and emotional disorder that is characterized by the excessive accumulation and difficulty discarding of possessions. Although a relatively new diagnosis, Hoarding Disorder is a complex and challenging disorder for social service professionals. While this disorder impacts individuals from all demographics, research has indicated that hoarding is relatively common among individuals who have experienced trauma. This training will explore the clinical features of Hoarding Disorder and highlight the research supported treatment, with particular focus on interventions for children and adolescents.
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
*VIRTUAL*
Maintaining Children’s Connections with Siblings, Extended Family Members, and their Community
Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Jody Johnston Pawel, Instructor
Locator# 23860
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*
Separation, Grief, and Loss
Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Jody Johnston Pawel, Instructor
Locator# 23863
2.00 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness – TRAUMA AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY, PROMOTING ATTACHMENT
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 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*
Preventing and Solving Sibling Conflict
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Jody Johnston Pawel, Instructor
Locator# 23865
2.75 Credit Hours
This informative workshop offers tips for introducing new children into the foster family, preventing sibling rivalry, and resolving sibling/peer conflicts in ways that teach children how to resolve conflict independently and peacefully. These techniques result in LESS competing, comparing, complaining, arguing, fighting, and tattling, and MORE sharing, cooperating, listening, communicating, respect, peace, and independent conflict resolution.
*IN PERSON*
AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid and Adult and Child CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Ryan Hennessey, Instructor
Locator# 22790
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. This workshop is approved for OCWTP training hours only and does not certify the participant in CPR or First Aid.
*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*
Foster Care – A Means to Support Families
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Kelly D. Roberts Brewer, Instructor
Locator# 23886
1.50 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.
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
*VIRTUAL*
Normalcy, and the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard
Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Christine Kelly Cross
Locator# 23888
5.50 Credit Hours
Children in the Foster Care System need access to age-appropriate activities that can help them developmentally with the life skills necessary to succeed in the real world. In order to safely prioritize normalcy, each child’s individual risk factors and abilities must be considered as their care team determines the right activities for each child.
This workshop provides staff and foster parents with a set of tools to help with the decision-making process to evaluate each instance to determine what may be in the best interest of each child for their development and overall well-being.
*IN PERSON*
Curly Hair and Skin Care: A Course for Multiracial Families
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 9:00am –12:00pm
Lauren Burnette, Instructor
Locator# 23353
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.
*VIRTUAL*
Bedtime is a Nightmare! Common Bedtime Hassles & Trauma-Related Sleep Issues
Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Jody Johnston Pawel, Instructor
Locator# 23891
2.75 Credit Hours
Getting children to bed on time, asleep, and staying there is one of the most common challenges parents face. Foster children can have sleep issues related to trauma, like night terrors, insomnia, and trauma triggers. This webinar offers creative ideas and practical solutions to the Top Ten Bedtime Hassles.
*IN PERSON*
Curly Hair and Skin Care: A Course for Multiracial Families Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Lauren Burnette, Instructor
Locator# 23359
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.
*IN PERSON*
AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid and Adult and Child CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Thasia Awad, Instructor
Locator# 22790
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. This workshop is approved for OCWTP training hours only and does not certify the participant in CPR or First Aid.
*VIRTUAL*
Understanding the Impact of Implicit Bias in Foster Care or “in Caregiving”
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Christine Kelly Cross, Instructor
Locator# 23924
2.75 Credit Hours
This class is designed to educate current and prospective foster and adoptive parents about the nature, origins, and impacts of implicit bias. By understanding these unconscious attitudes and stereotypes, participants will be better equipped to create inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environments for all children in their care. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, and reflective practices, this course aims to foster awareness and promote strategies for mitigating the effects of implicit bias in foster and adoptive homes.
Class will be closed to anyone arriving more than fifteen (15) minutes late.
*VIRTUAL*
Building Parental Resilience for Kinship Care
Thursday, September 4, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Lauri Wolf, Instructor
Locator# 23897
1.50 Credit Hours
This course helps participants understand the importance of self-care and provides practical ideas on how to do it. Learners will understand signs of stress and burnout and recognize the importance of maintaining their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This course describes parental resilience and why resilience is important. It also covers how caring for children who have experienced trauma, separation, or loss can impact a caregiver’s own well-being. Also covered are the behaviors that foster a protective environment for parents and children.
*ERIE COUNTY*
GAP: Transitioning from Foster Care to Adoption
Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Angela Buckalew, Instructor
Locator# 23901
2.75 Credit Hours
This Guided Application and Practice (GAP) session provides opportunity for foster and adoptive parents to learn from the experiences of the facilitator and from the experiences of each other. Through guided discussion, the facilitator, a former foster and an adopted child, will encourage conversation and sharing of experiences surrounding transitioning from foster care to adoption.
*ERIE COUNTY*
Communicable Diseases – Protecting Your Family’s Health Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 1:00am – 4:00pm
Angela Buckalew, Instructor
Locator# 23906
3.00 Credit Hours
Resource Readiness – PREVENTION, RECOGNITION, AND MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The primary purpose of this training course is to educate caregivers in identifying signs and symptoms of illness and contagious conditions, protect themselves from exposure, learn how to respond to an exposure risk, and how to transfer their knowledge to educate family and children in the home. The course content and activities will prepare caregivers to make appropriate decisions about preventing and educating on communicable disease transmission.
*IN PERSON*
AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid and Adult and Child CPR Without Skills Testing
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Ryan Hennessey, Instructor
Locator# 23627
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. This workshop is approved for OCWTP training hours only and does not certify the participant in CPR or First Aid.
**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*
Kinship Parenting
Monday, September 22, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:15pm
Lauri Wolf, Instructor
Locator# 23908
1.83 Credit Hours
This one hour and 50 minute course acknowledges the complexities associated with caring for children who are related to or known to the kinship caregiver, including divided loyalties, redefining roles, and relationships, setting boundaries with parents and other relatives, and the range of emotions, including anger, resentment, guilt, and/or embarrassment that caregivers can feel. Strategies for managing family dynamics and conflicts, identifying triggers, and effectively managing stress are shared.
Visit Information For Current Foster Parents,
for additional information about ongoing training requirements and resources.
