Courses

Please select a category to view the course descriptions.

Adolescence
Connecting with Teens in Placement
Guiding Teens Through NH TRAILS
How to Talk with Teens About Sexuality
Juvenile Justice in New Hampshire
The Mental Health & Well-being of Foster and Adoptive Kids
The Unique Needs of Adolescents and Their Caregivers

Adoption
Exploring Adoption
Post-Adoption Services and Resources
Voluntarily Mediated Agreements in Adoptions
Your Family and Adoption

Behavior Management
Caring for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Caring for Children with Emotional Disabilities
Effective Parenting: from Chaos to Cooperation
Guiding the Behaviors of Preschool Children
Parenting Children who Exhibit Sexualized Behaviors
Promoting Positive Behavior with School Age Children
Severe Behaviors of Youth in Placement
Strategies for Managing Sexualized Behaviors
The Challenging Adolescent: Strategies that Work

Child Development
Attachment: A Child's Ability to Connect
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Child Development: Infancy Through School Age
Transitions in Adolescent Development

Communication
Conversational Sign Language
Conversational Sign Language: Level 2
Espanol for Beginners
Mas Espanol
Team Up for Quality Placements

Education
AD-HD: Childhood Through Adolescence
Fostering Success in School
Foundations of Cultural Effectiveness
Introduction to Special Education
Understanding Developmental Disabilities
Unlocking Children’s Learning Styles

Families
Maintaining Relationships and Promoting Connections
Parents in Prison: Keeping Kids Connected
Positive Connections with Birth Families
Sibling Relationships in Foster Care
Traumatic Bonding and Domestic Violence

Health & Safety
Childhood Infectious Diseases
CPR and First Aid for Caregivers
Drug Education
Internet and Computer Safety Awareness
Medications: What Foster Parents Need to Know
Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know
Medications: Residential Staff Review
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Children
Substance Abuse: Adolescents and Families

Neglect and Abuse
Child Abuse and Neglect
The Trauma of Sexual Abuse

Self Development
Advocating for Kids Who Are in Placement
Conflict & Anger Management
Co-Training: Teaching with a Partner
Delivering Effective Training
Documentation for Court and Case Reviews
Foster Parent Mentoring: Linking Families Together
How's Your Stress Life?
Introduction to Specialized Care
NH F.I.R.S.T.: First Initial Response and Support Team
The Effects of Foster Care on the Foster Family

Transitions
Creating Connections Through Lifebooks
Emergency Foster Care Training
Separation and Loss
Transitions: Preparing for Placement Changes

Course Descriptions

Adolescence

Connecting with Teens in Placement   1.2 CEU
This course examines the impact of past trauma on adolescents and offers suggestions on making connections with youth. Participants learn to recognize behavioral symptoms and strategies to assist adolescents in substituting healthy coping mechanisms for self-destructive behaviors. Focus is on modeling, teaching, and coaching adolescents and their families in developing positive interactions.

Guiding Teens Through NH TRAILS    1.2 CEU
This course teaches foster parents and caregiver staff how to use the “NH TRAILS” (Teen Responsibility and Independent Living Skills) curriculum with youth in their care. The importance of preparing adolescents in out-of-home placement for the challenges and responsibilities of independent living is emphasized. Creative ideas for working with pre-teens and teens are shared by class members as they take an active role in the training. Participants will receive a copy of the curriculum and a Trainer's Guide. Distance Learning Option

How to Talk with Teens About Sexuality     .6 CEU
This course explores sexual development as a lifelong process. Sexuality helps to define who one is, including values, attitudes and behaviors. It describes what it means to be male or female in terms of society’s expectations. The possible long-term effects of sexual abuse on a person’s development are discussed. Young people find that they have many questions and concerns about their sexuality, but few adults willing to talk to them. This course provides caregivers with the information, communication skills and comfort to talk honestly and openly with adolescents about sexuality.

Juvenile Justice in NH   1.2 CEU
This course focuses on the juvenile justice system and the programs currently in place in New Hampshire for delinquent children. The goals and purposes of the New Hampshire statute, RSA (Revised Statutes Annotated) 169-B, which guide justice responses to juvenile delinquency offenses, are discussed. This course provides an overview of the roles and rights of various participants in the juvenile justice system, including families, police, juvenile probation and parole officers (JPPO), courts, attorneys and delinquent children. The course examines the services available to delinquent children, their families and caregivers. The environmental, socioeconomic and cultural factors that lead to juvenile delinquency are explored.

