Step 3: Pre-Service Training

What is it?

This is a training program that usually takes 4–10 sessions to complete. Each agency will be different.

Sessions are designed to:

• 1. Prepare you for fostering/adopting
• 2. Create a basis for teamwork between yourself and the agency
• 3. Challenge you to grow and develop as a resource parent
• 4. Help you consider: Is fostering/adopting for me? Am I able to parent a child who has been neglected and/or abused? What type of child can I successfully parent?

What do I have to do during this step?

• 1. Make the commitment to attend and actively participate in the training sessions.
• 2. Give careful consideration to the information presented.
• 3. Come prepared to ask questions.
• 4. Devote time to consider the full impact of fostering and/or adoption on your family.
• 5. Gain the necessary information to make a personal decision about whether to become an adoptive or foster parent.
• 6. Gain knowledge of what type of child you can best parent.

During this step, you will probably start the application process and provide references, background information, finger printing, etc. Also, you will have made new friends with other prospective parents, staff, and experienced resource parents. You will start to see yourself as part of an enthusiastic, hard-working and competent team. You are not in this by yourself!!