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Certification Training for Resource and Adoptive Families

Resource and Adoptive Family Training (RAFT)

RAFT is the foster care certification training curriculum for Resource Parents, Relative Resource Parents, pre-adoptive parents and guardians. 

While RAFT is not required for Relative Resource Parents, we encourage you to attend to learn more about caring for a child in foster care and to improve your skills.

Video: Learn how RAFT educates and empowers
Training optionsPrerequisitesCourse info and materials

Training options

You can choose how to complete RAFT training, either with an instructor or on your own. 

Live with an instructor (in person or virtual)

  • 12 live sessions, 2 hours each 
  • 24 hours total

To register for instructor-led training: 

Self-paced on your own time (available 24/7)

  • 17 self-paced courses (about 1 hour 15 minutes each) plus a short user guide
  • Approximately 22 hours total

To register for self-paced training: 

Need help getting started with Workday Learning? 

Not sure which type of training you prefer?

See Welcome to Training: Navigating Resource Family Training. This can help you decide how you would like to take RAFT and other trainings.

Prerequisites

Before you take RAFT training, you need to complete the following prerequisites:

There are two versions of the orientation, depending on whether you will be caring for a relative or not. ​

If you are not related to the child you will be caring for:

Take the 5-part Orientation for Non-Relatives

If you are related to the child you will​ be caring for:

Take the 4-part Orientation for Relatives

We define a “relative" as someone connected to a child or young adult by blood, adoption, marriage, tribal or refugee custom, or through a significant prior emotional relationship, even if the legal tie has been dissolved. This includes:

  • Extended family (grandparents, aunts, cousins)
  • Step-parents and domestic partners
  • Others recognized by the child, family or cultural tradition

All Resource and Relative Resource Parents certified by ODHS Child Welfare are Mandatory Reporters of​ child abuse. Learn about the requirements of mandatory reporters in recognizing and​ understanding signs of child abuse, when and how to report abuse, and information to share when reporting abuse.

Go to Mandatory Reporting training

Resource Parents should understand safe sleep practices to help prevent sleep-related injuries and deaths among infants in their care. Following these practices ensures babies have a safe, nurturing environment that supports their healthy development and well-being.

Go to Safe Sleep​ training

We also highly recommend you watch these videos before starting RAFT:

Course information and materials

Click on each session below for a course summary, glossary of terms and learning resources.

Course Summary

Session 1 introduces the foundations of Oregon Child Welfare and trauma-informed caregiving. Participants learn about the child welfare system, why children enter foster care, reunification, permanency planning, and ways to create safe, nurturing home environments that support healing and stability.

  • 1.1 Introduction to Child Welfare
    Learn about the Oregon Child Welfare system, the role of resource and adoptive parents, and the foundations of trauma-informed caregiving. This course introduces the RAFT competencies and helps participants begin reflecting on their readiness to support children and families.
  • 1.2 The Primary Permanency Goal
    Explore the reunification process and why returning children safely home is the primary goal of foster care. Participants learn about permanency planning and the important role resource parents play in supporting children and families throughout the process.
  • 1.3 Reasons Children Enter Care
    Learn about the most common reasons children enter foster care, including neglect, substance use, domestic violence, and abuse. This course explores how trauma impacts children’s development, behavior, and relationships.
  • 1.4 Creating a Stable, Nurturing and Safe Home
    Learn practical strategies for creating safe, supportive, and relationship-centered home environments for children who have experienced trauma and loss. Topics include routines, proactive parenting, de-escalation strategies, and supporting children through challenging behaviors.

Glossary

Learning Resources

ODHS Child Welfare documents

Online resources

Course Summary

Session 2 focuses on understanding how trauma, grief, disrupted development, and attachment experiences affect children’s behavior, emotions, and relationships. Participants learn practical trauma-informed parenting strategies that support healing, connection, and emotional safety.

