
Session
1
Orientation
to Fundamentals of Foster and
Adoptive Parenting
Purpose
Session One introduces you to each other, to the training program
and to a general overview of the foster and adoptive parent
role. We
will begin looking at the concept of competencies and how it relates
to personal development in the foster and adoptive parent. We will
explore why children come into care and children’s concepts
of why they are in foster care, examine some family stressors that
may have contributed to the circumstances that brought the child into care, and view
a video which follows a child from entry into care through adoption.
Objectives
Participants will:
Competencies
Interpersonal Sensitivity (3.3)
Demonstrates
sensitivity to hidden meaning in communication and ability to view
situations from others’ perspectives. A parent with strong
interpersonal skills applies these to the child through respect for
the preferences and uniqueness of each child and listening for the
child’s concerns, while remembering what it was like to be a child.
The parent applies these skills in other settings by demonstrating
empathy with others’ perspectives and closely listening and
watching for what is
going on beneath the surface.
Commitment to
Children (3.4)
Expresses care
about the general welfare of children and has faith that children can
be helped. This commitment is put into action in the home by providing
the best care possible, including putting the child’s long-term
interest before self-interest and showing pride when children achieve
even small steps forward. This commitment is put into action outside
the home by advocating strongly on issues important to children’s well
being.
Technical Knowledge
(3.5)
Demonstrates
familiarity with policies, regulations, laws and judicial processes
that pertain to child welfare, including the roles and
responsibilities of all others involved with the child and the need
for documentation. The parent’s technical knowledge is enhanced by the
partnership with others that occurs in planning, family team meetings
and foster family events. The parent knows how to seek information
regarding these technical aspects of practice.
Self-Development
(3.9)
Continually improves parenting skills through training and learning
resources and reflection on experience. A commitment to
self-development means a parent stays open to new information and
actively seeks it.
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