The Mental Health & Well-being of Foster and Adoptive Kids   .3 CEU
Is it a stage or is it a problem? As a nation, we are facing an increase in youth suicide and mental health problems. Come together with other parents to learn what can be done to help young people. Develop an awareness about the warning signs and symptoms of some of the more serious mental health problems that can occur among young people in foster and adoptive care. Discuss poor coping skills, low self-esteem, moodiness, anxiety, and depression, and how to help youth with these mental health symptoms. Learn about anger and violence aimed at others or turned inward.

The Unique Needs of Adolescents and Their Caregivers   .3 CEU
Participants discuss important functional goals for the adolescent stage of development, such as life-skill building, identity development, and the move toward independence. Participants learn how teens are effected by stress, common defense mechanisms, coping techniques, and mental health issues. Activities that promote relationship and trust building are introduced, with a concentration on understanding the reasons and messages behind the words, actions and behaviors of teens. Specialized Care Option

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Adoption

Exploring Adoption       .9 CEU
For those open to adopting children that are in out-of-home placement, this course provides an overview of aspects to consider including; biological parents and siblings, self and family assessments, pre and post adoption matters, the NH system of foster care/ kinship care/ adoption and transitional issues affecting foster parents and relative caregivers. Participants learn of resources, including post-adoption services that are available to help them both during and after this transition.

Post-Adoption Services and Resources    .3 CEU
Adoptive families need knowledge of and access to supportive services that promote the family’s balance and well-being. This course offers the opportunity for adoptive families to come together and discover adoption-related resources and ways to enhance advocacy skills. It offers a facilitated discussion to assist families in identifying resources and services that can strengthen their functioning, and match their needs. A resource fair is part of the experiential training, allowing participants to communicate directly with DCYF staff and community service providers. Registration is limited to adoptive parents.

Voluntarily Mediated Agreements in Adoption    .3 CEU
Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively participate in Voluntarily Mediated Agreements, an option during the adoption process. Explore the roles of those involved, including the adoptive parent, the mediator, the adoptee, the birth parent, and the CPSW. Learn about the different types of post-adoption family contact and the benefits to all involved. Understand the importance of relationship building and supporting the youth's participation.

Your Family and Adoption      .3 CEU
Parents who have adopted children through NH DCYF may face multiple and unique challenges, and may not actively seek support. This course is designed to provide adoptive parents with information and support to help them develop self-awareness and insight into the difference between the expectations they have had regarding adoption and the realities of adoption. It provides a forum to explore family challenges and stress, and their responses. The challenges include children’s behavior, extended family and community reactions to special needs and culturally diverse adoptions, and the inevitable changes as the family adapts and grows. Registration is limited to adoptive parents.

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Behavior Management

Caring for Children with Developmental Disabilities       .3 CEU
This course introduces the participants to the unique qualities of children who have developmental disabilities. The participants are acquainted with the nature, causes, symptoms and treatment of the major developmental disabilities. Educational issues for the developmentally disabled are discussed and the need for accurate assessments is highlighted. The important role of advocacy and the challenges caused by stigma are the focus of discussions.

Caring for Children with Emotional Disabilities     .3 CEU
This course introduces the participant to a basic understanding of emotional and behavioral challenges of children and youth. The participants are acquainted with the various classifications of emotional challenges, treatment approaches and management strategies. Severe behaviors found in children are discussed along with effective strategies to address the behaviors. Types of crises, interventions, and community resources are introduced.

Effective Parenting: From Chaos to Cooperation     1.2 CEU
This course focuses on enhancing parenting skills from a variety of perspectives, building on concepts introduced in Foster and Adoptive Care EssentialS training. Participants discuss the relationship between a caregiver's upbringing and values and his or her perception of parenting. Parenting styles and stages of child and parent development are explored. Strategies for caring for children and teens with different temperamental traits are examined. Through the use of interactive activities, learners practice behavioral strategies and positive communication. Examine one's own self-esteem and how it may relate to parenting.

Guiding the Behaviors of Preschool Children     1.2 CEU
This course provides an overview of parenting and communication techniques that are helpful for guiding children's behavior, with emphasis on preschool-aged children. Participants are asked to look at these techniques as they relate to principles of child growth and development, the effects of abuse, neglect, separation and placement on development and behavior. Participants identify their personal style and cultural influences on parenting and relate these to common issues such as feeding, toilet training, and tantrums. The course provides avenues for ongoing support for positive parenting.

