Empowering Caregivers Through the Foster Kinship Care Education Program

The Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE) program, established in 1984, plays a vital role in preparing and supporting resource parents. As an integral part of the child-centered Resource Family Approval process, FKCE provides essential training for both applicant and approved resource parents. This program is dedicated to ensuring that caregivers are well-equipped to meet the unique needs of children in foster and kinship care.

Comprehensive Training for Resource Parents

FKCE classes and workshops are designed to cover a wide array of mandated topics critical for effective caregiving. These include in-depth explorations of Child Protective and Probation Systems, understanding the diverse Cultural Needs of Children, and navigating Birth Parent relationships with sensitivity. Furthermore, the curriculum addresses the complexities of Grief and Loss experienced by children in care, and offers strategies for Behavioral Supports for Children Impacted by Trauma. Recognizing the long-term goals for children, training also extends to Permanence and Education Needs of Children in Foster Care.

These classes are structured to fulfill both pre-approval and annual training mandates for resource parents. Beyond the core curriculum, FKCE extends its expertise to specialized skill areas. Caregivers can gain focused knowledge in Providing Care and Supervision to Children with Special Health Care Needs, ensuring they are prepared for various medical and developmental challenges. The program also offers crucial insights into Understanding the Indian Child Welfare Act, promoting culturally competent care for Native American children. In response to contemporary challenges, FKCE addresses Best Practices when Caring for Commercially Exploited Children, equipping caregivers to protect and support vulnerable youth.

To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, FKCE provides services tailored for special populations. Classes are available for participants with English as a Second Language, removing language barriers to quality training. Moreover, ADA compliant classes are offered, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in and benefit from the program. Recognizing the diverse needs of learners, classes and workshops are delivered both in person and online, offering flexibility and convenience. It’s important to note that specific program offerings may vary by college, allowing for localized responsiveness to community needs.

Collaborative Success and Program Reach

The success and widespread impact of the Foster Kinship Care Education Program are underpinned by strong collaborative efforts. Working in partnership with the California Department of Social Services, a dedicated state advisory committee, county departments of social services, and various statewide foster care stakeholders, FKCE ensures its curriculum and services remain relevant and effective. This collaborative network is crucial in addressing the multifaceted and complex needs of foster children throughout California. Foster and Kinship Care Education is therefore not just a program, but a cornerstone in providing quality care and support to California’s foster children.

To locate a Foster Kinship Care Education program in your vicinity, please visit our [Foster and Kinship Care Participating Colleges](Foster and Kinship Care Participating Colleges) web page. For any further inquiries or additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out via email at [email protected].

FKCE Advisory Committee: Governance and Resources

The Foster Kinship Care Education program benefits from the guidance and oversight of an active Advisory Committee. The committee’s charter, outlining its responsibilities and operational framework, is publicly available in the 2022-23 Foster and Kinship Care Education Advisory Committee Charter (PDF).

The Advisory Committee holds regular meetings, ensuring ongoing program development and responsiveness. Below are details and resources from recent meetings: