Homework and course materials for the Core Training virtual course
Thank you for signing up for the Core Training for Resource Families or Core Training for Relative Caregivers live virtual course.
Core Training is an important part of becoming an adoptive or foster parent. We’re excited to support you on this life-changing journey!
Homework assignments
Resource family handbook
This handbook is intended to provide you with basic information about caring for a child placed in your home. You will find general information about what is expected of resource families, financial matters, safety requirements, licensing, permanency, case planning, maintaining connections between children and their families, and the role of the court.
Download the handbook | Complete the homework for credit
The reasonable and prudent parent standard
Learn how to apply the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard to support foster youth in participating in age-appropriate, social, cultural, and enrichment activities. Gain the knowledge needed to make informed day-to-day decisions that promote normalcy and healthy development, while remaining in compliance with Alaska’s foster care policies and legal requirements.
Download the reading | Complete the homework for credit
Talk it over as a family (optional)
Understand the importance of preparing all family members for the emotional, logistical, and relational changes that come with becoming a foster or adoptive family. Learn strategies to support open communication, set expectations, and create a welcoming and supportive home environment for everyone involved.
Course materials
Core session 1: Understanding trauma and the impact on children
- Watch the video: Exposure to violence and a child’s developing brain
- Take notes: Core session 1 slides
- Get the handouts: Core session 1 handouts
Core session 2: Introduction to trauma informed caregiving (Essential elements 1-3)
- Take notes: Core session 2 slides
- Get the handouts: Core session 2 handouts
Core session 3: Trauma informed caregiving (Essential elements 4-7)
- Watch the video: ReMoved and ReMoved part two
- Take notes: Core session 3 slides
- Get the handouts: Core session 3 handouts
Core session 4: Understanding the Office of Children Services and overview of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
- Watch the video: ICWA: Protecting our children and our future
- Take notes: Core session 4 slides
- Get the handouts: Core session 4 handouts
Core session 5: Role of the resource family and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder overview
- Take notes: Core session 5 slides
- Get the handouts: Core session 5 handouts
- Office of Children’s Services child care support
- Safe sleep information
- Car seat information
- 9 Core Messages: What Everyone Should Know About Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
- Take a listen to a TedTalk by Rob Scheer who talks on the importance of not using a trash bag for a child’s belongings: Life in a Trash Bag: Restoring Dignity to Foster Children
Core session 6: Working with birth parents and supporting reunification
- Take notes: Core session 6 slides
- Get the handouts: Core session 6 handouts
Core Training course evaluation
Once you complete your Core Training we’d love to hear your feedback.
We’re grateful for your dedication to becoming a foster, adoptive, or kinship caregiver. Your feedback helps enhance future trainings—please share your thoughts through our course evaluation.