Parenting Children who Exhibit Sexualized Behaviors      .3 CEU
This course presents normal childhood sexual development, defines sexualized behavior, and differentiates between healthy sexual play and problematic reactions to abuse. Potential emotional and behavioral reactions of children who have experienced sexual abuse and exploitation are discussed. Participants discuss the importance of non-judgmental responses to sexual behavior and learn how to react nonjudgmentally. Participants discuss the need to develop and enforce rules, boundaries and limits within the home or facility to prevent inappropriate sexual behavior, sexual abuse or false allegations of sexual abuse. Participants review various treatment modalities, and discuss ways to advocate and work with a child's resource team.

Promoting Positive Behavior in School Age Children       1.2 CEU
This course explains the foundations of promoting positive behavior in school age children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Participants explore behavior management techniques that enhance self-esteem, promote positive behavior, develop communication skills and build positive relationships with this age group. This course looks at how the effects of abuse, neglect, separation, the age at placement and the role of peer influences impact the behaviors of school age children. Discussion also focuses on the importance of the extended team including the child’s family, teachers, therapists, caseworkers, coaches, and other positive role models.

Severe Behaviors of Youth in Placement     .6 CEU
This course is designed to help foster and adoptive parents and other caregivers understand and effectively parent children with severe negative behaviors resulting from histories of abuse and/or neglect. These behaviors include fire-setting, sexualized behaviors, stealing, self-mutilation, suicidal ideation, assaultiveness and others. The psychological development and the resultant behaviors of these children is examined in depth and compared to children who are raised in stable environments and attached relationships. Strategies for successfully engaging children and promoting resiliency are explored, including parenting strategies that promote a safe environment for children, family and the community.

Strategies for Managing Sexualized Behaviors     1.2 CEU 
The focus of this course is on topics related to understanding and caring for children who display sexualized behaviors. The range of behaviors may extend from age appropriate sexual exploration to children who molest others. Emphasis will be placed on creating a safe environment, managing sexualized behaviors non-judgmentally and working with the treatment team and available resources.

The Challenging Adolescent: Strategies that Work   1.2 CEU
This course covers a variety of behavior management strategies that help participants parent an adolescent who may have a history of abuse/neglect. Included is an overview of skills, techniques and information aimed at improving understanding, communication, and managing the behavior of challenging adolescents. This course describes stages of growth and development and the way in which difficulties in an adolescent’s earlier childhood years are often transposed onto his or her struggles with the tasks of adolescence. Participants explore self-care strategies relating to parenting a teen.

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Child Development

Attachment: A Child's Ability to Connect        1.2 CEU
Attachment is the deep and lasting connection developed between a child and caregiver in the first years of life. This course focuses on theories of attachment and specifically children whose early attachment and trust have been compromised due to abuse or neglect. Participants discuss how a child's early attachment impacts his or her world of friendships, self-esteem, behavior, and relationship to the caregiver. A philosophy of an attachment issues spectrum, including attachment disorder and reactive attachment disorder is presented. Strategies for managing behavior and connecting with children are discussed.

Autism Spectrum Disorders   1.2 CEU
This course provides participants with a solid understanding of the diverse nature of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) through learning about Autism, Asperger Syndrome (AS) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) including brain function, genetics, and environmental influences. Participants are provided with information on the diverse tools and approaches used for diagnosing, managing and treating ASD. With this information, participants can identify danger risks, and discuss ways to effectively approach parenting and advocating for the needs of children and youth with autism. The impact of the autism spectrum on the individual, family, and society are discussed. Community, state and national resources are explored.

