Sec. 07.05.02.12. Training Requirements

A. An applicant shall complete 20 hours of training provided by the agency before the agency certifies the applicant as a foster parent.

B. The agency shall document the applicant's attendance and understanding of material.

C. The training shall include the following:

(1) Role and relationships in foster care between agency, foster parent, parents, and the child;

(2) Separation anxiety and the importance of the child's parents and siblings;

(3) Developmental needs of children in care;

(4) Care of children who have special needs;

(5) Cultural and religious awareness and differences;

(6) Child management and discipline techniques;

(7) Child abuse and neglect;

(8) The availability of supportive services in the community for the children and foster families;

(9) Self-awareness;

(10) Communication skills;

(11) Problem solving;

(12) First aid and home safety;

(13) Human sexuality;

(14) Foster care as preparation for adoption;

(15) The need for adoption;

(16) Adoption responsibilities;

(17) The function of the Citizens' Review Board for Children (CRBC) and other case review processes described in COMAR 07.01.06 and the foster parent's role in these processes;

(18) The legal, technical, procedural, financial, medical, liability, and educational aspects of child placement;

(19) The nature and purpose of agency documents, including the permanent placement case plans and the service agreement; and

(20) Requirements for certified foster parents as described in Regulations .04-.11 of this chapter and agency policy.

D. Continuing Training.

(1) Continuing training of foster parents shall include a minimum of 6 hours per year.

(2) The training shall concentrate on the topics listed in §C of this regulation and additional foster care topics as needed.