State of Oregon: Resource Parents and Relative Caregivers - Resource Parent Ongoing Training: Live/Online Courses

Ongoing Live/Online training overview

ODHS Child Welfare coordinates a variety of live online trainings for resource parents, relative resource parents and adoptive or guardianship families.

Session information

Training sessions are between 1 to 3 hours long and are hosted on Zoom.
All topics can be counted toward ongoing training hours for recertification as an ODHS Child Welfare Certified Resource Family.

In the list below, click the Registration link for the training you want to take and fill out the form.
You don't need to create an account to register.
Need help? See the How to Register Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Before attending

Review the Virtual Training Participant Guide (includes a Zoom technology check)

Questions?

Email: resource.familytraining@odhsoha.oregon.gov

2023 Classes

Month	Class Name	Description
June	Youth Thrive: Adolescent Development and Youth Resiliency	Date: 6/7/2023 Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. PST Course Description: Based on strengths-based and positive psychology perspectives, this Youth Thrive training gives resource parents, relative resource parents and adoptive parents the concrete knowledge they need to understand young people and promote their long-term well-being. This training is designed to create an understanding of adolescent development, build empathy and remind us of what it was like as an adolescent. Registration
June	All About Me Books	Date: 6/13/2023 Time: 9 – 11 a.m. PST Course Description: Marvel at the potential of the All About Me Books! These are engaging tools that help children and young adults make sense of their lives, create a snapshot of their lives at a moment in time, enhance their self-worth, and express their thoughts and feelings productively. Registration
June	Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Programs	Date: 6/14/2023 Time: 10 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: This course is specific to currently certified ODHS Child Welfare resource families. Learn about the purpose of Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Programs, the application process, and determination of Adoption/Guardianship assistance benefits. Registration
June	Relative Resource Family Supportive Ideas - "It's All Relative"	Date: 6/15/2023 Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: More than ever, relatives and kinship families are becoming primary caregivers for children in their extended families that need a placement resource. There are many things that relative caregivers have in common, most, if not all, came into this current role with the intent of making a child’s life better by parenting them during a crucial time – or maybe long term. Relative resource parents are providing them with the added benefit of it being family, while caring for them. This is a very important role that relative’s step into and one that has its own challenges. This training will take a deeper look at the role of the relative resource parent, the familial impact of being a relative resource parent. It offers strategies for setting boundaries with family members, birth parents and children as well as increasing the knowledge of ways to support the emotional wellbeing of the children who are in their care. Registration
June	Suicide Prevention Skills: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)	Date: 6/20/2023 Time: 9 - 11 a.m. PST Course Description: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention is an educational program designed to teach the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond as a resource parent. The course is provided by Lines for Life and time is included for questions and answers. Registration
June	Healthy Relationships for Teens	Date: 6/22/2023 Time: 6 - 8 p.m. PST Course Description: Healthy relationships are healing for youth who have lived through trauma. How can adults help support youth in seeking healthy relationships? How can you support youth as they navigate their personal boundaries as well as those of others? We will look at the foundations of healthy relationships, as well as consider the signs of unhealthy relationships. Registration
July	Parenting Ages 0-3: High Risk Infants	Date: 7/6/2023 Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. PST Course Description: A long-time resource parent for infants in the ODHS Child Welfare foster care system shares experiences, hard-won knowledge and insights. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear about the many challenges that resource parents can face when caring for children between birth to age three. Some example topics will include preemies and low birth weight; genetic or developmental disorders; attachment; effects related to drug, alcohol and smoking; medically fragile infants and risk factors; and self-care for resource parents. Registration
