Aspiring Foster Parent? Current Foster Parent?
You're in the right place
At Extra Special Parents, we're here to support you every step of the way. Join us for our monthly training and orientation sessions to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for this vital role as a foster parent. We aim to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible, ensuring you understand each stage and can confidently find the right match for your family.
We're excited you've chosen ESP as your fostering or adoption guide and resource. When you partner with ESP, you'll have a dedicated clinical specialist and membership in the Virginia family of foster and adoptive parents! It's a beautiful community filled with peer and professional support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these deserving children.
Schedule Today
See a session-by-session summary for foster parent training. To schedule orientation, training, or RSVP for an event, contact a foster advocate or give us a call.
Welcome to foster parent training with Extra Special Parents! We're thrilled you’re here and know you will learn amazing things during your parenting journey. Look at the training session outline below, then select the date of your choosing on our training calendar above. When ready, enroll in a free session by contacting an ESP advocate.
SESSION 1:
Let's begin with an orientation to your Licensed Child Placing Agency (LCPA). In this session, we'll introduce you to Extra Special Parents (ESP) as a strength-based, trauma-focused agency. We'll dive into the foster care system, discussing everything from factors contributing to neglect and abuse to the concept of permanence for children. Plus, we'll explore the process and experience of reunification, the importance of visits with birth families, and much more.
SESSION 2:
Get ready to explore the powerful topic of grief and loss. We'll equip you with the tools to help children in foster care process their emotions and behaviors surrounding separation from their family of origin. You'll learn about preparing children for family visits, fostering their sense of identity, and respecting their connections to their birth family and previous caregivers.
SESSION 3:
It's all about youth development and behavior interventions… Discover the stages of child development and learn effective strategies for addressing reactionary or unwanted behaviors. We'll emphasize the importance of building strong parent-child relationships and nurturing resilience in children who have experienced trauma.
SESSION 4:
Understand the regulatory standards of foster care in Virginia and how to maintain a safe and nurturing home environment. You'll learn about confidentiality requirements, social media guidelines, and ongoing training opportunities to support you on your foster or adoptive family journey.
SESSION 5:
Finally, we delve into understanding trauma and supporting youth in foster care. Learn to identify and report child abuse, reframe your view of a child's behavior, and practice trauma-informed parenting techniques. Plus, discover the importance of self-care and respite for foster parents.
Join us at ESP and make a difference in the lives of Virginia’s most vulnerable children. Together, we can create brighter futures and stronger communities. Sign up today and embark on this incredible journey with us!