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Foster Parent Training

Education and training for current and aspiring foster parents

If you’re an aspiring foster parent or current foster parent with The Buckeye Ranch, you can select your category below accordingly and register for any upcoming trainings below! We look forward to learning with you soon!

If you have any questions regarding training, please contact fosterparenttraining@buckeyeranch.org.

  • Cincinnati: Emotional & Psychological Stressors*
    #991, 989, 995, 981, RR7, RR10, RR5, RR6
    class description

    This interactive training explores the impact of psychological stressors on caregivers and children. Participants will learn about common stressors, signs of chronic stress, and practical strategies for managing stress in themselves and supporting children. The session covers types of stress, effects of childhood trauma, mindfulness techniques, and tools to help kids cope. Caregivers will leave with actionable methods to promote resilience and emotional well-being in their families.

    You MUST pre-register to attend! Seating is limited!
    date
    Saturday, 03/21/2026
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW LSW
    time
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Navigating Court Procedures: A Guide for Foster Caregivers*
    #950, 922, 929, 952, RR1, RR2, RR6, RR7, RR9, RR10
    class description

    This training provides foster caregivers with a comprehensive overview of juvenile court procedures and their role in child welfare cases. Participants will learn about the legal process from removal to permanency, the rights and responsibilities of foster parents in court, and how to effectively communicate with judges and case workers. The session will also address common barriers caregivers face in court participation and offer practical tips for testifying and supporting children during hearings. Whether you’re new to the system or seeking to deepen your understanding, this training empowers caregivers to be informed, confident advocates in the courtroom.

    date
    Monday, 03/23/2026
    trainer
    Jourdan Bush, MA
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • ***NEW TRAINING COURSE*** Online: Your Role on the Child Welfare Team
    #922, 980, 994, RR11, RR2, RR3, RR6, RR10
    class description

    Foster caregivers are essential members of the child welfare team. This training helps caregivers understand their rights, responsibilities, and influence in decision-making processes that impact the children in their care. Participants will learn how to collaborate effectively with caseworkers, service providers, and other team members, advocate for the child’s needs, and navigate legal and ethical considerations. By attending, caregivers will gain confidence in their role and learn practical strategies to strengthen communication and partnership within the child welfare system.

    date
    Wednesday, 03/25/2026
    trainer
    Candace Caudill, BS
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Normalcy & the Reasonable & Prudent Parent Standard
    #923, 922, 949, 950, 980, 991, RR7, RR2, RR11
    class description

    This engaging workshop introduces caregivers to the concept of normalcy and provides a comprehensive understanding of the Reasonable & Prudent Parent Standard (RPPS). Participants will learn how to apply RPPS to create a supportive and nurturing environment for youth, ensuring their well-being and development. 

    **Check your ITNA and Training Log to see if you need to take this training. **

     

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Thursday, 04/16/2026
    trainer
    Lamar King, BS
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: All About Those Rule
    #980, 922, 950, RR11, RR2
    class description

    This class helps parents understand the rule development process as well as review ongoing rules. Additionally, participants will learn through case study examples and a game! PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN! 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Monday, 04/20/2026
    trainer
    Alyssa Williams, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: April 2026: Town Hall: Connection, Collaborating, and Communicating
    class description

    Join us for our upcoming Town Hall, where we’ll come together to share updates, celebrate successes, and discuss important initiatives impacting our team and the families we serve. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, offer feedback, and stay informed about what’s ahead. Your voice matters, and we look forward to hearing from you! 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Monday, 04/27/2026
    trainer
    Jessica Thompson, MSW, LISW-S
    time
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    facilitator

     

     

    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Fostering the Anxious Child
    #995, 929, 941, 945, 983, RR10, RR9, RR6
    class description

    Everyone has a role in contributing to the treatment and repair of a child’s trauma experiences. Participants will learn how to assist as mental health is complex layers. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Wednesday, 04/29/2026
    trainer
    Zach Schellhause, LPCC-S
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Parenting Children that have Parents with Severe Mental Illness
    #940, 995, 991, RR #7, RR #10
    class description

    This training will equip foster parent with knowledge and strategies to support youth who have family members with a serious mental illness (SMI).  Participants will gain understanding of how SMI in biological parents impacts children’s emotional, social and developmental well-being.  Participants will explore common types of SMI, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, and learn how these conditions may affect parenting capacity and family dynamics. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Thursday, 05/07/2026
    trainer
    Hunter Joseph, LISW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Cincinnati: CPR/FA/AED
    #936, RR1
    class description

    This workshop will include American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid. You will need to complete preservice 1 – 7 before attending this training.  