July	Relative Resource Parenting	Date: 7/11/2023 Time: 12 – 3 p.m. PST Course Descriptions: Understand the complexities associated with caring for children who are related including: Divided loyalties Redefining roles and relationships Setting boundaries with birth parents and other relatives, and, Range of emotions including anger, resentment, guilt and/or embarrassment. Understand how to manage family dynamics and conflicts, identify triggers and effectively manage stress. Registration
July	Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Programs	Date: 7/12/2023 Time: 10 - 12 a.m. PST Course Description: This course is specific to currently certified ODHS Child Welfare resource families. Learn about the purpose of Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Programs, the application process, and determination of Adoption/Guardianship Assistance benefits. Registration
July	ICWA/ORICWA - Why it Matters	Date: 7/17/2023 Time: 6 – 8 p.m. PST Course Description: This session will provide participants with information about the basic legal requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) and the Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act (ORICWA). We will walk through a brief history of U.S. Indian policy as it relates to Tribal children and families which sets the stage for an examination of the specific provisions of ICWA and ORICWA and will lead participants to a stronger understanding of why these laws are needed today. No knowledge of Tribal Nations, ICWA/ORICWA or experience of working with Tribal children and families is required to participate. Registration
July	Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Impacts	Date: 7/20/2023 Time: 6 – 8 p.m. PST Course Description: Understand the short and long-term impact on children exposed to substances prenatally including FASD: Recognize issues that may be present if parents use(d) substances; Be aware of medical issues that can arise due to substance exposure, including higher risk of later addiction Understand the genetic component of addiction and addiction as a chronic disease Be aware of parenting strategies for children exposed to substances prenatally Registration
July	Supporting Youth Who’ve Experienced Domestic Violence	Date: 7/25/2023 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. PST Course Description: Understand the effects of Domestic Violence on children and youth, as well as examine some proven ways to support their healing journey. Registration
July	Suicide Prevention Skills: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)	Date: 7/25/2023 Time: 9 - 11 a.m. PST Course Description: Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention is an educational program designed to teach the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond as a resource parent. The course is provided by Lines for Life and time is included for questions and answers. Registration
July	Healthy Relationships for Teens	Date: 7/26/2023 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. PST Course Description: Healthy relationships are healing for youth who have lived through trauma. How can adults help support youth in seeking healthy relationships? How can you support youth as they navigate their personal boundaries as well as those of others? We will look at the foundations of healthy relationships, as well as consider the signs of unhealthy relationships. Registration
July	Caregiver Stress: The SMART Approach	Date: 7/272023 Time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PST Course Description: This training teaches the Simple and sustainable, Mindful, Accessible, Renewing; Rejuvenating Timely and Tuned (SMART) approach to relieving stress. Participants become mindful of the importance of stress relief and complete a Customized Stress Relief Profile. The profile documents skills and techniques they can use in the future as they care for Oregon’s most vulnerable children. Registration
July	Trauma Informed Co-Parenting for Success (Parents and Resource Parents)	Date: 7/27/2023 Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. PST Course Description: Resource Parents: Have you ever wished you could have talked to family members about how to support children in your home? You may have wondered about their favorite food or stuffed animal, sleep schedules, or school struggles. Join a panel discussion of Oregon Parents and Resource (Foster) Parents as they answer your questions and share their lived experiences of relationship building, establishing healthy communication and partnering together for trauma-informed co-parenting to best support resilience for children in care and their families. Registration

Month	Date	Class Name	Description
May	5/10/2023	Youth Thrive: Social Connection and Cognitive and Social Emotional Competencies	Date: 5/10/2023 Time: 9 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: This Youth Thrive training is intended to provide resource parents, relative resource parents and adoptive parents with an increase awareness of the importance of young people forming social connections and the knowledge needed to understand young people and promote long-term well-being. Gain a better understanding of how the relationship process is different for young people who have experienced trauma or come from challenging backgrounds. Participants will leave this training with a better understanding of how cognitive and social emotional competencies are a essential developmental task in adolescence because they lay the foundation for forming an independent identity and having a productive, responsible, and satisfying adulthood. Registration
July	7/12/2023	Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Programs	Date: 7/12/2023 Time: 10 - 12 a.m. PST Course Description: This course is specific to currently certified ODHS Child Welfare resource families. Learn about the purpose of Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Programs, the application process, and determination of Adoption/Guardianship Assistance benefits. Registration
April	4/20/2023	Independent Living Program (ILP) Services Overview	Date: 4/20/2023 Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m. PST Course Description: Learn about the variety of skill development options that youth in foster care can access when connected to the Independent Living Program and your role as a resource parent in advocating for youth in your care. Registration
December	12/1/2022	Caring for Children with ADD/ADHD	Date: 12/1/2022 Time: 6 – 8 p.m. PST Course Description: Children (and adults!) who have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder interact and communicate in the world in different ways. Learn more about ADD/ADHD and different techniques for caring for a youth in your home with these diagnoses. Registration
June	6/5/2023	Developing Open and Effective Communication in Resource and Adoptive Families	Date: 6/5/2023 Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m. PST Course Description: Understand the definition of effective communication including both verbal and non-verbal language; understand how to use open communication with children; recognize the importance of active listening skills; aware of strategies to convey compassion and attunement; recognize how to talk to children about difficult and/or sensitive issues with openness; know how to develop and maintain open communication. Understand how to honor the child’s privacy; familiar with strengths-based language to introduce the child into the community; understand strategies to manage intrusive questions and support children in responding to questions while preserving their privacy. Registration
April	4/19/2023	Cultural Continuity Agreements - Why Culture Matters	Date: 4/19/2023 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. PST Course Description: As resource or adoptive parents, celebrating and exploring a child’s cultural identity is essential in one’s strengths, resiliency, and sense of pride. Learn more about Cultural Continuity Agreements in relation to caring for American Indian/Alaskan Native youth, how these agreements are developed, and the importance of ongoing cultural connection. Registration
December	12/13/2022	Understanding and Supporting Foster Youth Who Identify as LGBTQIA+	Date: 12/13/2022 Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. PST Course Description: Gain a basic understanding of what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ youth in today’s society, the impacts of parental/caregiver support, and how to provide supportive and affirmative care to LGBTQIA+ youth. Registration
April	4/27/2023	Mental Health Considerations	Date: 4/27/2023 Time: 10 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: Have a basic understanding of mental health disorders and conditions that commonly occur in childhood; recognize that not all ‘survival’ behaviors, or symptoms of grief are connected with mental health disorders; know about commonly administered psychotropic medications; know how to obtain consistent, adequate and appropriate access to mental health services. Registration
July	7/20/2023	Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Impacts	Date: 7/20/2023 Time: 6 – 8 p.m. PST Course Description: Understand the short and long-term impact on children exposed to substances prenatally including FASD: Recognize issues that may be present if parents use(d) substances; Be aware of medical issues that can arise due to substance exposure, including higher risk of later addiction Understand the genetic component of addiction and addiction as a chronic disease Be aware of parenting strategies for children exposed to substances prenatally Registration
December	12/29/2022	Parents and Resource (Foster) Parents: Trauma-Informed Co-Parenting for Success	Date: 12/29/2022 Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m. PST Course Description: Resource Parents: Have you ever wished you could have talked to family members about how to support children in your home? You may have wondered about their favorite food or stuffed animal, sleep schedules, or school struggles. Join a panel discussion of Oregon Parents and Resource (Foster) Parents as they answer your questions and share their lived experiences of relationship building, establishing healthy communication and partnering together for trauma-informed co-parenting to best support resilience for children in care and their families. Registration
