Foster Parent Training Schedule
Spring 2022 Schedule
Welcome and Introduction to CARI; Maintaining Documents (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 2/5; 9am-12pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 1/31)
Welcome and Resources: This first session will be an introduction to CARI. Participants will receive an overview of the series, goals, and rewards for participation in CARI. Participants will also hear from key resources and supports for caregivers.
Maintaining Documents: Children in care have extensive files with important medical, educational, and case-related documents. Learn to organize and maintain documents for easy access and coordinated care. ONLINE
Attachment & Bonding (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 2/5; 1pm-4pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 1/31)
A study of the initial ties that develop between newborn babies and their mothers will be explored. The physical survival and social development thread related to nurturance and forming human attachment will be discussed. A group learning activity will be included to support learning practice. ONLINE
Parenting Styles that De-Escalate
Tuesday, 2/8; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 1/31)
Did you know that there are different styles of parenting? Learn how parenting styles can calm a situation or make it worse. This training will teach skills to help you maintain peace in your home. ONLINE
Special Medical Needs (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 2/12; 9am-12pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/7)
Exploration of the medical/developmental/emotional problems of children affected by drugs and alcohol will be examined. Caregivers will discuss common medical problems of children affected by drugs and alcohol. Additionally, the complex role of care providers for children who are affected by drugs and alcohol and the access to support services for care providers will be investigated. ONLINE
Co-Dependency (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 2/12; 1-4pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/7)
Caregivers will explore the meaning of co-dependency. Identify symptoms of co-dependent behaviors and will use self-reflection to examine how co-dependent people behave. Compassion fatigue theory will be reviewed to support learning. ONLINE
Loss & Grief (Counts for CARI credit)
Wednesday, 2/16; 6-9pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/15)
Investigation of Loss and Grief experiences of children and adults who are living with the effects of trauma and separation from birth families will be explored. Caregivers will develop an understanding of behavior triggers. Discussion will include analysis of the loss and grief stages. ONLINE
Infant Stimulation (Counts for CARI credit)
Wednesday, 2/23; 6-9pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/16)
Supportive techniques and child development strategies will be examined to help parents understand the importance of infant stimulation. Baby massage, color and face and touch exploration along with music and sound enhancements will be included. ONLINE
Connecting with Teens
Thursday, 2/24; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/18)
Connecting with Teens provides practical tools that can be used to help you build relationships with teens and increase your effectiveness in parenting.
This class explores power and empowerment, building connections and trust, conscious parenting, being present, youth perspective. Participants will also learn practical conversation tools and strategies for teaching decision making skills. ONLINE
Strengthening Families
Saturday, 2/26; 9am – 4pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/20)
This training explores how to strengthen family relationships through understanding the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions that influence behaviors in children and adults. This workshop was designed to support healthy family relationships. ONLINE
Building Trust (Rescheduled to 5/12/2022)
Thursday 3/3; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/27)
Learn how to build trust with children that have experienced trauma and loss. We will use Conscious Parenting which includes connecting with yourself and your children from a place of love, authenticity and acceptance. ONLINE
Our Most Challenging Kids: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders with Kathryn Page
Friday, 3/4; 10am – 3pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/26)
Somewhere between 20 and 70% (depending on the study) of foster kids have been impacted by alcohol during pregnancy. This affects their ability to reason, remember, control emotions and behavior, and learn as other kids do. They are almost never adequately diagnosed, instead they’re given ADHD, RAD, sometimes Autism, almost always Oppositional Defiant Disorder diagnoses. These aren’t wrong, they just aren’t the whole picture.
This presentation will help you recognize the patterns of FASD, understand the underlying brain function, and tailor your approach for maximum success—and minimal stress. Kids with FASD are hard to parent in many ways. Our intention is to make it easier, freeing you and your kiddos from the confusion and upset that so often go with FASD.