     * Please ensure that you complete Preservice 1-7 before attending this training. We kindly ask that you register in advance, as seating is limited. * 

    Live In-Person at the Cincinnati

    You MUST pre-register to attend! Seating is limited!
    date
    Saturday, 05/09/2026
    trainer
    Candace Caudill BS
    time
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    in-person class (Cincinnati / Greater Dayton)
    Register
  • Columbus: CPR/FA/AED
    #936, RR1
    class description

    This workshop will include American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid. You will need to complete preservice 1 – 7 before attending this training. 

    * Please ensure that you complete Preservice 1-7 before attending this training. We kindly ask that you register in advance, as seating is limited. * 

    Live In-Person at Columbus Office 

    You MUST pre-register to attend! Seating is limited!
    date
    Saturday, 05/09/2026
    trainer
    Cathy Snow BA
    time
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    in-person class (Columbus)
    Register
  • Newark: CPR/FA/AED
    #936, RR1
    class description

    This workshop will include American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid. You will need to complete preservice 1 – 7 before attending this training. 

    * Please ensure that you complete Preservice 1-7 before attending this training. We kindly ask that you register in advance, as seating is limited. * 

    Live In-Person at the Newark Office 

    You MUST pre-register to attend! Seating is limited!
    date
    Saturday, 05/09/2026
    trainer
    Michelle Costa, LSW
    time
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    in-person class (Newark)
    Register
  • Online: All About Mood Disorders
    #925,940,991,995, RR10, RR7
    class description

    Participants will learn how to help children who enter their home who have been diagnosed with mood disorders.

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Wednesday, 05/13/2026
    trainer
    Zach Schellhause, LPCC-S
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Trauma Informed Care (T.I.C. 101)
    #991, 923,924,925,928,929,940,943, 945, 993, 995, RR7, RR10, RR5
    class description

    In this foundational workshop, parents will gain a comprehensive understanding of brain development, and the profound impact trauma can have on a child’s developing brain. Based on Bruce Perry’s curriculum, this course will equip caregivers with essential knowledge and practical strategies to support and nurture children who have experienced trauma. Participants will learn how to create a trauma-informed environment that fosters healing and resilience. 

     **Check your ITNA and Training Log to see if you need to take this training. ** 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Thursday, 05/21/2026
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Columbus: CPR/FA/AED
    #936, RR1
    class description

    This workshop will include American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid. You will need to complete preservice 1 – 7 before attending this training. 

    * Please ensure that you complete Preservice 1-7 before attending this training. We kindly ask that you register in advance, as seating is limited. * 

    Live In-Person at Columbus Office 

    You MUST pre-register to attend! Seating is limited!
    date
    Saturday, 06/13/2026
    trainer
    Cathy Snow BA
    time
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    in-person class (Columbus)
    Register
  • Online: Domestic Violence & Exposure
    class description

    Domestic violence (DV), intimate partner violence (IPV) and teen dating violence (TDV) are all societal problems affecting youth in and out of the foster care system. Many of those in foster care have been exposed to familial violence in their homes, whether it be from adults or in their own dating relationships. This training is to discuss violence and certain aspects that present specifically in familial violence situations. This training will additionally discuss cultural implications and how it relates to violence, and the difficulties that exist in addressing the issue of familial violence. While violence affects all involved, it is particularly traumatic for children, and we will discuss how effects may impact those who witness violence. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Wednesday, 06/17/2026
    trainer
    Hunter Joseph, MSW, LISW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Introduction to Substance Abuse Education
    #988,991,995,981 RR4, RR5, RR7, RR10*
    class description

    Substance use and adolescent substance abuse is a phenomenon that affects nearly everyone in some direct or indirect capacity and is most troubling with the adolescent population. With this training you will learn more about the substances of abuse, the conditions necessary to warrant a substance use disorder, and information to better understand the role of substance abuse interventions. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Thursday, 06/25/2026
    trainer
    Tim Sturgill BA, LCDC-III
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Columbus: Water Safety
    #940,945 RR10, RR6
    class description

    Foster parents learn how to supervise children of different ages, use safety equipment, establish household water safety rules, and identify signs of water related distress. The course helps them create a safer environment and feel confident supporting children during water activities. 