Child Development: Infancy Through School Age     1.2 CEU
This course explores child development from birth through age ten years, based on conventional theories. Included in the discussion are the physical, moral, emotional, sexual, and cognitive domains related to the stages of development. Participants learn ways to identify developmental stages in children by domain and recognize the progression through stages. Biological, cultural and environmental influences on development are explored, including the effects of abuse, neglect, separation and placement. The importance of early attachment and permanency to healthy child development is discussed. Avenues, activities and resources to promote children’s development are explored. Distance Learning Option

Transitions in Adolescent Development        1.2 CEU
This course explores theories of adolescent development within the domains of emotional, physical, cognitive, social, spiritual and sexual. Influences on development such as issues of attachment, the media, communication skills, and relationships are considered. Focus is placed on understanding and communicating positively with adolescents as they move through developmental stages with the underlying issues of separation and placement. This course addresses the life tasks of adolescent development including the move toward autonomy. Cultural differences are explored in the context of development, including ageism, the prejudice and stereotyping of youth. Distance Learning Option

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Communication

Conversational Sign Language             1.2 CEU
This course prepares students with introductory conversational skills necessary to communicate with hard of hearing children and families. Using American Sign Language, this course covers the signs for the alphabet, numbers and basic emergency, safety and medical signs. Signs pertaining to family, school and others necessary for basic communication in the child welfare system are presented. Key terms are defined that relate to the topic, and there is an exploration of the unique attributes of those who identify with the Deaf Culture. Community resources are reviewed for additional information and support.

Conversational Sign Language: Level 2         1.2 CEU
This second level course reviews the signs for the alphabet, numbers to 100, and basic emergency, safety, and medical signs. A learner's basic knowledge of sign language will be expanded to include signs for words relating to family, school, childcare, household, recreation, and nature. The signs for words concerning health, nutrition, emotions, and religion are also presented. For additional information and support, community resources are identified. The course may be presented with an emphasis in ASL, English, or a combination of both depending on the instructor.

Espanol for Beginners     2.4 CEU
This course prepares students with introductory conversational skills necessary to communicate with children and families whose primary language is Spanish. Basic Spanish nouns, verbs and adjectives relating to vocabulary of the home, family, school, foods, the body, colors, numbers 0-100, telling time and stating the date are covered. Emphasis is on helping students to listen for key words and phrases that will enhance assessment, casework and caregiver abilities.

Mas Espanol            2.4 CEU
This course provides a basis for developing the conversational skills that are necessary to communicate with children and families whose primary language is Spanish. Basic Spanish nouns, verbs and adjectives relating to vocabulary of the home, city, school, foods, clothing, medical care and emergencies are covered. Present tense and present progressive tense verb forms are introduced in this course. Emphasis is on helping participants to listen for key words and phrases that will enhance assessment, casework and caregiver abilities. This course is recommended for those who have completed Espanol for Beginners or who have a basic familiarity with Spanish vocabulary.

Team Up for Quality Placements           .6 CEU
This course brings together social workers and foster parents to explore the concepts and essential issues relating to the effectiveness of the foster care team. Examined are topics such as team building, constructive conflict, personality types, and leadership. This course is a forum to share points of view, discuss barriers to communication and define roles and responsibilities. Communication tools available to teams are explored. Boundaries are defined, and the participants are encouraged to focus on the benefits to the child and family from a team approach.

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Education

ADHD: Childhood Through Adolescence     1.2 CEU
This course focuses on complex issues concerning Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Discussion includes possible causes, symptoms, developmental and behavioral characteristics, and medication. Participants develop an understanding of how ADHD is diagnosed, how children with this special diagnosis learn, and resources available to support them and their families.

Fostering Success in School     .3 CEU
This course identifies the potential obstacles facing children in foster care as they navigate the school system, academically and socially. The importance of productive home/school communication, support systems, and routines are discussed as ways to avoid or overcome these obstacles. Participants learn the basics of the NH Special Education system, including the processes of referral, special needs identification, individualized plan development, and follow through. Specialized Care Option

Foundations of Cultural Effectiveness             1.2 CEU
This course seeks to enhance the cultural effectiveness of participants by exploring diversity in individuals, families, and communities. Beginning with the identification of key terms and concepts, this course addresses fallacies and misconceptions that surround diversity and culture, in both areas of self-concept and in one’s perception of community. It explores the “culture of the family” through its structure, behavioral aspects, parenting styles, strengths and challenges. Participants discuss and further develop the principles needed to effectively work with children and families of different cultural backgrounds than their own, and identify resources they can access in the process of becoming increasingly culturally effective. Distance Learning Option

Introduction to Special Education         1.2 CEU
This course focuses on the special education process from legal, educational, and societal perspectives. In this course, participants learn about legal safeguards and services afforded to children with education and other disabilities. These include Child-Find mandates, the process of referring children for screening, requirements for evaluation and categories of disability identification, Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, how placement is determined along with the concepts of least restrictive environment, and inclusion. Federal and state laws are explained including the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004), the Federal Anti-Discrimination Legislation of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and the Improving America’s Schools Act (Title I). Parental roles and rights are highlighted, as well as the role of the educational surrogate and foster parents.