  • 2.1 Impacts of Trauma
    Learn how trauma affects children’s brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior. Participants explore trauma-informed parenting strategies, including co-regulation and the 3R’s: Regulate, Relate, and Reason. 
  • 2.2 Child Development
    Explore typical child development and how trauma can impact developmental progress. Participants learn about developmental milestones, developmental age versus chronological age, and strategies to support healthy development. 
  • ​2.3 Separation, Grief and Loss
    Learn how separation, grief, and loss impact children in foster care and adoption. This course explores how children grieve behaviorally and provides tools to help children process loss and maintain important connections. 
  • 2.4 Attachment
    Learn about attachment, early relationships, and how trauma impacts children’s ability to form healthy connections. Participants explore attachment styles and relationship-focused parenting strategies that help children build trust and secure attachment.

Glossary

Learning Resources

Online resources

Course Summary​

Session 3 focuses on helping resource and adoptive parents support children’s culture, race, identity, and community connections. Participants learn strategies for creating welcoming, affirming homes that strengthen children’s self-worth, belonging, and cultural identity.

  • 3.1 Cultural Connections
    Explore the importance of culture, identity, and belonging for children in foster care and adoption. Participants learn ways to support children’s cultural connections, navigate cultural differences, and build belonging through curiosity, openness, and shared experiences. 
  • 3.2 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA/ORICWA)
    Learn about Tribal Sovereignty, the history behind ICWA and ORICWA, and the importance of maintaining Tribal and cultural connections for American Indian and Alaska Native children. This course also reviews the unique legal requirements for ICWA and ORICWA cases. 
  • 3.3 Parenting in a Diverse Family
    Learn specialized parenting skills for supporting children whose race or culture differs from that of the resource or adoptive family. Topics include racial identity, racism, cultural belonging, and creating culturally affirming home environments. 
  • 3.4 Introduction to Caring for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
    Learn common LGBTQIA2S+ terms and strategies for creating safe, welcoming, and supportive homes for LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Participants explore the importance of affirming children’s identities and supporting their emotional well-being.

Glossary

Learning Resources

ODHS Child Welfare documents

Online resources

Course Summary

Session 4 highlights the ​important role resource and adoptive parents play in supporting children’s family relationships, transitions, and lifelong connections. Participants learn how to support reunification, Family Time, sibling relationships, and meaningful ongoing connections for children.

  • 4.1 Foster Care – A Means to Support Families
    Learn why supporting children also means supporting their parents and families. Participants explore strategies for building respectful, collaborative relationships that strengthen reunification and support children’s well-being. 
  • 4.2 Family Time
    Explore the purpose and benefits of Family Time and learn strategies to support children before, during, and after visits with parents and family members. Participants also review Family Time Visit and Contact Plans. 
  • 4.3 Supporting Transitions
    Learn about the impact placement moves and transitions can have on children in foster care and adoption. Participants explore trauma-informed ways to support children during placement changes, reunification, adoption, and other transitions. 
  • 4.4 Maintaining Children’s Connections
    Learn why maintaining relationships with parents, siblings, extended family, and other important people is essential for children’s identity and well-being. Participants explore strategies for supporting lifelong family and sibling connections.

Glossary

​ Learning Resources

ODHS Child Welfare documents

Online resources

Course Summary

Session 5 focuses on strengthening resilience, support systems, and ongoing learning for resource and adoptive parents. Participants explore the five Protective Factors that strengthen families and learn strategies for self-care, accessing supports, and supporting children’s emotional development.

  • 5.1 Resilience and Next Steps
    Learn strategies for building resilience, preventing caregiver burnout, strengthening support networks, and accessing community resources. Participants also review the next steps in the certification process and opportunities for ongoing learning and growth.

Glossary

Learning Resources

ODHS Child Welfare documents

Online resources

Alternate formats
You can request training materials in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer free of charge. Email the Resource Family Training Team at resource.familytraining@odhsoha.oregon.gov.