    Live In-Person at Columbus Office 

    date
    Saturday, 06/27/2026
    trainer
    Cathy Snow BA
    time
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    in-person class (Columbus)
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #6 Foundations of Discipline & Permanency
    #925, 926, 940, 948, 991
    class description

    This course teaches effective discipline strategies for children in care, focusing on behavior re-framing, relationship-building, and emotional management. It also covers permanency options, including reunification and adoption, adoption support, and preparing children for permanency. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Tuesday, 03/24/2026
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LISW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #7 Maintaining the Childs Connections; Partnering with the Primary Family
    #928, 929, 947, 949, 951, 991
    class description

    This course emphasizes the importance of preserving a child’s connections to their primary family and significant adults and peers. Participants will learn about the C.A.R.E. Guide, Ohio’s recommended best practice for co-parenting, and explore strategies to support these crucial relationships. The course also highlights the need for collaboration with the primary family for the child’s well-being and examines child protection through the lens of empathy and the primary family’s perspective.

    date
    Tuesday, 03/31/2026
    trainer
    Myndee Miller, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • ONLINE: Preservice #1 Orientation & the Basics of Placement
    #922, 991
    class description

    This course provides an overview of the child protection system and the home study process, highlighting the distinctions between Foster Care, Adoption, and Kinship care. Participants will learn how children enter the system and are matched with families, as well as the legal factors influencing these decisions. The course also emphasizes the importance of making informed placement choices and creating a safe, welcoming environment for the child. 

    date
    Saturday, 04/11/2026
    trainer
    Andrea Connell, MSW, LISW-S
    time
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • ONLINE: Preservice #2 Caregiver Roles, Responsibilities, & Medication Management
    #950, 980, 989, 991, 995
    class description

    This course outlines the caregiver’s role on the child protection team, covering responsibilities such as advocacy, mandated reporting, supporting the Family Case Plan, partnering with families, and meeting the child’s needs. It also addresses medication management, the five “rights” of medication administration, and relevant medication-related rules. 

    date
    Saturday, 04/11/2026
    trainer
    Andrea Connell, MSW, LISW-S
    time
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • ONLINE: Preservice #3 Child and Adolescent Development
    #923, 941, 983, 991
    class description

    This course covers finding and applying child development information, emphasizing positive childhood experiences, and nurturing relationships. It introduces the concept of normalcy and the reasonable and prudent parent standard. The course also explores adolescence, including brain development, identity, life skills, and how to support adolescents during this stage. 

    date
    Saturday, 04/18/2026
    trainer
    Candace Caudill, BS
    time
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • ONLINE: Preservice #4 Trauma Overview & the Impact of Trauma on Children in Care
    #924, 943, 991, 993
    class description

    This course defines trauma and explores its impact on brain development, attachment, and the child protection team. It also examines how caregivers’ own trauma histories may influence their care and emphasizes the skills needed to support children affected by trauma. 

    date
    Saturday, 04/18/2026
    trainer
    Candace Caudill, BS
    time
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • ONLINE: Preservice #5 Diversity Foundations & the Effects of Caregiving
    #927, 950, 980, 981, 987, 989, 991, 995
    class description

    This course promotes diversity competence and cultural humility, addressing disproportionality and disparity. Participants will examine their implicit biases and learn strategies for fostering an inclusive, equitable environment. It also covers caregiving challenges, including stress management, burnout prevention, and addressing secondary trauma. 

    date
    Saturday, 04/25/2026
    trainer
    Andrea Connell, MSW, LISW-S
    time
    9:00 AM - 12: 00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • ONLINE Preservice #6 Foundations of Discipline & Permanency
    #925, 926, 940, 948, 991
    class description

    This course teaches effective discipline strategies for children in care, focusing on behavior re-framing, relationship-building, and emotional management. It also covers permanency options, including reunification and adoption, adoption support, and preparing children for permanency. 

    date
    Saturday, 04/25/2026
    trainer
    Andrea Connell, MSW, LISW-S
    time
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Preservice #7 Maintaining the Childs Connections; Partnering with the Primary Family
    #928, 929, 947, 949, 951, 991
    class description

    This course emphasizes the importance of preserving a child’s connections to their primary family and significant adults and peers. Participants will learn about the C.A.R.E. Guide, Ohio’s recommended best practice for co-parenting, and explore strategies to support these crucial relationships. The course also highlights the need for collaboration with the primary family for the child’s well-being and examines child protection through the lens of empathy and the primary family’s perspective. 

    Live In-Person at Columbus Office 

    date
    Saturday, 05/02/2026
    trainer
    Myndee Miller, MSW, LSW
    time
    9:00 PM - 12:00 PM
    in-person class (Columbus)
    Send Email
  • Preservice #7 Maintaining the Childs Connections; Partnering with the Primary Family
    #928, 929, 947, 949, 951, 991
    class description

    This course emphasizes the importance of preserving a child’s connections to their primary family and significant adults and peers. Participants will learn about the C.A.R.E. Guide, Ohio’s recommended best practice for co-parenting, and explore strategies to support these crucial relationships. The course also highlights the need for collaboration with the primary family for the child’s well-being and examines child protection through the lens of empathy and the primary family’s perspective. 