ONLINE
Expectation & Milestones (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 3/5; 9am-12pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/28)
Developmental nurturance, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth areas will be examined. Caregivers will learn about the impact of trauma and infant-child development. Constructive play and child development theory will be discussed. ONLINE
History & Theory of Drug Addiction (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 3/5; 1-4pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 2/28)
Exploration of addiction behavior theory though discussion and inquiry of issues related to birth parents and care providers will be examined. Socio-emotional and socio-economic dynamics will be reviewed. Caregivers will engage in group learning activities and focus on healthy family behavior patterns. ONLINE
Derechos Personales de los Jóvenes Bajo Su Cuidado
Lunes, 7 de Marzo de 2022 de 9:00am-12:00pm en Español ENLACE RSVP
¿Sabía que los niños bajo su cuidado tienen derecho a comunicarse con sus familias y usar sus teléfonos celulares cuando lo deseen? Si no se les permite hacerlo, pueden presentar una queja en su contra. En esta sesión, aprenderá sobre los derechos personales que quizás ni siquiera haya considerado y cómo evitar violar estos derechos. EN LÍNEA
Nutrition (Counts for CARI credit)
Wednesday, 3/9; 6-9pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/2)
The history of farm food and nutrition will be studied to understand healthy eating and planning. Discussion includes measurement chart review, simple healthy snacks and drinks, seasonal guide to fruit and vegetables, and smart balanced meals to grab and go. Calorie choices and child eating preferences included. ONLINE
Positive Discipline
Thursday, 3/10; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/3)
Positive Discipline is a great parenting technique for children in out-of-home care, and it is the most loving kind of teaching. Positive Discipline involves nurturing trust and connection, sharing skills, and creating an environment where your child can develop feelings of capability and confidence. You will learn this technique, as well as stress management skills for parents. ONLINE
HIV/AIDS Awareness (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 3/12; 9am-12pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/7)
The trends and health experiences of children and adults will be analyzed using Center for Disease Control and Alameda County Public Health data. Caregivers will learn the difference between AIDS, HIV, and STDs which impact healthy child development. ONLINE
Understanding Learning Disabilities (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 3/12; 1-4pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/7)
Medically Fragile factors that impede or delay growth and development will be explored and discussed as caregivers examine how certain factors shape the adults who exposed children may become. In-vitro and specific cognitive development will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on maximizing a child’s well-being and positive development. ONLINE
Let's Talk Teens: Building Healthy Relationships
Tuesday, 3/15; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/10)
In this class, parents and caregivers will learn to help their teens define healthy relationships, develop healthy relationship boundaries, and recognize and put limits on unhealthy relationships
Teens and Covid
Wednesday, 3/16; 6-9pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/10)
Parenting in a pandemic is hard, especially parenting young adults that have experienced trauma. Join us to discuss the common effects of the pandemic. We will explore ways to cope with the stress and to support your teen during these unique times. Local community resources will also be provided. ONLINE
Self-Care, Universal Precaution, and Bloodborne Pathogens (Counts for CARI credit)
Saturday, 3/19; 9am-12pm RSVP HERE RSVP by 3/12
Self-Care: Providing care for little ones is difficult. How are you taking care of yourself? This interactive session will teach self-care strategies for caregivers to help them remain healthy, balanced, and energized.
Universal Precaution and Bloodborne Pathogens: Learn to prevent the transmission of pathogens and disease.
