Courses

Please select a category to view the course descriptions.

Adolescence
Connecting with Teens in Placement
Guiding Teens Through NH TRAILS
Helping Teens Prevent Violence
Juvenile Justice in NH
How to Talk with Teens About Sexuality
The Unique Needs of Adolescents and Their Caregivers

Behavior Management
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 in School Age Children
Severe Behaviors of Children in Placement
Strategies for Managing Sexualized Behaviors
The Challenging Adolescent: Strategies that Work

Child Development
Transitions in Adolescent Development
Attachment: A Child's Ability to Connect
Preschool Child Development
School Age Child Development

Communication
Advocating for Kids Who Are in Placement
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
Internet Safety Awareness
Introduction to Special Education
Shaping Success in School
Understanding Developmental Disabilities
Unlocking Children’s Learning Styles

Families
Adoption & Safe Families Act: An Overview
Domestic Violence and Traumatic Bonding
Exploring Adoption
Foundations of Cultural Effectiveness
Maintaining Family Relationships in Placement
Parents in Prison: Keeping Kids Connected
Positive Connections with Birth Families
Post-Adoption Services and Resources
Sibling Relationships in Foster Care
The Effects of Foster Care on the Foster Family
Your Family and Adoption

Health
Childhood Infectious Diseases
CPR and First Aid for Caregivers
Drug Education
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 Sexual Abuse: The Investigative Process
The Trauma of Sexual Abuse
Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect

Self Development
Conflict & Anger Management
Co-Training: Teaching with a Partner
Delivering Effective Training
Documentation for Court and Case Reviews
Fine Tuning Your Paraprofessional Skills
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
Online Course Orientation: Learning to Use the Tools

Transitions
Creating Connections Through Lifebooks
Emergency Foster Care Training
Making the Transition from Fostering to Adoption
Separation and Loss
Transitions: Preparing for Placement Changes

Course Descriptions

Adolescence

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.

Helping Teens Prevent Violence - APST 530    1 Credit
This course examines possible causes of violent and aggressive behavior, it’s impact on perpetrators and victims, and how to prevent youth violence in the home and community. Understanding why violence exists and how to prevent it are essential parenting skills. Strategies for caregivers to use in helping to prevent violence are discussed. Possible warning signs of violent youth behavior including dating violence, gang involvement, and bullying and how to respond to violent behavior are explained. Participants discuss how a teen’s perception of violence and aggression relates to his or her emotional stage of development.

How to Talk with Teens About Sexuality        .6 CEU
This course explores sexual development as a lifelong process. Sexuality helps to defines who one is, including values, attitudes and behaviors. It describes what it means to be male or female in terms of societies 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 169-B, which guides juvenile delinquency offenses are discussed. There is an overview of the roles and rights of various participants in the Juvenile Justice System including families, police, Juvenile Probation and Parole Officers (JPPOs), Courts, attorneys and delinquent children. The course examines the services available to delinquent children, their families and caregivers. Parental roles and rights in the Juvenile Justice System are explored as well as the environmental, socioeconomic and cultural factors that lead to juvenile delinquency.

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. Contemporary issues such as media violence, marketing, computer safety, sleep patterns, and gender and ethnic differences are explored. This is part of the newly updated Specialized Foster Care Series.

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Behavior Management

Behavior Management     .3 CEU
This course is designed to provide practical solutions to real life situations. Review techniques that may be helpful for foster parents to use to guide children's behavior. A positive approach to discipline and communication between the foster caregiver and the child in placement will be emphasized.

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

Caring for Children with Emotional Disabilities         .3 CEU
This course introduces the learner to a basic understanding of emotional and behavioral challenges in children and youth. The learner will become acquainted with the various classifications of emotional challenges, treatment approaches and management strategies. Severe behaviors found in children will be discussed along with effective strategies to address the behaviors. Types of crises, interventions, and community resources will be 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 preservice foster care and adoption 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 non-judgmentally. 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. This is part of the newly updated Specialized Foster Care Series.

Promoting Positive Behavior in School Age Children       1.2 CEU
Based on an understanding of developmental stages of school aged children including emotional, physical, cognitive, social and language development, this course explores communication and child behavior management techniques that promote self-esteem and self-discipline. The effects of abuse, neglect, separation and placement on child development and behavior are discussed. Working with primary families, teachers, counselors and therapists is explored.

