Concord University’s WVFACT office hosts train-the-trainer for foster agencies

PRESS RELEASE

Concord University’s WVFACT office hosts Train-the-Trainer for foster agencies

ATHENS, WV — The West Virginia Foster and Adoptive Care Training (WVFACT) office at Concord University recently  hosted a statewide Train-the-Trainer event focused on West Virginia’s model of the National Training and  Development Curriculum (NTDC) for traditional foster families. 

The train-the-trainer training was created and facilitated by Madeline Hawkins, foster care training coordinator at  Concord University, and was designed to prepare trainers from child-placing agencies across West Virginia to deliver  the state-specific NTDC pre-service curriculum to prospective traditional foster families. 

A total of 65 participants attended the virtual two-day event, Aug. 27-28, representing Concord University, the West  Virginia Department of Human Services (DHHS), and 11 private child-placing agencies from across the state. The  strong statewide participation reflects the collaborative effort among public and private child welfare partners to  provide foster families with consistent, high-quality preparation and support.

The National Training and Development Curriculum is designed to equip prospective foster and adoptive parents  with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to meet the needs of children and youth who have experienced  separation, loss, trauma, and other challenges. West Virginia’s model builds upon the NTDC framework while  ensuring training is responsive to the needs of families and the child welfare system within the state. 

Through the Train-the-Trainer event, participants received preparation to facilitate the curriculum within their  respective agencies. The training also provided an opportunity for professionals from across West Virginia to come  together, strengthen partnerships, and work toward greater consistency in how prospective foster families are  prepared for their roles. 

WVFACT is a statewide collaborative of the WV Social Work Education Consortium (WV SWEC) dedicated to  supporting the preparation and ongoing development of West Virginia’s foster, adoptive, and kinship families.  Through partnerships among West Virginia’s schools of social work, the WV DoHS, and other child welfare partners,  WVFACT helps coordinate pre-service and in-service training opportunities for caregivers throughout the state. 

The Train-the-Trainer further strengthens collaboration between Concord University, WV DoHS, and private child placing agencies while expanding the network of trained professionals equipped to prepare foster families across  West Virginia. 

Concord University’s involvement in WVFACT and statewide foster care training reflects the University’s continued  commitment to strengthening West Virginia’s child welfare workforce and supporting the families who provide care  to children and youth across the state.