July	7/6/2023	Parenting Ages 0-3: High Risk Infants	Date: 7/6/2023 Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. PST Course Description: A long-time resource parent for infants in the ODHS Child Welfare foster care system shares experiences, hard-won knowledge and insights. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear about the many challenges that resource parents can face when caring for children between birth to age three. Some example topics will include preemies and low birth weight; genetic or developmental disorders; attachment; effects related to drug, alcohol and smoking; medically fragile infants and risk factors; and self-care for resource parents. Registration
June	6/22/2023	Healthy Relationships for Teens	Date: 6/22/2023 Time: 6 - 8 p.m. PST Course Description: Healthy relationships are healing for youth who have lived through trauma. How can adults help support youth in seeking healthy relationships? How can you support youth as they navigate their personal boundaries as well as those of others? We will look at the foundations of healthy relationships, as well as consider the signs of unhealthy relationships. Registration
April	4/11/2023	Domestic Violence (DV) 101	Date: 4/11/2023 Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. PST Course Description: Presented by Sarah Greenwood, CPS Coordinator, Domestic Violence (DV) 101 is a foundational course that offers insights into the world of a survivor of DV. Participants will learn about the dynamics of domestic violence, different types of abuse, warning signs of abusive behaviors, deconstructing myths, examining barriers to leaving an abusive partner, impacts to children, ways to support survivors and their family, community services and supports available, including domestic and sexual violence (DSV) advocates and advocacy programs. Registration
July	7/25/2023	Supporting Youth Who’ve Experienced Domestic Violence	Date: 7/25/2023 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. PST Course Description: Understand the effects of Domestic Violence on children and youth, as well as examine some proven ways to support their healing journey. Registration
May	5/2/2023	Supporting Children with Sexual Behaviors	Date: 5/2/2023 Time: 10:00 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: Many children engage in sexual behaviors. Most of the time, this behavior falls into the “common” or “healthy” range. Sometimes, children engage in “concerning,” “problematic,” or “harmful” sexual behaviors. This is a sign that they are off-track developmentally and need their caretakers and possibly a professional to help them change their behaviors and get back on track. Learn user-friendly methods to identify if the behavior is common/concerning/harmful and tips to respond. This presentation is facilitated by CARES NW. Registration
April	4/5/2023	The Impact of Trauma on the Mind and Body	Date: 4/5/2023 Time: 10:30 a.m. - noon PST Course Description: During this training, participants will learn and discuss ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and their impact on health outcomes; understanding how trauma rewires the brain; the stress responses of fight, flight, freeze or fawn; and the window of tolerance concept. Participants will also learn tips and tools for assisting children in regulating their nervous system to minimize the body’s stress response. Registration
May	5/18/2023	Youth Transition Planning 101	Date: 5/18/2023 Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. PST Course Description: Are you caring for a youth age 14 and up? This training will focus on the preparation for transitioning youth to adulthood and out of foster care utilizing various supports and services that are accessible. Registration
April	4/20/2023	All About Me Books	Date: 4/20/2023 Time: 9 – 11 a.m. PST Course Description: Marvel at the potential of the All About Me Books! These are engaging tools that help children and young adults make sense of their lives, create a snapshot of their lives at a moment in time, enhance their self-worth, and express their thoughts and feelings productively. Registration
April	4/11/2023	Trauma-Informed Responding and Answering the Tough Questions	Date: 4/11/2023 Time: 10 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: Gain practical information about responding to disclosures of sexual abuse and ways to support youth in your care who have been sexually abused. This presentation is being facilitated by CARES NW. Registration
July	7/26/2023	Healthy Relationships for Teens	Date: 7/26/2023 Time: 1 – 3 p.m. PST Course Description: Healthy relationships are healing for youth who have lived through trauma. How can adults help support youth in seeking healthy relationships? How can you support youth as they navigate their personal boundaries as well as those of others? We will look at the foundations of healthy relationships, as well as consider the signs of unhealthy relationships. Registration
May	5/18/2023	Adoption - Oregon Overview	Date: 5/18/2023 Time: 9 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: Understand the ODHS adoption process in more detail in terms of process and what to expect. This training is coordinated by the Oregon Child Welfare Permanency and Adoption program. Registration
May	5/16/2023	Connection with Birth Families after Adoption	Date: 5/16/2023 Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. PST Course Description: Recognize the benefits for children being aware of their adoption story and maintaining connection with their birth families; aware of strategies for maintaining and promoting connections; understand the continuum that exists for connection; know how to negotiate relationships with birth families; recognize the impact on children's loyalty and identity toward birth parents and parents who are adopting. Registration