ONLINE
Let’s Talk Teens: From Unhealthy Relationships to Exploitation
Tuesday, 3/22; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/17)
Come to this training to learn about: Media influences on unhealthy relationships and exploitation; Understanding the process and progression from unhealthy relations to exploitation; Empowering your teen with the skills to keep themselves safe. ONLINE
Implicit Biases
Thursday, 3/24; 6-9pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/17)
Implicit biases are the attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, and stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. In this safe environment, come expand your awareness by exploring and understanding implicit bias and learning self-reflection tools to help you practice your conscious parenting skills. ONLINE
CARI Retreat (Counts for CARI Credit)
Saturday, 3/26; 8:45am - 1:00pm RSVP HERE
Re-Connect. Re-Engage. Re-Center. At this fun and relaxing online retreat, caregivers will learn about and practice self-care. Parent Advocates will share strategies for communicating with birth families. Caregivers who complete the retreat will receive a goody bag of gifts. ONLINE
Let's Talk Teens: Drugs, Alcohol & Vaping
Wednesday, 3/29; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 3/30)
Drugs, alcohol, and vaping are common among teens. Come to this workshop to learn about current statistics of teen alcohol and drug use, talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol, and dealing with addiction. ONLINE
Turning Dreams into Degrees, (Course 1 focusing on grades 6-10)
Wednesday, 4/6; 6-9pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 4/1)
“Turning Dreams into Degrees” includes two age-specific courses that can be used give resource families and staff at Short Term Residential Treatment Programs (STRTPs) the tools they need to prepare youth for college. The first course provides information about how to best support youth in grades 6-10. ONLINE
Derechos Personales de los Jóvenes Bajo Su Cuidado
Lunes, 11 de Abril de 2022 de 10:00am-1:00pm en Español ENLACE RSVP
¿Sabía que los niños bajo su cuidado tienen derecho a comunicarse con sus familias y usar sus teléfonos celulares cuando lo deseen? Si no se les permite hacerlo, pueden presentar una queja en su contra. En esta sesión, aprenderá sobre los derechos personales que quizás ni siquiera haya considerado y cómo evitar violar estos derechos. EN LÍNEA
Turning Dreams into Degrees, (Course 2 focusing on grades 11-12)
Wednesday, 4/13; 6-9pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 4/8)
“Turning Dreams into Degrees” includes two age-specific courses that can be used give resource families and staff at Short Term Residential Treatment Programs (STRTPs) the tools they need to prepare youth for college. The second course provides information about how to best support youth in grades 11-12. ONLINE
F.A.T. City (Fear, Anxiety, and Tension) Understanding Learning Disabilities
Tuesday, 4/26; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 4/19)
Children with learning disabilities often experience frustration, anxiety and tension but things do not always have to be this way. This class will teach strategies for supporting children with learning disabilities. ONLINE
Personal Rights of Youth in Your Care
Thursday, 4/28; 6-9pm; RSVP LINK
Did you know that the children in your care have the right to communicate with their families and to use their cell phones whenever they want? If they are no allowed to do so, they may file a complaint against you. In this session, you will learn about personal rights that you may not have even considered, and how to keep from violating these rights. ONLINE
Love and Logic Trauma Series (3 parts)
Part 1 Friday, 4/29; 6-8:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 4/22)
Part 2 Saturday, 4/30; 9:30am – 12pm RSVP HERE by 4/22
Part 3 Saturday, 4/30 1-3:30pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 4/22)
This 3-part series is based on the Love and Logic Series. In this series, parents will learn about how trauma affects the brain and how disruptive behaviors can be children's attempts at self-preservation and personal protection. While you are not required to attend the full series, doing so will impact your understanding of trauma and how to parent your child from a place of understanding and love. ONLINE
SB89 – Healthy Sexual Development
Tuesday, 5/3; 6-9pm RSVP HERE (RSVP by 4/26)
In 2017, California adopted the California Foster Youth Sexual Health Education Act (Senate Bill 89) to increase access to sexual and reproductive health education for youth in foster care. This training will teach caregivers to talk to youth about sex, their bodies and relationships, and to help youth understand consent. ONLINE
ESPAÑOL SB89 - Desarrollo Sexual Saludable
Miércoles, 4 de Mayo de 2022; 9am-12pm; ENLACE RSVP
En 2017, California adoptó la Ley de Educación de Salud Sexual para Jóvenes de Crianza de California (Proyecto de Ley 89 del Senado) para aumentar el acceso a la educación sobre salud sexual y reproductiva para los jóvenes en hogares de crianza. Esta capacitación enseñará a los cuidadores a hablar con los jóvenes sobre el sexo, sus cuerpos y relaciones, y ayudará a los jóvenes a comprender el consentimiento. EN LÍNEA
Building Trust
Thursday 5/12; 6-9pm RSVP HERE
Learn how to build trust with children that have experienced trauma and loss. We will use Conscious Parenting which includes connecting with yourself and your children from a place of love, authenticity and acceptance. ONLINE