Foster Parent Training (FPT) Program - TRC/FY20

The Foster Parent Training Program collaborates with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family (CHFS) Services Department for Community Based Services, other public universities in Kentucky, community partners from across the state, and foster families to identify foster parent training and educational needs. Services include training and curricula development and the dissemination of relevant training and child welfare related information. Conference and event coordination related to foster care is also provided. As the needs of foster families change, so does the program’s focus. It is guided by the needs of DCBS and Kentucky’s foster and adoptive families. Goal: The goal of the Foster Parent Training Program is to develop training and share information that meets the needs of Kentucky’s foster families in order to promote and enhance the safety, permanency and well-being of Kentucky’s children and families. Objective 1: Develop curriculum and/or provide training in support of the CHFS/DCBS Program Improvement Plan Program staff collaborate with the DCBS Training Branch, Central Office personnel, Recruitment and Certification staff, and Kentucky’s foster families to identify topics for curricula development. Upon the development and approval of foster parent training curriculum, trainings are presented as a Training of Trainers (TOT) or as a web-based training. Objective 2: Provide support and information to foster parents Program staff oversee the development and ongoing implementation and maintenance of the F.A.S.T. Help website. This is a website designed to provide Kentucky’s foster/adoptive parents, relative caregivers, and social service workers access to resources they need from one easy to use online location. Program staff also monitor and respond to foster parents seeking information and support through the F.A.S.T. Hotline, which is available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at 1-877-440-6376. Objective 3: Update and distribute Medical Passport Working in partnership with the DCBS Medical Support Section, TRC staff develop, edit, update, print the tabs, assemble and ship medical passports. The Cabinet provides for the shipping of the passports. Program staff maintain a database to track the distribution of medical passports and ensure equitable distribution throughout the state. Objective 4: Create and distribute Certificates of Completion and Appreciation As DCBS Recruitment and Certification staff request certificates for their foster parents, the program creates, prints, and distributes them statewide to the appropriate office. FY 2020 Objective 5: Update and format the Foster Parent Handbook Program staff work closely with DCBS Central Office personnel to update and maintain a timely and informative handbook as a starting point for staff, workers, and foster parents to obtain information pertinent to the day–to-day activities of caring for Kentucky’s children.