Understanding Developmental Disabilities       1.2 CEU
This course explores the various developmental disabilities of children. Participants discuss the nature, causes, symptoms and treatment of developmental disabilities from the prenatal stage through adulthood. The wide-ranging impacts that developmental disabilities can have on the family, other caregivers, and on the child's education are explored. Additional information on the evolution of services, current trends, current legislation in special education and advocacy for individuals and families is also provided. Services and resources are explored.

Unlocking Children’s Learning Styles       .6 CEU
This course explains different learning styles and how to recognize them in yourself and in others. In addition, it covers how and why we remember (or forget) what we learn. It explores learning through a child's sense, covering topics such as the Multiple Intelligences, motivation, learning styles, why we pay attention, and personality factors.

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Families

Maintaining Relationships and Promoting Connections     1.2 CEU
The course explores working with families of origin from the perspective of strengths and challenges, family history, communication patterns, cultural effectiveness. Participants learn specific factors that may continue to contribute to abuse and neglect of children. Participants have the opportunity to apply family-centered service principles to create a plan for working with biological parents of children in foster homes or residential care. Participants learn to recognize strengths and positive attributes in families and understand the importance of maintaining family relationships. Distance Learning Option

Parents in Prison: Keeping Kids Connected        1.2 CEU
The number of incarcerated parents has increased dramatically in the past decade. Their children, especially those in placement, are at risk for many behavioral problems including poor academic achievement, substance abuse, delinquency and even intergenerational incarceration. This course focuses on the impact of incarceration on case planning, reunification, and the special needs of these children. Distance Learning Option

Positive Connections with Birth Families       .3 CEU
This course introduces a strength-based approach to working with families of children in out-of-home placement. Participants have opportunities to explore appropriate strategies that maintain and strengthen a child's connection with the birth family, and help promote a family's connection with the child, including while the parent is in prison. Communication skills and identifying ways to overcome barriers to communication are explored and practiced. Behavior management tools such as co-parenting are discussed as well as how to empower parents through mutual respect and ways to avoid power-struggles. Specialized Care Option

Sibling Relationships in Foster Care    1.2 CEU
Sibling dynamics and relationships are explored, including birth order, sibling rivalry, parenting and family roles. Focus on family variables and dynamics as well as transitions for both the children in the home and the foster child. Considerations of the effects of foster placements on the foster family are also explored.

Traumatic Bonding and Domestic Violence    .6CEU
This course explores the seemingly indestructible attachment that can develop between parents, partners, and children in a domestic violence relationship. Trauma bonds create a force that pulls the victim back in to dangerous situations, spurs the abuser to pursue the victim, and demands that children protect their parents. The course describes how factors like power imbalances, alternating abuse and “good times,” and the need to belong can set up trauma bonds. Physical and sexual abuse situations are addressed. Strategies for working with children with domestic violence histories are discussed.

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Health & Safety

Childhood Infectious Diseases 1.2 CEU
This course provides an overview of a variety of childhood infectious diseases and alerts caregivers to situations that have the potential for disease transmission. The course clarifies how infections occur, how they are passed from one person to another, universal precautions, immunization and other ways of protecting children and their caregivers from illness. Distance Learning Option

CPR and First Aid for Caregivers          .6 CEU
This course prepares participants to recognize life- threatening emergencies such as choking and heart failure in adults, children and infants. Participants learn to perform emergency interventions including rescue breathing, chest compression, and relief of foreign body obstruction (RFBO) in an unresponsive victim. Methods to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are described. Upon successful completion of this course, participants are CPR certified by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Drug Education      1.2 CEU
This course provides the learner with the ability to identify legal and illegal drugs and the paraphernalia that is used in association with drug use. The course explains the physical and psychological effects of illicit drug use. Information is provided on how drugs are obtained, in general and locally. The difference between legal and illegal usage is covered, as well as resources for addiction recovery. Distance Learning Option

Internet and Computer Safety Awareness      1.2 CEU
This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to protect children, youth and adults from online risks when using the Internet. Participants learn how to safely access the web by using common Internet tools such as browsers, email and instant messaging. Participants learn skills to protect their family from online risks including cyber-bullying, online harassment, exposure to inappropriate materials and phishing. Popular social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace are explored. Resources to help keep children and youth safe are explained including how to discuss Internet safety with family members. Distance Learning Option

