Supporting Minnesota’s foster parents and the child welfare professionals who partner with them means keeping training resources current, accessible, and aligned with real-world caregiving challenges. This update brings together current Training Academy learning opportunities to support both foster parents or child welfare workers in strengthening skills and supporting families statewide.

Training Opportunities for Foster Parents

The Training Academy hosts a range of training opportunities that reinforce essential caregiving skills and provide ongoing support for foster parents throughout the year. Prospective foster care families will start the training process by contacting the foster care licensor at their local county human services agency or tribe. The Training Academy will work with licensors to provide those individuals with access to Foster Parent College self-paced modules, as well as the option to register for Foster Parent Pre-Service Training. As we move toward the end of the year, this is a helpful time for caregivers to check in on their training progress, revisit key topics, and take advantage of upcoming sessions.

  • Foster Parent Pre-Service Training (CWTA X403): participants will attend four instructor-led (virtual) meetings and will be asked to complete three self-paced modules prior to the first meeting (these modules are not part of Foster Parent College).

Once they finish pre-service, caregivers gain access to the entire Foster Parent College catalog and can complete their required annual training credits at no cost. These sessions not only help caregivers meet training expectations they support confidence, strengthen relationships, and promote better outcomes for children.

Training for Child Welfare Professionals Who Support Foster Parents

Child welfare professionals also play a crucial role in guiding, coaching, and partnering with foster parents. To support this work, the Training Academy provides a newly revamped training around assessing prospective and adoptive foster parents which can be taken by cold welfare professionals.

  • Assessing Prospective Foster and Adoptive Parents (CWTA X220)
    • This course, also known as Home Studies, is designed to help you gain an understanding of the Home Study assessment process. It will introduce you to engaging and conducting interviews with applicants and explore how to equitably and collaboratively assess an applicant's strengths and needs. By enhancing your knowledge of the Home Study Assessment, you will enhance your ability to gather, synthesize, assess, and summarize an applicant’s ability to provide for the safety and well-being of children. This course consists of three self-paced trainings followed by two instructor-led trainings (in-person). 15.5 CEUs.

This offering helps caseworkers and supervisors strengthen their professional skills while enhancing their ability to work effectively with foster families and ensure consistent, high-quality support.

Additional Initiatives and Resources

The Training Academy continues to monitor broader initiatives and emerging resources related to foster care such as programs focused on improving support for youth transitioning out of care. As additional information becomes available about statewide or national efforts that could benefit Minnesota’s foster families or child welfare professionals, we will share updates and resource links as appropriate.

Staying Connected and Continuing Your Learning

Ongoing education is a key part of supporting children, youth, and families in the foster care system. Whether you are a caregiver exploring new Foster Parent College offerings or a child welfare professional deepening your practice skills, the Training Academy is committed to providing accessible, high-quality training that meets your needs.

To stay up to date on future training, new course releases, and updates to foster parent resources, visit the Training Academy training calendar and watch for our monthly announcements.