P.R.I.D.E. Core (In-service)

There are 12 Core (In-service) training modules (approximately 100 hours). The first two modules are mandatory training for all foster families, as well as a three-hour Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) session.

During the annual review process foster parents and their resources worker will work together to complete a Family Development Plan which is designed to assess a family’s strengths and identify training needs from among the remaining Core modules in relation to the five competency categories.

These training sessions provide ongoing support and professional development for all approved foster families. (Core modules are not required training for adoptive families, however they may be provided upon request.)

The five competency categories must be understood by all members of the professional team (i.e. “Supporting relationships between children and their families” – foster parents and child welfare workers must work together to support family contact and visits which are appropriate to each individual child and family situation).

Courses in this Category

Module 1: The Foundation for Meeting the Developmental Needs of Children at Risk

The knowledge and skills developed during the four sessions of this module are critical to successfully fulfilling the foster parent role. The foundation competencies addressed pertain to assessing and building children's 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 disciplinary process.

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 12 hours

Module 2: Using Discipline To Protect, Nurture And Meet Developmental Needs

The purpose of Module 2 is to increase the participants’ understanding of the importance of discipline in meeting developmental needs and to provide some concrete techniques and skills they 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.

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 9 hours

Module 3: Addressing Developmental Issues Related To Sexuality

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

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 3 hours

Module 4: Responding To The Signs And Symptoms Of Sexual Abuse

This module consists of two sessions. The first session is intended to increase the participants’ understanding of sexual abuse, while second session is focused on assisting foster parents to respond effectively to the issues of sexual abuse.

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 6 hours

Module 5: Supporting Relationships Between Children and Their Families

The goals of the three sessions in this module are to help foster parents understand the importance of the child's family relationships, to develop their skills to support these relationships, and to provide ways for participants to share the parenting role and to help birth parents.

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 9 hours

Module 6: Working As A Professional Team Member

The purpose of this module is to provide foster parents with an understanding of the professional team in working on behalf of children and families. The three sessions include information and skill development related to teamwork, the tasks of foster parents as professional team members, and conflict management.

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 9 hours

Module 7: Promoting Children's Personal And Cultural Identity

Session One provides participants with an understanding of the importance of valuing and making a commitment to cultural competence and ways to work with the family foster care team to promote positive self-esteem through respecting, advancing and sharing children’s cultural norms and traditions.

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 6 hours

Module 8: Promoting Permanency Outcomes

The intent of the four sessions in this module is to provide participants with a foundation for understanding permanency planning practice and to assist them in helping children and families achieve the desired permanency outcomes.

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 12 hours

Module 9: Managing The Fostering Experience

This module examines the impact of placement on one's family by devoting one session to exploring ways to help foster families manage the changes, transitions, and challenges presented by the fostering role and another session to helping participants manage the impact of abuse and neglect allegations.

Training Provider: Governors State University, Chicago IL

Training Type: Self-Directed, Online , 6 hours