Severe Behaviors of Children in Placement - APST 526     1 Credit
This course is meant to help foster parents and other surrogate caregivers understand and effectively deal with the severe negative behaviors of children who have grown up in neglectful, abusive and chaotic families. These include fire setting, stealing, suicidal ideation, assaultiveness and other destructive behaviors. The psychological development and the resultant behaviors of these children is examined in depth and compared to children who are raised in stable environments. Strategies for successfully engaging these children are explored, including examining the role of the child's therapist.

Strategies for Managing Sexualized Behaviors     CEU 1.2
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.

Child Development

Adolescent Development - APST 522   1 Credit
Explore theories of adolescent development (emotional, physical, cognitive, social and sexual). Life tasks of the adolescent will be examined within the context of foster care. Focus will be placed on understanding and communicating with adolescents as they move through developmental stages with the underlying foster care issues of attachment, separation and placement, and self sufficiency. Readings and an independent project will be completed.

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.

Infant and Toddler Growth and Development - CHCP 500             1 Credit
The basics of infant and toddler growth and development will be discussed from the perspective of foster parents. Implications of biological and environmental influences will be explored, as well as effects of abuse, neglect, separation and placement. The role of the foster parent will be developed regarding welcoming infants and toddlers into foster care and building bridges between the foster home and the home of origin.

Preschool Child Development - CHCP 501     1 Credit
This course explores physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth and development of children ages 3-5. The interaction between foster family members, birth parents and foster children is emphasized. Participants have opportunities to apply learned concepts through observation and other assignments.

School Age Child Development - APST 523   1 Credit
This course will focus on theories of development, developmental milestones and temperamental traits of school age children (ages 6-12). Physical, cognitive, social and emotional development will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on issues arising when school age children enter placement, the impact that separation from the primary family has on developmental stages, and techniques which promote healthy development.

Communication

Conversational Sign Language             1.2 CEU
This introductory level course presents the signs for the alphabet, numbers to 100 and basic emergency, safety and medical signs. Signs pertaining to family, school and childcare are presented. For additional information and support, community resources are identified. The course is taught with an emphasis in ASL, English, or a combination of both depending on the instructor.

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, day-care, household, recreation, and nature. The signs for words concerning health, nutrition, emotions, and religion will also be presented. For additional information and support, community resources will be 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 class builds upon the vocabulary and language skills of Espanol for Beginners. Learn words and key phrases that will help you gather information pertinent to abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse from children and families whose primary language is Spanish. If you have some previous background or have completed an introductory course, join us! This course is offered in the classroom setting, through workbook and CD format or a combination of both.

Team Up for Quality Placements           .6 CEU
Caregivers and DCYF staff are invited to come together to explore how their behavior and communication methods can impact the satisfaction level, productivity, and effectiveness of the Foster Care Team.

Education

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. Learning styles and Multiple Intelligence are presented as tools to increase children's success and home/school communication. Participants learn the basics of the NH Special Education system, including the processes of referral, special needs identification, individualized plan development, and follow through. Special focus is given to ways to support children with emotional and developmental disabilities. This is part of the newly updated Specialized Foster Care Series.

Internet Safety Awareness      1.2 CEU
Description coming soon.

Introduction to Special Education - APST 525           1 Credit
Learners will explore the special education process including referral, information gathering, evaluation and identification. Understanding of categories of identification will be covered as well as the development of individualized programs and placement options. Parental roles and rights will be highlighted, including the role of the surrogate parents as well as foster and biological parents. Legal, educational and social perspectives on special education will be discussed.

Shaping Success in School - APST 524          1 Credit
This course focuses on the development of positive, ongoing home-school communication as a means of supporting school success for children in foster care. Learners will explore legal issues, policies and procedures related to enrollment and discipline. In addition, communication skills useful in maintaining ongoing, productive dialogue will be presented. The roles of both the foster parent and the biological parent will be discussed.

Understanding Developmental Disabilities       1.2 CEU
The course explores the various developmental disabilities of children. Participants discuss the nature, causes, symptoms and treatment of these developmental disabilities from the prenatal stage through adulthood. The wide-ranging impacts that developmental disabilities can have on the family and other caregivers, and 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 provided. Services and resources are explored.

