Continued from History of the Center

In 2002, the Foster Parent Initiative became a part of the partnership contract, creating Foster/Pre-Adoptive Trainer positions utilizing faculty at the four participating Universities; EWU, ISU, LCSC, and NNU.  In 2003, the University Partnership was again expanded to include Boise State University, College of Southern Idaho, and North Idaho College. With the Center in the partnership coordination lead role, these trainers were charged with the implementation of a state-wide Foster Parent Initiative.   The initiative engages foster, pre-adoptive and kinship families in pre-service core training.

Using the Child Welfare League of America PRIDE curriculum model, a successful training pilot in Region V launched the statewide implementation in the spring and summer of 2003.   The pilot summative evaluation provided valuable information to stakeholders regarding implementation planning.   The full rollout of statewide standardized foster parent core instruction using the PRIDE curriculum included university faculty, regional staff and foster parents as trainers during 2003 and 2004.  This training continues, and has expanded to include a further evaluation element, foster parent continuing education offerings, and assessment.

As implemented in Idaho, the PRIDE curriculum requires potential foster/pre-adopt parents, including kinship care relationships, to participate prior to foster care licensure.  This 27 hour training provides a foundation for those interested in providing care for children, as well as engaging them in a mutual assessment process to determine readiness to foster.  The training model consists of three co-trainers, a University Partner, a Foster Parent, and a Department Social Worker. The training is offered at various times of the year in all 7 Regions and is evaluated quarterly, with the results of the program published.

Throughout the process of development and implementation, the Foster Parent Initiative partners engage in a participatory evaluation process that utilizes all participants as resources for program improvement.  In addition to this on-going evaluation, a yearly summative evaluation describe the effectiveness of the Initiative in reaching the stated goals.

Next, Children's Mental Health, Building On Each Other's Strengths