Foster care training expands in Knox County

Encourage Foster Care has expanded into Knox County and will host a 24-hour Foster Parent Pre-Service. This training is designed to equip prospective foster parents with the tools and resources they need to care for children in foster care.

The training will take place on two power weekends held at the Mount Vernon Church of Christ:

•Saturday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 22, 1-7 p.m.

•Saturday, Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 1, 1-7 p.m.

This 24-hour interactive training includes group discussion, activities, lectures and Q&A's. The course covers a variety of topics including state-mandated training, TBRI, trauma & childhood development, sensitivity training & expectations, CPR, and understanding of the child welfare/foster care system.

You will meet with Encourage staff, pray together and connect with other foster parents. You will complete your Pre-Service feeling supported and equipped to begin your foster care journey with us.

"There is such a need for loving families to open their home to kiddos in the foster care system,” shares Katie Ficker, Encourage Recruiter and Trainer. “I am so excited and grateful to be expanding into Central Ohio to provide families and children with the support they need! At Encourage, we understand the ups and downs of foster care, and we love walking alongside our families through training and each step of their foster care journey!"

In Ohio, there are approximately 16,000 children in foster care. Despite this need, there are only a little over 7,340 licensed foster homes. The need for qualified foster families continues to grow, making training like this vital to providing care and support to children in need.

Those interested in attending the Encourage Pre-Service or simply wanting to know more can go to encouragefostercare.org/training. Registration is required. For questions or additional information, please contact us at info@encouragefostercare.org or 330-462-1118.