There is web-based training developed for foster parents that is available online. Many of these can satisfy some of the staff pre-service and in-service training requirements in WAC 388-145 and WAC 388-147 and/or in accordance with the training plan developed in conjunction with the child placing agency or group care facility’s regional licensor. These trainings can be accessed through the DSHS website which has the link below or the Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence that can be accessed at: Courses | UW School of Social Work Professional Education. The individual trainings are also hyperlinked below, but depending upon your program additional videos may be found through the Alliance website.

It will be important for agency staff to also be oriented to your specific program and the population of children or youth you serve, but these trainings can be used to supplement the in-person or on-the-job training, and fulfill some of the requirements contained in the WAC. These trainings can be completed by the individual staff member, or if equipment is available in your agency’s facility or office, they can be shown to a group of staff at the same time.

The following on-line trainings are available:

Cultural Needs of Children in Care

All My Relations, a film about the importance of cultural connections for Native American children. (44 min.)

Important Issues in Indian Child Welfare. This is a panel discussion about the Indian Child Welfare Act and why it is important to our work with Native children. (1 hr.)

Keeping It Real A film about the importance of cultural connections for African American children in non-African American homes. (41 min.)

We are GLBTQ. What you should know about the care and support of youth who are Gay, Lesbian, Transgender or questioning their sexual identity. (42 min) Download discussion guide (167 kb)