Pre-service training is required for all foster families as a part of the licensing process. These trainings, offered by Crossroads Youth Services trainers, provide unique insights into the process of becoming a foster family, the situations these families encounter, solutions to typical problems, the emotional aspects of being a foster family and many other topics important for those preparing to foster.

Prospective foster parents (married couples, roommates) are required to attend all 8 classes (equal to 32 hours) of training prior to licensure. In order to attend training, you must complete the Pre-Screening Process (Step 1) and have turned in your BCI application (Step 2) to Crossroads Youth Services. Once you have completed both of these steps, plan to attend the Pre-Service training which can be scheduled at your convenience, by appointment only. Please call our office at 801-528-3247 to schedule your training.

**Note, If you are transferring from a different agency or Utah Foster Care Foundation your completed training hours can be applied. Proof is required.

Below is a list of the Pre-Service Training classes

Class 1: Orientation to the Contract, Use of Client Identifying Info and Electronic Media

This is an overview of foster care, contract requirements, kinship care. A brief history of the Child Welfare system is given along with the Utah Division of Child & Family’s (DCFS) current practice principles, major objectives, procedures, philosophy and DHS Code of Conduct. The concept of Child & Family Team Meetings is discussed as well as defining roles for foster parents. We will also discuss Crossroads policy, procedures, program model and responding to the individual needs and rights of the children.

We will explain the expectations for foster parents in regards to medical, dental, therapy appointments, client’s treatment goals, their rights and responsibilities as a care giver. We will also review DCFS and DJJS’s practice guidelines and Office of Licensing (OL) rules. Class discussion focuses on levels of care, accessing government payments, reimbursement rates, the licensing process and general guidelines from DCFS for out-of-home care.

Class 2: DHS Provider Code of Conduct & Overview of Graduated Sanctions/Level of Care Model

All Crossroads staff including the administration, employees, contractors, volunteers, and interns will read, understand, follow, and sign a copy of the current DHS Provider Code of Conduct. A copy of the signed document will be placed in the personnel file of each employee, contractor, volunteer, and intern. 

Class 3: Emergency Management & Business Continuity, including Emergency Response & Evacuation Procedures

No one can really predict when we might be hit with a disaster. While we hope we never have to experience one in our lifetime, the chances are great we will be involved in one at some stage of our life. Our best chance for survival is to be as prepared as possible and to be as knowledgeable as to what can be done to maximize the safety of our family and friends. This class is designed to do just that.

• Family & Home Planning
• Home & Office First Aid Kit
• Useful Supplies & Equipment
• Safe Drinking Water
• Emergency Lighting
• Helping Children Cope
• Fire Safety
• Smoke Detectors
• Clothing Fires
• Upholstery Fires
• Sample Food Storage Items
• Emergency Communications

Class 4: Separation, Grief, Loss & Cultural Competency

Class discussion revolves around the effects of separation for the child and birth family and how to help children handle feelings of sadness, loss, anxiety and anger. The negative impact of multiple placements is explored and the benefits of birth family involvement discussed. We will also cover sensitive and responsive practices to use with the biological parents and adoption issues.

Diversity honors and celebrates the differences among us through tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect. We often find ourselves as parents needing to reduce stereotypical and judgmental thinking which we learned from early on, through our families, environments, and experiences. In this class we will discuss:

• cultural differences
• cultural importance
• diversity
• tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect
• importance of family and community members
• importance of cultural consistency
• tips on how to preserve and promote cultural identity among foster children

Class 5: Basic/Child Adolescent Development & Behavior, Child Abuse, Neglect, Unstable Family Dynamics affect Child Development 

This class provides an overview of what constitutes basic child/adolescent development & behavior. The foster parent will become familiar with the primary stages and milestones of normal physical, cognitive, social and emotional development in children.

 Also in this class discussion about child abuse, neglect and disorders, how to recognize indicators of maltreatment in children, their evaluation, treatment issues and the dynamics in families in which maltreatment might occur and potential negative effects of abuse, neglect and sexual abuse on children’s development.  We will also review the definition and types of sexual abuse, the dynamics of that abuse and characteristics of children who have been sexually abused. Last we will focus on how foster parents can best facilitate healing for these children.

Foster parents are given tools and skills to help children as well as local resources to draw from.

Class 6: Behavior Management, Discipline Methods and DHS Incident Report Writing Policy 

Class discussion revolves around appropriate and effective uses of discipline. Trainers present materials on why physical punishment is very harmful to children, especially those who have experienced abuse.  Choices in discipline are presented to focus on positive and logical consequences. The class will discusses the effect of care giving on foster parents and how to recognize chronic stress and deal with its implications and reporting & documenting incidents.

Class 7: Expectations of Medical, Dental & Mental Health Appointments, Medication Management & Document

We will explain the expectations for foster parents in regards to medical, dental, therapy appointments, client’s treatment goals, their rights and responsibilities as a care giver. We will also review DCFS and DJJS’s practice guidelines and Office of Licensing (OL) rules. Class discussion focuses on levels of care, accessing government payments, reimbursement rates, the licensing process and general guidelines from DCFS for out-of-home care.

Class 8: CPR and First Aid

To give foster parents information needed to protect and possibly save lives in emergency situations. After completion of the course, the participant will be able to:

• Define first aid
• List the items that should be included in a first aid kit
• Describe the Good Samaritan Laws
• Explain the first aid actions to stop nosebleeds and minor bleeding
• List the first aid actions for broken bones and sprains
• Differentiate between first, second, and third burns
• List the first aid actions for treating burns
• Identify the signs of a person experiencing a breathing problem or choking
• Adult, child, and infant CPR
• Explain what an AED does and when it is used
• List the steps for using an AED
• Breathing Problems
• Heart Attacks, Chest Pain, and Unconsciousness
• Universal Safety Precautions
• Identify the symptoms of swine flu (H1N1) and precautions to take to avoid spreading it