Medications: What Foster Parents Need to Know    1.2 CEU
This course is designed to educate caregivers on proper protocol for administering medication to children in their care. The roles and responsibilities of the substitute caregiver and others involved in the child's care are addressed, along with a discussion of the medicine-related ethical issues. Participants explore the different categories of medications, and look into the effects of medications on children's body systems. Participants learn the correct protocol for administering prescription and nonprescription drugs to children both when conditions are ideal, and when they are not. Reliable health resources are identified. Distance Learning Option

Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know        .6 CEU
This course is designed to educate residential childcare staff on best practice and proper protocol for administering medication to children and youth in their care. Outlined are the roles and responsibilities required of staff in order to be authorized by the state of NH to administer medications. Safe storage procedures, accurate documentation and information regarding medical orders are covered. Participants explore the different categories of medications, and look into the effects of medications on children's body systems. Participants learn the correct protocol for administering prescription and non-prescription drugs when conditions are ideal, and how to react to situations of medication occurrences. Reliable health resources are identified. Distance Learning Option

Medications: Residential Staff Review       .3 CEU
This course provides a review of material presented in the course “Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know”. Areas of review include outlining staff responsibilities, defining and categorizing medications, understanding the processes of administering medications and what to do in case of emergencies. Beyond this review, this course explores ethical issues that surround children and medications, and will promote a deeper understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and personal privacy of residents. (Prerequisite - Medications: What Residential Staff Need to Know or equivalent)

Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Children      1.2 CEU
This course explores the basics of healthy nutrition and typical nutritional challenges faced by caregivers of children and teens. Participants learn practical ways to promote positive and healthy eating habits and strategies for handling food- related challenges. The course provides an overview of nutrition- related illnesses and allergies, and describes ways to individualize a healthy diet to the child’s needs. Community resources for ongoing support and information are discussed. Distance Learning Option

Substance Abuse: Adolescents and Families           1.2 CEU
This course defines and examines the impact of substance abuse on the adolescent, within the family system, and in communities. Stages of addiction are explored along with the topics of prevention, abuse identification, intervention, treatment options and recovery relapse prevention. Discussion will address cultural and personal values and attitudes towards substance use and abuse. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and other prenatal substance abuse effects are defined along with the potential special needs of the children and their caregivers.

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Neglect and Abuse

Child Abuse and Neglect         .6 CEU
This course examines indicators of child abuse and neglect, as well as current New Hampshire provisions for identifying and reporting suspected cases. The dynamics of family patterns and factors that may lead to abuse and neglect by parents and/or caretakers are discussed. There is a brief historical summary, and exploration of cultural variances in abuse cases, accompanied by statistics of incidences. Short and long term effects of abuse/neglect are presented.

The Trauma of Sexual Abuse      .6 CEU
This course defines sexual abuse, and focuses on its impact on children, first families and foster families. Identification of sexual abuse and the potential behavioral, psychological, and family characteristics indicative of childhood sexual abuse is explored. In this course, indicators of sexual abuse are outlined as well as how to talk to children about abuse. This course explains that sexual abuse can effect development, relationships, communication, behavior, etc., and that recovery is a lifelong process. Guidelines for setting up safe environments are explored including how to prevent false allegations. The importance of working collaboratively with the non-offending parent(s) when possible is discussed.

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Self Development

Advocating for Kids Who Are in Placement    .9 CEU
This course explores both the legal and case management aspects of NH's child welfare system. With this background, participants develop strategies to successfully advocate for children in out-of-home placement, using community resources and connections. The focus is on positive communication skills, both written and verbal, building professional relationships, and developing an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of the child welfare system. Strategies are developed to assist participants in successfully advocating for children in placement.

Conflict and Anger Management      .6 CEU
This course explores anger as a normal emotion and conflict as a normal aspect of human relationships. Anger and conflict may lead to either negative or positive behaviors. This course provides strategies on how to teach children and youth to recognize anger, how to manage their anger and when and how to express it in positive ways. Participants explore how they manage their own stress. The steps of conflict resolution, assertiveness skills, communication, negotiation, mediation and how to teach these skills to children and youth are examined.

