Coaching and Counseling (1.3)

Acts in the role of coach and counselor for the household by serving as a role model for healthy family life and creating an environment for the safe discussion of feelings by giving children time, space, and support to work through their problems. Recognizes and promotes the child’s interests and abilities. Provides praise and answers all questions honestly and calmly. Provides a non-judgmental space for discussion and acts when they perceive children need assistance outside of the family to address their needs.

Basic Behavior Management (2.1)

Understands and applies basic principles of behavior management that use appropriate techniques to reduce negative behavior and encourage positive behaviors without the use of physical discipline. Positive behaviors are encouraged by recognition of progress and allowing developmentally appropriate decision-making, while setting and communicating limits and rewards that apply to all. Basic behavior management consists of fair and consistent application of behavior rules and recognition of appropriate and positive behavior. Negative behaviors are discouraged by firm, fair and consistent application of limits and rules.
 

Managing Severe Behavioral Problems (2.2)

Works with caseworkers, therapists and others to develop and implement a plan tailored to the specific needs of the child. Plans will describe which techniques will be used to respond to each behavior and how the safety of other people and pets in the household will be protected. In addition to planning, the parent must assist the child to understand their behavior and attempt to apply self-control techniques. Management of severe behavioral problems requires a calm, well-organized response and an understanding that such problems are not always quickly resolved.

Collaboration (3.1)

Serves as a collaborative team member with all other professional and family members by willingly sharing information needed to make sound decisions, assisting in development of plans, and showing consideration to the needs and limits of other partners. To collaborate means to maintain a non-judgmental, open attitude when communicating with children, parents, and other team members.

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.

Perspective (3.6)

Can step back from a situation, keep own emotions in check, and determine what is urgent and what is not. A sense of perspective allows a parent to place the current situation in context of child’s history and future. Perspective allows a parent to seek appropriate support when needed and to assimilate new information.

Equilibrium (3.7)

Knows and understands own feelings and recognizes own limitations. A sense of equilibrium allows the parent to maintain a positive outlook and to know he or she must set aside quiet time for self-regeneration and to nurture adult relationships. To restore a sense of equilibrium, it may be necessary to seek new information.

Flexibility (3.8)

Shows willingness to change or revise plans quickly when necessary and can juggle attention between people and tasks effectively. A flexible parent can cope with the uncertainty of a child’s length of stay in their home and adjust to changes in the child welfare system. In the home, a flexible parent can acknowledge attempts, even when tasks are not done perfectly and is patient with the learning process, even for his or herself. Flexibility allows a parent to take advantage of learning opportunities when they arise.

Human Development (4.1)

Demonstrates familiarity with the principles of developmental process, including sexual development and developmental disabilities. A full, working knowledge of human development includes knowledge of stages and milestones expected for children and, causes and treatment for delays.

Psychological Understanding (4.3)

Demonstrates a general understanding of the psychological dynamics associated with children who have been abused/neglected, including the emotional impact of the placement process. A full, working knowledge of psychological issues would include skills to support children effectively by respecting a child’s emotional bonds with birth parents, right to privacy, level of readiness for new experiences, development of self-esteem, need to express emotions and knowing when to seek professional attention.

Working with Adolescents (4.4)

Works with youth on developing the necessary skills for independent living. In order to develop these skills, the parent must have knowledge of the developmental stages and tasks of adolescence and be able to identify indicators of behavioral problems in adolescents. Parents working with adolescents will be most effective when they can demonstrate sensitivity to personal issues common for this age group.

Cultural Sensitivity (4.5)

Understands the importance of recognizing and supporting the cultural, social and economic similarities and differences between a child’s birth family and foster/adoptive family.

Separation and Loss (5.3)

Responds supportively to children’s feelings and behaviors as they deal with grief and loss issues, including those related to multiple placements and separation from family members. An effective response to the grief and loss issues of others is supported by self-awareness regarding personal loss issues.