Being a foster parent not only takes a big heart, but also a lot of training. Fortunately, the staff of Elon Homes and Schools for Children foster care division is prepared to help every step of the way.

In addition to the ongoing training required of licensed foster parents, prospective foster parents in North Carolina must complete a 5-week pre-service training program called the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting/Group Preparation and Selection (MAPP/GPS).

EHSC's own certified instructors lead this state-approved curriculum two to four times a year, depending on the needs of our agency. During the 5-week session, soon-to-be foster parents get specialized training on understanding the needs of abused and neglected children, working in partnership with birth families and social service agencies, cultural diversity, behavior management and other issues core to caring for a foster child. Every person in the household that is 18-years of age or older must complete this training before a family can go on to receive state licensing.

This training, in combination with the other courses we lead, helps ensure that our foster parents are well prepared to care for the children we serve. The level of instruction provided and the ongoing support from our trainers and case coordinators are a big part of why our foster care program functions so well.

For more information about the MAPP/GPS training or becoming a foster parent contact Rebecca Krypel at rebecca.krypel@elonhomes.org.