FosterParentCollege.com provides online training to resource parents for both pre-service and in-service needs, often related to the behavior of a child in their home (such as lying, taking things, anger, and mental health issues) or parenting strategies (including home safety, mandatory reporting, and trauma-informed parenting).
Inputs
- Subject-specific content experts who co-write courses
- Peer review of course material by additional content experts
- Proven-effective techniques regarding child behavior (e.g., trauma-informed parenting)
- Computer-based interactive learning strategies
- Comprehensive yet easily navigable website design
- Evaluation research for effects of courses on parent knowledge, attitudes, and confidence, as well as satisfaction
- Technical support for both agencies and parents
- In-house production facilities for high quality, interactive training
- Proprietary web-based agency management system (computer program)
Processes
- Parents may be registered on FPC website by their sponsoring agency or they may self-register as individuals
- Courses may be chosen by the individual parent or assigned by an agency
- Some courses are provided in both English and Spanish
- Online structure design includes short sequences, the ability for viewers to leave and come back to where they were, and the inability to skip ahead
- At end of course, parents receive a no-fail knowledge test with supportive responses
- Parents can provide feedback or ask questions of their agency or Foster Parent College staff
- Agencies have the option to cluster multiple courses tailored to their desired training goals
- Agencies have access to an online management system to enroll, manage, and report on parent progress
- Agencies have the capability to email multiple parents at the same time
- One-on-one and scheduled technical support training provided for the agency management system
Tangible Outputs
- The online video/audio training uses an interview format with interactive activities embedded within the course
- Courses provide parents with conceptual knowledge on the subject of their interest along with practical steps to improve their situation
- With each course, parents receive supportive and supplemental information in handouts
- Parents receive certification of completion that is accepted by agencies for training
- Parents have access to discussion board on topic of interest
- Proprietary web-based agency management system allows the control and flexibility to meet the needs of agencies and parents
Short-term Outcomes (new knowledge)
- Resource parents gain knowledge about problem behaviors of children coming into care
- Resource parents learn about parenting techniques for children who have been traumatized and are in care
- Resource parents' confidence in handling problem behaviors increases, and their attitudes toward children become more positive
- Resource parents meet agency's training requirements
Intermediate Outcomes (new skills)
- Improved parenting strategies
- Continued confidence and positive attitudes in caring for children
- Improved retention of resource parents
Long-term Outcomes (new abilities)
- Resource parents provide quality care
- Children in care experience greater placement stability
- Children in care are better able to manage the trauma they have previously experienced
- Children in care reach their full potential in life
