14.9 Continued Parent Development

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Child Welfare Policy Manual

Chapter:

(14) Resource Development

Policy Title:

Continued Parent Development

Policy Number:

14.9

Previous Policy Number(s):

N/A

Effective Date:

May 2024

Manual Transmittal:

2024-03

Codes/References

N/A

Requirements

The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) will:

  1. Require approved foster caregivers obtain a minimum of 15 hours of Continued Parent Development (CPD) each calendar year to develop competencies and skills needed to be successful in meeting the needs of children in foster care.

    The number of required CPD hours for caregivers approved after March 31st shall be prorated the year of their initial approval (see Practice Guidance).

  2. Require caregivers maintain current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid throughout the approval period for their foster home.

    Hours required to maintain CPR and First Aid certifications are counted toward CPD hours.

  3. Allow the caregivers to obtain CPD hours through:

    1. Training (online, virtual or in-person); or

    2. Personal growth and development activities (e.g., counseling, support, stress management, nutrition, etc.). Hours from these activities must be verified with a written statement by the professional providing the service.

  4. The number of required CPD hours shall be completed by December 31st each calendar year.

  5. Require newly approved caregivers to initiate CPD within 90 calendar days of initial approval.

  6. Verify that approved foster caregivers obtain the number of required CPD hours each calendar year and maintain current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid.

Procedures

Resource Development Social Services Case Manager

  1. Inform caregivers of the CPD requirements, including ensuring CPD is relevant to the characteristics of children placed in their home.

  2. Work with each caregiver during the initial family evaluation and re-evaluation process to identify their individual CPD needs.

  3. Verify that foster caregivers obtain the number of required CPD hours each calendar year and that each caregiver’s CPR and First Aid certification is valid throughout the approval period:

    1. Check the expiration date of the current certifications and note the duration of the certification period (e.g., one year, two years, etc.).

    2. Upload verification of CPD hours and a copy of current certifications to Georgia SHINES External Documentation.

Resource Development Social Services Supervisor

  1. Direct the SSCM to engage and increase their oversight of caregivers who are not actively participating in CPD.

  2. Notify the County Director of any caregivers at risk of not meeting the annual CPD requirement.

Practice Guidance

Use the following chart to determine the number of required CPD hours for the initial year of approval:

Approval Month CPD Hours Due by December 31st

January

15 hours

February

15 hours

March

15 hours

April

10 hours

May

10 hours

June

10 hours

July

5 hours

August

5 hours

September

5 hours

October

0 hours

November

0 hours

December

0 hours

Forms and Tools

Foster Care and Adoptive Community – Online Training Program