    Live In-Person at Cincinnati office 

    date
    Saturday, 05/02/2026
    trainer
    Alyssa Williams, MSW, LSW
    time
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    in-person class (Cincinnati / Greater Dayton)
    Send Email
  • Cincinnati: CPR/FA/AED
    #936, RR1
    class description

    This workshop will include American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid. You will need to complete preservice 1 – 7 before attending this training.  

     * Please ensure that you complete Preservice 1-7 before attending this training. We kindly ask that you register in advance, as seating is limited. * 

    You MUST pre-register to attend! Seating is limited!
    date
    Saturday, 05/09/2026
    trainer
    Candace Caudill, BS
    time
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    in-person class (Cincinnati / Greater Dayton)
    Register
  • Columbus: CPR/FA/AED
    #936, RR1
    class description

    This workshop will include American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid. You will need to complete preservice 1 – 7 before attending this training. 

    * Please ensure that you complete Preservice 1-7 before attending this training. We kindly ask that you register in advance, as seating is limited. * 

    Live In-Person at Columbus Office 

    date
    Saturday, 05/09/2026
    trainer
    Cathy Snow, BA
    time
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    in-person class (Columbus)
    Register
  • Newark: CPR/FA/AED
    #936, RR1
    class description

    This workshop will include American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid. You will need to complete preservice 1 – 7 before attending this training. 

     * Please ensure that you complete Preservice 1-7 before attending this training. We kindly ask that you register in advance, as seating is limited. * 

    Live In-Person at the Newark Office 

    You MUST pre-register to attend! Seating is limited!
    date
    Saturday, 05/09/2026
    trainer
    Michelle Costa. LSW
    time
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    in-person class (Newark)
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #1 Orientation & the Basics of Placement
    #922, 991
    class description

    This course provides an overview of the child protection system and the home study process, highlighting the distinctions between Foster Care, Adoption, and Kinship care. Participants will learn how children enter the system and are matched with families, as well as the legal factors influencing these decisions. The course also emphasizes the importance of making informed placement choices and creating a safe, welcoming environment for the child. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Tuesday, 06/02/2026
    trainer
    Myndee Miller, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #2 Caregiver Roles, Responsibilities, & Medication Management
    #950, 980, 989, 991, 995
    class description

    This course outlines the caregiver’s role on the child protection team, covering responsibilities such as advocacy, mandated reporting, supporting the Family Case Plan, partnering with families, and meeting the child’s needs. It also addresses medication management, the five “rights” of medication administration, and relevant medication-related rules. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Thursday, 06/04/2026
    trainer
    Andrea Connell, MSW, LISW-S
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #3 Child and Adolescent Development
    #923, 941, 983, 991
    class description

    This course covers finding and applying child development information, emphasizing positive childhood experiences, and nurturing relationships. It introduces the concept of normalcy and the reasonable and prudent parent standard. The course also explores adolescence, including brain development, identity, life skills, and how to support adolescents during this stage. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Tuesday, 06/09/2026
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #4 Trauma Overview & the Impact of Trauma on Children in Care
    #924, 943, 991, 993
    class description

    This course defines trauma and explores its impact on brain development, attachment, and the child protection team. It also examines how caregivers’ own trauma histories may influence their care and emphasizes the skills needed to support children affected by trauma.

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Thursday, 06/11/2026
    trainer
    Andrea Connell, MSW, LISW-S
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #5 Diversity Foundations & the Effects of Caregiving
    #927, 950, 980, 981, 987, 989, 991, 995
    class description

    This course promotes diversity competence and cultural humility, addressing disproportionality and disparity. Participants will examine their implicit biases and learn strategies for fostering an inclusive, equitable environment. It also covers caregiving challenges, including stress management, burnout prevention, and addressing secondary trauma. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Tuesday, 06/16/2026
    trainer
    Maliaka English, MSW, LSW
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #6 Foundations of Discipline & Permanency
    #925, 926, 940, 948, 991
    class description

    This course teaches effective discipline strategies for children in care, focusing on behavior re-framing, relationship-building, and emotional management. It also covers permanency options, including reunification and adoption, adoption support, and preparing children for permanency. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Thursday, 06/18/2026
    trainer
    Andrea Connell, MSW, LISW-S
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
  • Online: Preservice #7 Maintaining the Childs Connections; Partnering with the Primary Family
    #928, 929, 947, 949, 951, 991
    class description

    This course emphasizes the importance of preserving a child’s connections to their primary family and significant adults and peers. Participants will learn about the C.A.R.E. Guide, Ohio’s recommended best practice for co-parenting, and explore strategies to support these crucial relationships. The course also highlights the need for collaboration with the primary family for the child’s well-being and examines child protection through the lens of empathy and the primary family’s perspective. 

    Live Synchronous Training Online 

    date
    Tuesday, 06/23/2026
    trainer
    Candace Caudill, BS
    time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    online
    class
    Register
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