1. RFA Training/Coaching Model Preparing and Supporting Families
3/10/2018
RFA Training/Coaching Model Preparing and Supporting Families
~Sylvia Deporto, Deputy Director, San Francisco County DHHS
~Carol Ramirez, LCSW, COO, Lilliput Children’s Services 1

2. RFA Pre-Approval Training 12-Hours
Is 12 hours of pre-approval training enough?
Barriers for relatives including information overload
Selecting core/foundational training components for pre approval training
-RFA directives, what families need to know and infusion of impact of trauma
Importance of post approval training and coaching – -- -What research tells us

3. Lilliput Pre-Approval Training 12-Hours (cont’d)
Module 1- Orientation (3 hrs.) Partnering For Permanency: Why We Are Here?
Role of Resource Parent and principals of Quality Parenting Initiative
Role of Child Welfare and Community Care Licensing Regulations
Agency history, staff and services provided to Resource Families
RFA and options for permanency
Children/youth in the foster care system
Legal/personal rights of foster children
Approval process: initial paperwork, training, assessment
Concurrent planning process, icebreakers and shared parenting
©2016 Lilliput Children's Services

4. Pre-Approval Training 12-Hours (cont’d)
Module 2: ( 3hrs.) Parenting Through the Trauma Lens: Part 1
Grief and Loss
Impact of Trauma on the Developing Brain; Attachment, Learning and Behavior
Child and Adolescent Development and The Impact of Trauma
Understanding Trauma Triggers and the Impact on Behavior
Module 3 (3 hrs.) Parenting Through the Trauma Lens: Part 2
Strategies To Manage Challenging Behaviors
Increase Self-Esteem Through Positive Discipline and Positive Recognition Techniques
Parental Self-Reflection and Self Care
©2016 Lilliput Children's Services

5. Pre-Approval Training 12-Hours (cont’d)
Module 4: (3 Hrs.) Access and Advocating For Services
Cultural humility
What is SOGIE, why is it so important and how to support youth and families?
Unique health and mental health issues of children in foster care and how to access services
Psychotropic medication management and
Understanding and advocating for children with special educational needs
©2016 Lilliput Children's Services

6. Post Approval Training and Coaching
Post approval training within 90 days- Nurtured Heart group training, plus on going trauma informed, clinical issues trainings
In home training option if hardship for family who has child already placed
In home coaching incorporated into home visits to integrate training and relevancy to child in their care

7. Post-Placement Trainings
POST PLACEMENT TRAINING: To be taken within the first 6 months that a child is placed in the home. A minimum of 6 hours will be required, however resource parents will be encouraged to continue on-going trainings throughout the permanency journey. For families where attending group training may be a hardship, selected trainings will be made available in the home, using the coaching model and in home curriculum. Lilliput is working to develop webinar based trainings and will link families to Foster College. Resource Parents will have a menu of topics to choose from throughout the year which will be specific to the needs of each family and may include:
Core Clinical Issues in Relative Care (4 hours)
Core Clinical Issues in permanency and adoption (4 hours)
Parenting Challenging Behaviors through a Trauma Lens ( 4 hours)
Supporting the Previously Placed or None Adopted Child (3 hrs.)
Talking About the Tough Stuff (4 hrs.)
WISE-Up (2 hrs.)
Supporting Birth Family Connections (2 hrs.)
Transitioning to Adoption (for families moving in that direction) (3 hrs.)
Crisis Intervention Skills (3-6 hours)
ABCs of Baby Care ( 3hours)
Others to be determined and developed as the need is identified
©2016 Lilliput Children's Services