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Initial Training
Required for Non-Kin Providers Only
The Minnesota Legislature will require all social service agencies to coordinate an initial foster care phone call (also referred to as a comfort call) between child’s parents/legal guardian and foster parents/facility staff when a child is placed or when they move placements.
Initial calls are mandatory and must be made within 72 hours of a child being placed or moving placements.
Initial calls help to:
- Promote immediate communication between foster parent and birth parent
- Minimize trauma of separation for both child and parents
- Reinforces commitment to maintaining connections and contact
- Provides a smoother transition into foster home by allowing the foster parent to ask specific information about the child needs, routine, likes, dislikes, etc.
- Gives the birth parent a chance to convey what information they feel is critical to the care of their child
Required training video:
Resources for Initial Calls
- A Guide to Comfort Calls (PDF)
- A Relationship Building Guide (PDF) (page 8 and 9)
- Initial Foster Care Phone Calls Information Guide (PDF)
- 2020 QPI National Conference: Comfort Calls and Early Connection (video not required)
- Example of an Initial Calls (YouTube video) (video not required)
One hour of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) training is required if caring for children under 6 years old before a foster care license is issued. This training must be re-taken every 5 years.
AHT Videos
Watch these three AHT videos (45 minutes) then complete and submit one of our training verifications listed below:
- Never Shake: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome Video (YouTube)
- The Doctors: Shaken Baby Syndrome Video (YouTube)
- Forever Shaken Video (YouTube)
Training Verification
Complete AHT Training Verification Quiz Online
OR
Download AHT Training Verification Quiz (PDF)
* If you prefer to attend this class in person or you need the training offered in another language, please visit Develop for statewide trainings that are being offered.
A three hour face-to-face car seat safety training is required if caring for children under the age of eight. This class is offered by Washington County throughout the year, but you may choose to take a class offered in another county. This class must be retaken every five years.
If you are a relative/kinship provider, contact your licensor for more information about a variance option.
Register for a class in Washington County
All classes are held at the Stillwater Government Center located at 14949 62nd St. North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Please arrive on time. If you are late by more than 10 minutes, you will be turned away.
Please note: Washington County foster care applicants are exempt from the $30 fee. If your licensor is not from Washington County, you will be required to pay.
View training calendar and register
Register for a class outside of Washington County
You may register for a class outside of Washington County if it is more convenient for you. Develop Minnesota handles registration for non-Washington County car seat safety classes. Make sure to obtain a receipt so you can prove your attendance and receive reimbursement.
Two hours of children’s mental health training is required for all applicants before a license is issued.
This DHS intro to Children’s Mental Health is required to be completed by each applicant prior to licensing.
All 19 modules, including the post quiz, must be completed. The certificate given after passing the quiz must be given to your licensor for proof of completion.
Two hours of Prudent Parent Standard training is required for all applicants before a license is issued.
Watch this video
Prudent Parenting Resources
Submit verification
One hour of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) training is required if caring for children under 6 years old before a foster care license is issued. This training must be re-taken every 5 years.
SUID Videos
Watch these three SUID videos (15 minutes) then complete and submit one of our training verifications listed below:
- Safe Sleep Video (YouTube)
- Safe Sleep Practices Video (Vimeo)
- Sleep On It - Preventing Unsafe Sleep Practices Video (YouTube)
Submit SUID Training Verification
* If you prefer to attend this class in person or you need the training offered in another language, please visit Develop for statewide trainings that are being offered.
Online orientation is required to be completed prior to licensing. This is an introduction to child foster care by learning about licensing requirements, agency overview, placements, reunification, mandated reporting, and more!
Each applicant must complete all three modules, including the post-tests.
This orientation is specific to Washington County foster care. Other agency orientations will not be counted towards this requirement.
Online training
(*Best when viewed using Chrome.)