Becoming a foster parent is a big step, and we here at TFI want to do all we can to make sure you are adequately prepared for this change in your family. The child or children coming into your home have gone through hardships, and if you are reading this you clearly have space in your heart and life to make room for them and show them what a healthy home and positive relationships look like. Once you have filled out the questionnaire and submitted references, you will be notified about the foster care training required.
Depending on the state you live in, different forms of training are required.
Kansas: TIPS-MAPP or TIPS-DT
- Trauma-Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence – Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting or Deciding Together.
- The MAPP route requires 30 hours of in-person training and DT requires 21 hours. Both are provided free of charge.
- MAPP is covered in a 10-week course, three hours per week.
- New classes start every few weeks or months and are offered all over the state of Kansas.
Oklahoma: Guiding Principles for Resource Parents
- This training program requires you to complete 27 hours.
- Six of the training hours have to be in-person either in a group setting or one-on-one.
- Much of the training program is offered online and free of charge to you by TFI.
Texas: Pre-Service Training
- Prior to becoming a foster parent in Texas, you have to complete 42 hours of pre-service training in person.
- These 42 hours can be completed at TFI during their parent support meetings, the annual retreat, or TFI will send notice of other training times throughout the year.
- Additionally, there are 8 hours of online training that will need to be completed on your own.
Learn More About Foster Care Training
There is no obligation to become a foster parent after you complete your training. We want this to be a good fit for both the child(ren) and for you as the potential foster parent. Thus, if you are interested in taking steps towards becoming a foster parent, visit our page here.