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How Long Is the Training to Become a Licensed Foster Parent?

become a licensed foster parent

If you’d like to become a foster parent in West Virginia, you may be wondering how long the training is to become a licensed foster parent. Since there are several factors that affect this process, understand that the amount of time it takes varies from person to person. With that in mind, here’s how long some of the requirements take in order to become licensed in West Virginia.

Click here to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

Complete PRIDE Training

PRIDE, or Parent Resource Information Development and Education, is a 30-hour course designed to teach you about being a foster parent. PRIDE teaches a range of skills that instill you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a confident, knowledgeable foster parent. Moreover, some of the topics covered include protecting and nurturing children, meeting developmental needs, supporting relationships with families, maintaining relationships and much more. Further information on PRIDE training can be found at WVFact.com.

Additional classes

In conjunction with PRIDE training, a few more classes are required to become licensed. MANDT training, also referred to as crisis de-escalation, teaches safe and effective methods to settle highly stressful and crisis situations. Completion of the training can take just a few days and is dependent on a competency assessment. Other required training includes:

  • CPR/First Aid class – about 3 hours long
  • Universal Precautions class on bloodborne pathogens – about 1-3 hours
  • Healthy Sexual Development in Children – about 2-3 hours
  • Pregnancy Prevention and STD Information class – 2-3 hours

Virtual Training Options

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have transitioned much of our foster parent training and licensing process online. While the in-person training courses are spread out over a longer period of time, usually 2 months depending on your schedule and availability, our online foster parent training can be completed in as little as three weeks. We currently offer 2 online training classes a day, one from 10 a.m to 12 p.m., and another in the evening from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. You may choose whatever time works best for your schedule.

For more information on the training classes needed to become a licensed foster parent in West Virginia, visit our foster family training and support page. Also, let us know if you are interested in becoming a foster parent with KVC West Virginia. We provide 24-hour support, seven days a week. We will gladly guide you every step of the way to becoming a licensed foster parent.

Ever wondered what you need to look for when choosing a foster care agency? This free eBook is the ultimate resource for finding the best agency to support you in your foster parenting journey. Click the image to download it now!

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