Training

The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition is committed to supporting foster, adoptive, and guardianship parents through our comprehensive training offerings. Annually, we dedicate thousands of hours to delivering skill-building workshops, and what sets us apart is that all these valuable resources are provided at no cost.

For licensed foster parents, we understand the importance of ongoing education and compliance. That’s why we offer in-service training opportunities, ensuring that they complete the mandatory 30 hours of training per licensure period, which occurs every two years. Our signature Foster/Adopt Parent Workshops are a cornerstone of our program, designed to empower parents in several key ways:

First and foremost, these workshops offer a space for parents to connect and share invaluable resources, fostering a supportive community. We recognize that a child’s past experiences can significantly influence their behaviors, so our workshops delve into this aspect, providing insights and strategies to navigate these challenges.

Furthermore, our workshops empower parents by helping them recognize and enhance their own strengths in their caregiving journey. We also equip them with new skills that can positively influence their child’s behaviors and attitudes, fostering a healthier parent-child relationship. Lastly, we address the inevitable stresses of parenting head-on, offering guidance on reducing the stress associated with the unique demands of foster, adoptive, and guardianship parenting. At the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, we are dedicated to providing foster, adoptive, and guardianship parents with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive on their parenting journey.

What Parents Have Said

“Going through this [workshop] has really helped me to realize that the strong behaviors [my adopted son] had were not his fault, but also that they were not my fault!”

“It gives the opportunity for….real change and healing for the kids.”

All opportunities will be held at the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, located at 1750 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 260, St. Louis, MO 63144. Individuals must register to attend.

The Institute for Child Welfare Innovation was born from the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, a St. Louis-based organization dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care. Building on the success of their 30 Days to Family® program, which effectively placed children with families and brought stability while saving costs for the state, the Coalition gained national recognition. As other agencies expressed interest in replicating the program, the Institute was established to share expertise and support government and non-government organizations in implementing and expanding programs that improve the lives of children, families, and communities.

In addition to our consultancy services, we offer Training for Adoption Competency (a model created by C.A.S.E.) and contract with the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Institute to offer DDP trainings in the St. Louis area. Our trainings cater to both families and professionals, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills.

A core principle of the Institute is the elimination of systemic racism and inequality. We envision a world in which the decision to involve the families of children in care is not rooted in racial bias. We actively support child-serving agencies in scaling proven solutions, fostering collaboration, and bridging policy and practice gaps.

Overall, the Institute for Child Welfare Innovation is dedicated to driving positive change in the field of child welfare, empowering professionals, and creating a brighter future for children and families in need.