What Are Preservice Sessions for Foster Care?

A significant step in the journey of becoming a foster parent is participating in preservice sessions. These sessions present important and beneficial information to help navigate the fostering process. 

In addition to providing valuable insights, preservice sessions are required to receive a foster parent license in all U.S. states — though the total number of hours may vary depending on where you live.

If you are considering foster parenting, preservice sessions will help prepare you for opening your home to a child in foster care and nurturing them through a time of transition.

What Are Preservice Sessions for Foster Care?

Preservice sessions are informational, instructional programs designed to provide a foundation for foster parenting in each U.S. state. These sessions help build parenting skills unique to children in foster care, offering specific knowledge, tools, resources, and support.

For those interested in becoming a foster parent, the journey usually begins by contacting a foster care organization in your area, followed by filling out an application. At that point, you will be introduced to various requirements — including preservice sessions for foster care.

In many ways, preservice sessions are like attending orientation meetings. 

They are conducted by various experts and cover a wide range of topics related to foster care. That’s why potential foster parents must complete these sessions — generally between 20 to 30 hours total  — to earn their state foster care license.

Potential foster parents will also learn about the steps of the fostering process, hear from experienced foster parents about their journeys, and have the chance to ask questions as well as meet others interested in becoming foster parents.

Who Provides Foster Care Preservice Sessions?

Depending on your local area, your preservice sessions for foster parenting may be provided by:

• State Child Welfare Agency
• Non-Profit Organization
• Online Platform Program
• Other programs or organizations specific to county or region

Each session is conducted by professionals and offered at times designed to accommodate busy schedules. You may have the flexibility to attend sessions in the evening or on weekends. In many cases, there are options to participate online as well.

In most instances, if you have a spouse or partner who will be co-parenting with you on your fostering journey, they are also expected to complete all preservice sessions. 

And if you miss a session, don’t worry! Most programs allow you to make up classes or incomplete hours. 

What Will I Learn During Preservice Sessions?

In general, preservice sessions for potential foster parents are designed to cover child development, communication, and parenting skills specific to kids in foster care. You will also learn about support systems for foster families.

Specific topics may include:

• How trauma affects child development and behavior
• Helping children cope with emotions such as grief
• Building trust and healthy relationships
• Supporting interactions with birth family members (when possible)
• Developing cultural and diversity awareness
• Stress management
• Working with a foster care organization and their team
• Accessing resources and support services specific to foster families

If this feels like a lot to learn, rest assured that preservice session instructors are experts in breaking everything down so it’s manageable and easy to understand. 

You’ll also get time for questions, and the chance to talk through any specific concerns you might have. 

And of course, no one is expected to know everything about being a foster parent after completing preservice sessions. Each child in foster care is unique, as will be your experience with them.

In fact, it’s expected that foster parents will have many questions at each stage of their journey. That’s why support is always available, both during and after the process of preservice sessions.

What Is the Next Step After Preservice Sessions?

Once you have completed the required preservice sessions in your state, you will be ready to move on to the next step in the foster parenting process. 

In general, this involves a home study to ensure that your home is healthy, stable, and safe for a child in foster care.

When you have received your fostering license from the state, the matching and placement process can begin. Your dedication and hard work will have paid off to welcome a child into your home and family.

Some potential foster parents may wonder if attending or finishing preservice sessions means they’ve agreed to fostering a child — but rest assured that there is no commitment. 

It is your choice, even once you are licensed, to decide to foster or not. Your foster care organization can guide you in making these decisions.

Continued Sessions After Being Licensed as a Foster Parent

As any parent knows, caring for a child is a continuous learning process. That’s why most states require licensed foster parents to participate in ongoing educational sessions each year to maintain their license.

These sessions are designed to keep you up-to-date on your knowledge of regulations, help you learn additional skills, and continue finding support and connection with other foster parents. 

You can also learn more about your specific fostering situation, including managing behaviors, emotional needs, educational and medical support, and more.

This is all to ensure that you have the best resources available for you as a foster parent so that you can provide the best possible environment and support for your child in foster care.

Why Preservice and Continued Sessions Are Important 

No one can ever be fully prepared for the surprises and joys that come with parenting. However, when it comes to foster parenting, preparation and a well-informed approach set both you and the child in your care up for success. 

Children in foster care, no matter their age, have already experienced the world in different ways than most. From the trauma of being separated from their birth families to the uncertainty of their future, kids in foster care face unique emotional transitions.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) estimates that 30% of children in foster care may need additional support for physical, emotional, developmental, and behavioral health. Yet the AACAP also emphasizes the determination and resiliency of these children — especially when in the care of knowledgeable and empathetic foster parents.

This is why preservice and continued sessions are worthwhile, so that potential foster parents gain a greater understanding of their role, responsibilities, and the rewards of opening their heart to a child in need of a home.

These sessions are designed to give you confidence in your decision to foster. That’s why future foster parents appreciate the depth of information, skill development, and opportunities to ask questions of experts.

Benefits of Preservice and Continued Sessions for Potential Foster Parents

Much of the process to become a foster parent is centered around preparing for interviews, home studies, safety inspections, and other evaluations. During all this, it may feel as if learning about the actual parenting of a child in foster care is on the back burner.

Thankfully, one of the greatest benefits of preservice sessions is the focus on your role as a foster parent. This helps reassure you that welcoming a child in foster care into your home is the right decision for you and your family.

Preservice and continued education sessions are often interactive experiences where you can learn and get support from professionals and people who have been where you are. They provide time to ask questions, meet others interested in foster parenting, and hear from experienced foster parents.

Research is also expanding to evaluate the quality and impact of preservice and continued sessions. As more scientific evidence is gathered, improvements in programs can be made to better prepare foster parents and benefit kids in foster care.

State Requirements for Preservice Sessions

Each state requires a different number or total hours of preservice sessions. For example, Alabama requires just one preservice session, divided into 10 meetings and 30 total hours.

Mentor Foster Care helps prospective foster parents with the entire process in nine states. Here are the required number of preservice sessions or hours in those states:

For therapeutic foster care, most states require additional preservice sessions or hours. 

It’s also helpful to understand that, apart from preservice sessions, many states require certifications in first aid and CPR.

Get Expert Foster Care Advice — Free 

Becoming a foster parent is a wonderful, fulfilling, and life-changing commitment for both you and a child in foster care.

If you’re wondering if fostering is right for you, you don’t have to wait for preservice sessions. 

Talk to a foster care expert and get personalized guidance about steps to take, preservice sessions, and how fostering might fit into your life.

You don’t need to be perfect to become a foster parent — just someone who is willing to provide love, nurture, and dedication to a child in foster care.