Unlocking Children’s Learning Styles .3 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

Domestic Violence and Traumatic Bonding    1.2 CEU
This course explores the seemingly indestructible attachment that can develop between parents, partners, and children who are in a domestic violence relationship. Trauma bonds create a force that pulls the victim back into 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 situations are addressed. Strategies for breaking these bonds are discussed.

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.

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.

Maintaining Family Relationships in Placement       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.

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 will focus on the impact of incarceration on case planning, reunification, and the special needs of these children.

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. This is part of the newly updated Specialized Foster Care Series.

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.

Sibling Relationships in Foster Care    1.2 CEU
Sibling dynamics and relationships will be explored, which will include 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 will also be explored.

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 explores ways to work with these differences to benefit all members. This is part of the newly updated Specialized Foster Care Series.

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.

Health

CPR and First Aid for Caregivers          .6 CEU
This course prepares participants to recognize life-threatening emergencies such as poisoning, shock, seizures, allergic reaction, choking and heart failure in adults, children and infants. Participants learn to perform emergency interventions including rescue breathing, chest compression, the "Heimlich Maneuver" and relief of foreign body obstruction (RFBO) in an unresponsive victim. Methods to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are described. Participants become familiar with the general principals of First Aid, including how to respond to medical emergencies, environmental emergencies, and common injuries. Upon successful completion of this course, participants are CPR/First Aid 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.

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 non-prescription drugs to children both when conditions are ideal, and when they are not. Reliable health resources are identified.

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.

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 the case of emergencies. Beyond this review, this course explores ethical issues that surround children and medications, as well as developing 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.

Substance Abuse: Adolescents and Families           1.2 CEU
Examine the effects of addiction on the family and on a child's overall functioning. Identify signs and symptoms of adolescents who abuse substances. Develop advocacy skills for appropriate treatment while dealing with the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral problems that affect families and teens. /p

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Neglect and Abuse

The Trauma of Sexual Abuse - CHCP 518       1 Credit
This course focuses on the impact of sexual abuse on children and their families. Identification of sexual abuse and the potential behavioral, psychological, and family characteristics related to childhood sexual abuse are covered. Caring for and managing a child who has been sexually abused, along with the process of healing and working with available support resources, are discussed. General issues related to intervention and prevention are explored. This course provides an opportunity to review case examples.

Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect - CHCP 519         1 Credit
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. A summary of the history of child abuse and cultural variances are considered. The physiological effect of abuse/neglect, both short- and long-term, is discussed. Community resources are identified and strategies for working with children and families are explored.

Self Development

Co-Training: Teaching with a Partner .6 CEU
Explore "co-training", a team approach to instructing. This course will support caregivers in developing and expanding their collaboration skills in teaching with a partner. Participants will explore the advantages of co-training, classroom management strategies, and facilitating group discussions. Participants will 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 will explore adult learning theory and the importance of group process. This hands-on course will also focus on training methods and techniques for leading group dialogue. Opportunities to practice presentational skills and leading discussions will be provided.

Documentation for Court and Case Reviews             1.2 CEU
This course will assist caregivers in understanding the court process and the importance of documentation and communication in best meeting the needs of children in their care. Focus will be 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.

Fine Tuning Your Paraprofessional Skills       1.2 CEU
Enhance your skill level in areas that affect foster care practice such as communication and confidentiality. Understand broader issues concerning ethics and family values. Recognize potential legal liabilities and boundaries.

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 will understand their role as a mentor and will 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 will be 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. This is part of the newly updated Specialized Foster Care Series.

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 Division for Children Youth and Family (DCYF) investigators, and describe measures to prevent future allegations.

Online Course Orientation: Learning to Use the Tools       .2 CEU
This two-hour overview provides an introduction to the software and learning tools used in the Granite State College online course. Students will become familiar with chat rooms, discussion boards, course e-mail, and the resources available during the online course experience.
This course is required and only available to students enrolling in the Granite State College online course.

Transitions

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

Making the Transition from Fostering to Adoption   1.2 CEU
For foster parents considering adoption, this course will provide an overview of adoption, systemic issues related to the adoptive process, transitional issues affecting both foster parents and children, pre and post adoption considerations and self and family assessments. Participants will become aware of resources that are available to help them both during and after this 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 including age appropriate discussion, play, reading stories and creating lifebooks will be presented. 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.