Equipping Quality Parenting

At this time, all pre-approval in-person training classes are canceled until further notice. As an alternative, virtual classes are available. Please call us at (888) 871-5437 for more information.

Pre-Approval Training

These classes are designed to introduce the needs of children in care and how to best meet those needs as a resource parent. Prospective resource parents must complete the prescribed pre-approval training classes in order to become approved resource parents through the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA).

Orientation

The orientation provides general
information on becoming a resource parent with
SSA. Call (888) 871-5437 to register for the monthly
class.

Trauma Informed Parenting

Trauma Informed Parenting focuses on trauma,
caregiving, advocacy, and self-care while
utilizing a broad variety of multi-age/multicultural
case studies.

Partnering with SSA

This class introduces several key topics,
concepts and resources that strengthen and
empower the vital relationship
between resource parents and SSA.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention®

Learn how to build trusting relationships
with children through a holistic,
attchment-based approach using the
Connecting, Empowering and
Correcting principles.

CPR & First Aid

CPR and First Aid certification for
resource parents must be appropriate for the
age and needs of the child. For
Resource Family Approval, CPR training must
cover infants, children and adults. CPR and First
Aid must be completed prior to or within 90 days
of approval.

Post-Approval Training

Approved resource parents are required to complete eight hours of annual training in an effort to maintain knowledge and encourage parenting growth and development. Here are some items to keep in mind when selecting continuing education classes:

  • All courses must be approved by SSA.

  • Every year, a portion of the training must include a Prudent Parenting class.

  • A one-time training on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is required.

  • The eight hours of training may be taken either as online courses or in-person classes.

  • SSA recommends resource parents strive to complete at least four hours of in-person training.

  • Each caregiver must provide a certificate of completion for all trainings.

Please contact the resources below to find out about virtual learning availability.

Continuing Education Resources

Saddleback College
Foster & Kinship Care Education Program (FKCE)

The Foster and Kinship Care Education program at Saddleback College provides quality education and support opportunities to caregivers of children in out-of-home care. These free classes are offered at various locations throughout Orange County.

To view and register for classes, visit www.saddleback.edu/hs/fkce
or call (949) 582-4884. Classes are offered in English and Spanish.

Quality Parenting Initiative California
Just in Time Training

Just in Time is a free, web-based program
designed by QPI California to connect resource parents with the training they need, when they need it and where they need it. Visit
www.qpicalifornia.org for a list of available trainings. Only those trainings that provide a test and certificate of completion will be accepted. Trainings are offered in English and Spanish.

County of Orange
Social Services Agency

SSA will offer a series of classes called
Super Saturdays. As a resource parent, you will
receive notice of all training opportunities as
they are being offered. To inquire about training,
please contact us at (888) 871-5437 or e-mail
RFATraining@ssa.ocgov.com for more information.
Trainings are offered in English and Spanish.

Foster Parent College

Foster Parent College,
www.fosterparentcollege.com, offers
interactive, multimedia, online training courses
for Orange County resource parents at no cost.
Approved resource parents will automatically be
enrolled in Foster Parent College and will receive
an e-mail with login instructions. Please contact
OCFosterParentCollege@ssa.ocgov.com for any
questions regarding your no cost enrollment.
Trainings are offered in English and Spanish.

Family Resource Centers

Families and Communities Together (FaCT) is a
network of 16 family resource centers (FRCs)
located throughout Orange County and provides
essential family support services, education and
resources. Visit www.FaCToc.org for more
information. Trainings are offered in English,
Spanish and some sites may offer training
opportunities in Vietnamese.

Mandated Reporter Training

Interested in learning more about being a
mandated reporter? The California Department
of Social Services offers free online trainings for all
mandated child abuse reporters. Visit
https://mandatedreporterca.com for more
information. Trainings are offered in English and
will be made available in Spanish in the near
future.

Additional Resources

Many community and faith-based organizations
offer classes for resource families. Please explore
your local organizations for available training
resources.