July	7/17/2023	ICWA/ORICWA - Why it Matters	Date: 7/17/2023 Time: 6 – 8 p.m. PST Course Description: This session will provide participants with information about the basic legal requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) and the Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act (ORICWA). We will walk through a brief history of U.S. Indian policy as it relates to Tribal children and families which sets the stage for an examination of the specific provisions of ICWA and ORICWA and will lead participants to a stronger understanding of why these laws are needed today. No knowledge of Tribal Nations, ICWA/ORICWA or experience of working with Tribal children and families is required to participate. Registration
February	2/23/2023	Accessing Services and Support	Date: 2/23/2023 Time: 10 – 11 a.m. PST Course Description: Normalize the need to ask for services and the importance of being a life-long learner, recognize the need to become an advocate for children to ensure they get the services they need; recognize the importance of developing a support network (school, community supports, friends, medical), understand the types of services available including counseling for trauma and loss; understand the importance of medical/developmental screening and counseling; understand the value of support groups and peer-to-peer programs. Registration
March	3/1/2023	Developing Open and Effective Communication in Resource and Adoption Families	Date: 3/1/2023 Time: 10 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: Understand the definition of effective communication including both verbal and non-verbal language; understand how to use open communication with children; recognize the importance of active listening skills; aware of strategies to convey compassion and attunement; recognize how to talk to children about difficult and/or sensitive issues with openness; know how to develop and maintain open communication. Understand how to honor the child’s privacy; familiar with strengths-based language to introduce the child into the community; understand strategies to manage intrusive questions and support children in responding to questions while preserving their privacy. Registration
March	3/6/2023	Managing Difficult Behaviors in Young Children	Date: 3/6/2023 Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m. PST Course Description: This training offers Resource Families advanced training regarding young children’s difficult behaviors. During the early years 0-5, there is a sense of urgency around prevention, intervention and remediation. This class offers information on how to best support children in their early development as they work through the trauma of being in an out of home placement. This training focuses on prevention and intervention and behavior management techniques when families encounter difficult behaviors. Registration
March	3/7/2023	ICWA/ORICWA - Building Your Understanding	Date: 3/7/2023 Time: 9 – 11 a.m. PST Course Description: This session will focus on building an understanding of the intent of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and will help guide participants in understanding the differences and protections involved in an ICWA case and a non-ICWA case. Participants will also learn how to cultivate relationships with a Tribe and enhance their understanding of why cultural engagement is important for Tribal children. No knowledge of Tribal Nations, ICWA/ORICWA or experience of working with Tribal children and families is required to participate. Registration
March	3/8/2023	Resource Family Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Training	Date: 3/8/2023 Time: 10 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: This course is specific to currently certified ODHS Child Welfare resource families. Learn about the purpose of Adoption and Guardianship assistance, the application process, and determination of Adoption/Guardianship assistance benefits. Registration
March	3/9/2023	Passages: The long and (sometimes) windy road from the Teenage Years to Adulthood	Date: 3/9/2023 Time: 9 a.m. – noon PST Course Description: Learn further about adolescent stages of development, including risk taking behaviors and brain development. Hear from a panel of young adults regarding their experiences with foster care and ways resource parents can support and empower youth as they transition into adulthood. Registration
March	3/13/2023	The Tween Puzzle	Date: 3/13/2023 Time: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST Course Description: They are not quite teens, but they’re not little children…therefore they are known as “tweens” because they are in between these two stages of development. This class is designed to assist resource families become familiar with the tween years as a stage of child development. Taking time to understand the importance of guiding children’s social, emotional and moral development during the tween years which sets the stage for addressing parenting challenges. The trainer will work with the resource family to develop effective tween parenting strategies with the tween in their care. Registration

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Resource Parents and Relative Caregivers

Resource Parent Ongoing Training: Live/Online Courses

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Ongoing Live/Online ​training overview

2023 Classes

Ongoing Live/Online training overview