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FCRP creates online orientation for prospective foster parents

By John McMahon

On August 1, the UNC School of Social Work’s Family and Children’s Resource Program launched a new resource to support foster parent recruitment and training in North Carolina — an online orientation that sends a consistent, inspiring message to families considering providing therapeutic or family foster care.

Developed in partnership with the N.C. Division of Social Services, the N.C. Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, and child welfare professionals, this orientation is:

  • Easy to find.
  • Fast! Takes just 15 minutes. No registration required—just click the link and begin.
  • Clear and helpful. The orientation gives an overview of foster care, describes the children in need of foster homes, and tells families how to take the next step to becoming a licensed foster parents in North Carolina.
  • Interactive and fun. The orientation uses video clips, handouts, web links, and activities that engage people in what is being taught. At the end, learners print out a certificate of completion to share with the agency they select to guide them through the licensing process.
  • Required. Because it is designed to promote statewide consistency in the licensing process and quality in the families recommended for licensure, all prospective North Carolina foster parents must complete this orientation before they are licensed.

If you know someone considering becoming a foster parent in our state, point them to this website. This orientation is a great way to start their foster care journey!