Training

The children placed in foster homes by the Foster Family Care Network present many challenges to foster parents. The Network provides and requires ongoing training to help you with their care.
Throughout the year, you will be informed about on-site training classes, video trainings, conferences and workshops, and other education resources. Requirements for ongoing training hours vary depending on the program.

• Introductory training on the first Tuesday of every month on foster care basics and certification. This session provides pre-service training credits toward foster care certification and will give you the information to help you decide whether you want to move forward. Please call 503-408-4729 or email ffcn2@albertinakerr.org to register.
• Mandatory pre-service training for individuals interested in becoming foster parents. Sixteen hours of initial training, followed by eight hours of CRP/First Aid, and an additional number of program-specific training hours (depending on the program).
• Monthly ongoing training covering topics pertinent to Network children, youth and foster families.
• Yearly conferences where Network families can receive additional hours of education and training.

Recertification
Each year a foster home goes through a recertification process that helps to ensure ongoing safety for the children placed in your home. It’s important to meet safety standards for all certified homes.
You should do the following in preparation for recertification:

• Keep a record of your training and education hours
• Keep all homeowner, renter, and automobile insurance up to date
• Maintain safety requirements in your home
• Make a medical appointment and get medical forms filled out by physicians
• Fill out criminal history forms and all other needed authorization forms in a timely manner

The Foster Family Care Network Guidebook is an excellent way to quickly review these steps and answer common questions about foster care. Click here to download a copy of this Guidebook