FACES Module Descriptions
Orientation
This module
is an introduction to the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth
and Families' (DCYF) foster care system. Included is a summary of the
need for foster/adoptive homes and the role and expectations of
foster/adoptive parents.
Regulations
Preparation
is required in order to become a licensed foster home. This session
summarizes the rules and regulations, the application and home-study
process, and the paperwork necessary to obtain a NH foster care license
The Developing Child
This
module explores the theories of child and adolescent development.
Physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and sexual development is
discussed as well as variations from usual development patterns. It is
important to recognize how abuse and neglect affects child development
and the stressors that are placed on children's development. A look at
strategies to help children and adolescents thrive are explored.
Experiencing Grief and Loss
This
module explores how transitions impact the placement process of
children and families. The focus includes the grieving process,
attachment, and strategies to integrate a child(ren) into a new
foster/adoptive family. The importance of recognizing and identifying
one's own grief and loss issues before fostering/adopting a child is
presented. Stages of grief and loss and their effects on the child and
the foster/adoptive family are explored. Theories of attachment as well
as the continuum of possible attachment related behaviors are
explained. Methods to facilitate healthy attachment are discussed.
The Effects of Childhood Trauma
This
module presents an overview of the effects of childhood trauma on
children who are in care. Participants become aware of the trauma that
children experience and learn to recognize the common symptoms and
behaviors of children. The course explains triggers and how they affect
traumatized children. Strategies for supporting children in care are
explored and discussed.
Promoting Positive Behavior
This
module introduces prospective foster/adoptive parents to parenting
styles and behavior management techniques. It explains how goals and
expectations can influence a person's parenting both positively and
negatively. Participants are encouraged to examine their own parenting
styles, understand methods of communication and discover new tools for
managing behavior of children in care. Resources for ongoing learning
about parenting techniques for children are reviewed.
Lifelong Connections
This
module explores children's needs for lifelong relationships and
connections. Participants will assess their own opinions, notions, and
biases related to families of children in care. Material is presented
that addresses family dynamics, and the influence of a child's history,
culture and traditions upon caregiver families. Family/community
contacts and visitations and the effects of multiple loyalties on the
daily lives of children are examined.
FACES to Faces
Covered in this module can be a range of guest speakers, follow-up questions and answers, and final paperwork.
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ALUMNI 
ACADEMICS