Co-Training: Teaching with a Partner         .6 CEU
Explore “co-training”, a team approach to instructing. This course supports caregivers in developing and expanding their collaboration skills in teaching with a partner. Participants explore the advantages of co-training, classroom management strategies, and facilitating group discussions. Participants have the opportunity to share their concerns, challenges, and ideas regarding teaching as a team.

Delivering Effective Training       1.2 CEU
This course is for caregivers and staff who are interested in teaching and co-leading classes. Participants explore adult learning theory and the importance of group process. This hands-on course also focuses on training methods and techniques for leading group dialogue. Opportunities to practice presentation skills and leading discussions are provided.

Documentation for Court and Case Reviews      1.2 CEU
This course assists caregivers in understanding the court process and the importance of documentation and communication in best meeting the needs of children in their care. Focus is on accurate reporting practices, case planning, legal rights and responsibilities of caregivers and children in their care and an understanding of the juvenile court system.

Foster Parent Mentoring: Linking Families Together      .6 CEU
This course prepares seasoned foster parents to assist and support less experienced foster families within their local fostering community. Participants understand their role as a mentor and learn techniques for approaching and reaching out to less experienced foster families. Focus on building a positive, trusting relationship within the supportive foster parent team. Problem solving and trouble-shooting situations are explored.

How's Your Stress Life? .6 CEU
This course focuses on the symptoms of stress and the effect that stress can have on a child, family and caregiver. Stress can be used as a signal to motivate an individual to make positive changes and allow the opportunity to reassess one's priorities. Examining stress from a positive perspective will not only be insightful to the caregiver, but can be useful in helping children and youth develop healthy coping mechanisms. Effective strategies for managing stress, including the use of support systems, are presented.

Introduction to Specialized Care     .6 CEU
This course introduces experienced foster parents to the guidelines and expectations of providing Specialized Care for NH Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Explained is the meaning of Specialized Care and the requirements to obtain this license. Participants become familiar with case plans and goals, permanency and concurrent planning. Covered is the relationship between behavior management, non-biased documentation in monthly reports, teamwork and case planning. This course establishes a format for subsequent training required to obtain a Specialized Care license. Specialized Care Option

NH F.I.R.S.T.: First Initial Response and Support Team      1.2 CEU
This course focuses on building the skills of caregivers who are providing volunteer on-call support to foster families facing allegations of abuse and neglect. Participants learn how to describe the investigation process, improve their listening and communication skills, maintain confidentiality, convey preparation plans for meetings with NH Division for Children, Youth and Family (DCYF) investigators, and describe measures to prevent future allegations.

The Effects of Foster Care on the Foster Family       .3 CEU
This course explores the ways foster care can change and shape family dynamics and relationships within the family that is fostering. Concepts involved in family systems including cohesion, hierarchy and interdependence are discussed. Participants discuss the issues of early attachment deficits that foster children may bring to the family and how this may affect behavior, communication and other interaction. Participants see how their family's culture and that of the child's may affect the overall balance and functioning of the home, and explore ways to work with these differences to benefit all members. Specialized Care Option

Transitions

Creating Connections Through Lifebooks     1.2 CEU
This course explores the importance and process of creating lifebooks for children and youth in placement. Emphasis is on increasing caregiver's sensitivity to the potential impact of out-of-home placement on children and youth and exploring how creating and maintaining a lifebook can help to address issues of grief and loss, improve a child’s self-esteem, and build a sense of personal identity. Resources to assist in the creating of the lifebook are identified and an opportunity is provided for participants to begin working on a lifebook.

Emergency Foster Care Training     .6 CEU
This NH DCYF training is required of individuals who are interested in pursuing an Emergency Foster Care license. The roles and responsibilities of the emergency care provider will be explored. Participants will learn how to assist children through traumatic separation from their family while learning how to manage anger and transition.

Separation and Loss         1.2 CEU
This course addresses the separation and loss issues of children and youth in placement, as well as the issues for the biological family and the foster family. The focus is on attachment, the grieving process, and the behavioral indicators of stress. Strategies will be developed to assist children in moving from foster care to other caregivers, independent living, or reunification.

Transitions: Preparing for Placement Changes        1.2 CEU
This course explores the process of assisting children and youth who move from one placement to another. Strategies include age appropriate discussion, play, reading stories and creating lifebooks. Emphasis is on the importance of a caregiver understanding the reasons for the move and the natural, emotional and behavioral responses from the child or youth. The potential impact of the transition on the foster family or staff in a residential facility will be discussed.