COMING SOON TO INDIANA

Knowledge builds confidence. Support builds families.

BridgePoint is preparing practical, trauma-responsive education for prospective and licensed foster parents.

LEARN • GROW • SUPPORT

WHAT IS FOSTER PARENT TRAINING?

What Foster Parent Training Means

Introductory explanation about training, preparation, practical skills, expectations, reflection and ongoing support.

Preparation Matters

Families deserve clear information before accepting caregiving responsibilities.

Learning Continues

Training should continue beyond initial approval.

Support Is Collaborative

Caregivers learn alongside staff, professionals, peers and community partners.

Why Train With BridgePoint?

We provide home study services for a range of foster care and adoption pathways, when authorized.

Practical instruction

Course content should connect policy and concepts to everyday caregiving decisions.

Trauma-responsive approach

Education should help caregivers interpret behavior through safety, development and healing.

Clear expectations

Families should understand roles, documentation, teamwork and boundaries.

Interactive learning

Use discussion, reflection, scenarios and skill practice rather than lecture alone.

Ongoing development

Offer continuing education and refresher opportunities after initial approval.

Resource connection

Link caregivers to approved tools, community resources and staff support.

Who Training Is For

Prospective foster parents

Individuals and families exploring foster care or beginning the approval process.

Applicants in process

Families completing required preparation, assessments and documentation.

Licensed foster parents

Caregivers seeking approved continuing education, refreshers and practical support.

Kinship and relative caregivers

When BridgePoint is authorized to provide relevant education for these caregivers.

Staff and community partners

Selected sessions may support shared understanding and coordinated practice.

Information-session participants

People who want an introductory overview before deciding whether to apply.

Core Foster Parent Learning Areas

We provide a thoughtful, organized and trauma-responsive process to help you feel informed and prepared throughout the home study.

Trauma and behavior

Understanding trauma responses, regulation, triggers and supportive caregiving.

Child development

Age-appropriate expectations, developmental differences and responsive supervision.

Safety and caregiving

Home routines, supervision, medication boundaries, transportation and emergency planning.

Family connections

Respecting important relationships, reunification goals, culture and identity.

Teamwork and communication

Working with children, families, case professionals, schools and providers.

Documentation and advocacy

Accurate communication, records, appointments, education and health advocacy.

WHAT THE HOME STUDY MAY EXPLORE

How BridgePoint Plans to Support Learners

The home study looks at key areas of your household and your ability to meet a child’s needs.

Orient

Explain the training pathway, technology, attendance, participation and accessibility options.

Teach

Use approved facilitators, interactive methods and practical examples.

Evaluate

Collect attendance, participation and learner feedback using approved tools.

Prepare

Provide course descriptions, pre-work, materials and clear learning objectives.

Practice

Invite reflection, scenarios, discussion and application to caregiving situations.

Continue

Connect caregivers to resources, refreshers, continuing education and staff support.

TRAINING JOURNEY

Every Family. Every Step of the Way.

Process Steps:

Questions Before You Begin?

Foster Parent Training FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the process, documents, timing, and more.

Who may register?
Registration depends on the intended audience for each course. Some sessions may be open to the public, while others may be designed specifically for prospective foster parents, licensed caregivers, staff, or professional partners. Review the course details to confirm eligibility before registering.
Not always. Some information sessions and introductory courses may be available before you become licensed. Other training may be intended for licensed foster parents or applicants at a specific stage. Check the course requirements or contact BridgePoint if you’re unsure which sessions are appropriate for you.

Each course should identify its intended audience, purpose, and any prerequisites. Review these details to determine which training fits your needs and where it falls within your learning or licensing process. If you’re unsure about the correct course or sequence, contact BridgePoint for guidance.

No. Training requirements vary by course and individual circumstances. Some sessions may be required for a specific licensing or training pathway, while others may be introductory, recommended, or optional continuing education. Review the course details and follow the guidance provided by your licensing specialist or BridgePoint team.
If you miss a session, contact BridgePoint to discuss your options. Depending on course availability and attendance requirements, you may be able to attend another session or register again. Make-up sessions are not guaranteed, and missed content may affect your completion status.
A certificate or attendance confirmation may be provided when the course and its completion requirements authorize it. This depends on the specific training and whether you meet its attendance and participation requirements. Review the course details to understand what type of completion record, if any, will be issued.

REQUEST INFORMATION

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Prepared Families. Stronger Futures.

Take the next step toward becoming a confident, prepared caregiver. Join our interest list to receive updates on upcoming training opportunities and resources.