The following training classes are for foster care providers licensed by Hennepin County to meet the annual training requirements. Hennepin County adopting parents are also welcome.

Note: These classes do not meet the training requirements necessary to become a licensed foster care provider. See Foster Care Licensing Process for information about becoming a foster care provider.

To register for a class

Please make note of the changes for 2013.

  • Call 612-348-5840 to register for classes - include the class title, your name and daytime phone number. Registration is no longer available on-line. You can also call or email your licensing worker to register.
  • Registration is required as class sizes are limited to 20 participants. You must sign up at least three days in advance. You will receive a reminder.
  • Parking will no longer be validated for any training at the Health Services Building (HSB).  
  • Food / refreshments will no longer be provided at foster care or adoption training. You are welcome to bring your own meal.
  • Reimbursement of up to $50 for attending a conference/training is not available for 2013.

Please remember that children are not allowed at any training sessions. Child care is not provided.

For weather cancellations, call 612-348-5840 after 5 pm.

Location

Unless otherwise noted, all training will be held at the Health Services Building (HSB), 525 Portland Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415.  Map It! 

All providers need 12 hours of annual training.

May - June Training 

SIDS/Shaken Baby Syndrome and Car Seat Training

SIDS/Shaken Baby Syndrome and Car Seat classes are only free to Hennepin County foster parents. The class fees for private agencies, other counties and individuals are $25.00 for SIDS/Shaken Baby Syndrome and $35.00 for Car Seat. Prepayment for classes are required.

SIDS/Shaken Baby Syndrome

  • May 11, Saturday, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
  • May 28, Tuesday, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
  • June 15, Saturday, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
  • June 27, Thursday, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Car Seat

  • May 11, Saturday, 9:00 am - 12:15 pm
  • May 28, Tuesday, 6:00 pm - 9:15 pm
  • June 15, Saturday, 9:00 am - 12:15 pm
  • June 27, Thursday, 6:00 pm - 9:15 pm

 

Managing Transitions, Teen and Parents Support Group

  • Instructor: Family Alternatives Staff
  • Dates: Thursdays May  2, 9, 15 and 23. Must attend all sessions.
  • Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location: Family Alternative’s Office
    1089 South East 10th Avenue
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, MN 55414
    (Free Parking and Dinner Provided)
  • Register through the Hennepin County Registration Line 612-348-5840

Significance of Substance abuse

Many children in foster care have been affected by their parent substance abuse. Parental substance abuse greatly impacts children’s behaviors. Learn the different levels of chemical abuse and explore strategies for working with children and families.

  • Instructor:  DHS
  • Date: May 16
  • Time 6:00 PM- 9:30 PM
  • Location: 450 Syndicate St,
    Bigelow Building in Bruce Vento Room
    St. Paul, MN
  • Register through the Hennepin County Registration Line 612-348-5840

Skin and Hair care for all faces and all races

Come and learn from a licensed cosmetologist and instructor on how to properly care for skin and hair for all foster children. Bring your questions and be prepared to take home some new information to use.

  • Instructor: Crystal Hunter Porte
  • Date : May 18
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00PM
  • Location: HSB

Discipline

Learn the importance of discipline based on the child’s age, developmental level, past experiences and their current situation.

  • Instructor: DHS
  • Date : May 20
  • Time : 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location : HSB

Primary Families

Gain an understanding of the grief process of a birth parent whose children have entered out of home placement and the importance of have birth families involved.

  • Instructor: DHS
  • Date : May 22
  • Time : 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location : HSB

Managing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children (Mental Health)

This workshop will focus on a framework for understanding the meaning of young children’s behavior and strategies for helping children learn to regulate their emotions and behavior.

  • Instructor: Michelle Fallon
  • Date: May 28
  • Time: 9:00 - 12:00 PM
  • Location: HSB

Introduction to Mental Health

Learn a number of common mental health diagnoses that foster children often present. Each diagnosis will be discussed.

  • Instructor: DHS
  • Date : May 29
  • Time : 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location : HSB

Effects of caregivers on the family

Learn to recognize the signs of family stress and know the importance of developing and using support systems to prevent a family crisis.

  • Instructor: DHS
  • Date: June 3
  • Time: 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
  • Location: HSB

Permanency Issues for Children

Learn the unique aspect  of becoming a permanent home for a child or children who will not be returning to their biological parents. Gain an understanding on how post placement issues such as loss, identity and loyalties can be complicated for these children and begin to prepare to them.

  • Instructor: DHS
  • Date: June 5
  • Time: 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
  • Location: HSB

Managing Transitions, Teen and Parents Support Group

  • Instructor: Family Alternatives Staff
  • Dates: Thursdays June 6, 13, 20, and 27. Must attend all sessions.
  • Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location: Family Alternative’s Office
    1089 South East 10th Avenue
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, MN 55414
    (Free Parking and Dinner Provided)
  • Register through the Hennepin County Registration Line 612-348-5840

Children’s Challenging Behaviors (Mental Health)

Raising a child with challenging behaviors can be difficult. Learn the five essential tasks to build confidence in your skills improve the relationship with your child and create balance in your life.

  • Instructor: Nami MN
  • Date : June 20 and 24  Must attend both sessions for credit.
  • Time : 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
  • Location : HSB

Helping Teens Survive Risk-Filled Years: Mental Health promotion for Adolescents

The session will cover the role of lifestyle in mental health promotion, as well as a cognitive approach to improve mental functioning in oneself and in those with whom we interact, including young people struggling with stress, low moods and suboptimal functioning.

  • Instructor :Dr. Nimi Singh, MD, MPH, MA is Assistant Professor and Division Head of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota.
  • Date: June 27, 2013
  • Check-in: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
  • Presentation 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Location: Lutheran Social Service
    2400 Park Avenue
    Minneapolis, MN 55404
    (Free parking lot in the back of the building)
  • Fee : No fee for HC Foster and Adoptive families
  • Register by calling the Hennepin County Foster Care Training Line- 612-348-5840