Concord University introduces new curriculum to improve foster parent knowledge base

ATHENS, WV (WVNS) — Concord University (CU) announced its critical role in changing the training curriculum for kinship caregivers prior to beginning service in West Virginia.

In 2023, CU, in collaboration with the WV Social Work Education Consortium (SWEC), proposed changing the pre-service education courses used by the Mountain State to the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) to improve the services that support the different needs of kinship caregivers in the area.

After the authorization of these changes, CU took action by hiring Madeline Hawkins, a Curriculum and Training Specialist. Hawkins has been influential in aligning the specific training needs of kinship caregivers in West Virginia with the NTDC. By working closely with Dr. Scott Ingrham and Dr. Samantha Byrd, Hawkins integrated necessary themes such as trauma-informed care into the NTDC model.

Concord University held an event, called Train-the-Trainer on July 12 and 13, 2024, to enhance the quality of pre-service training available to kinship foster and adoptive caregivers within the state. Concord, in tandem with the SWEC institutions throughout West Virginia, is the only provider of this training in the Mountain State.

Other schools were invited to come to gain more knowledge pertaining to the improved NTDC curriculum being used. Trainers from SWEC schools joined to participate, learn, and enhance their training methods change pre-service training courses. Hawkins was the head of the event, and taught trainers from the many West Virginia SWEC institutions.

Kinship caregivers are imperative in providing secure and caring homes for kids that cannot be in their original homes. Acknowledging these unique challenges that caregivers face, the SWEC schools stress the importance of providing their trainers with the most current knowledge, skills, and tools to support these families effectively.

The curriculum began being taught in July 2024, as SWEC implemented the new model in the state. CU has remained at the head of the improvements, and has offered a pilot round of training to make sure the curriculum is effective and to gain feedback to improve it.

CU continues to be dedicated to fostering superiority in education and service to the community. By leading this movement, CU will continue to exemplify dedication to bolstering families and improving the well-being of children statewide.

For more information on how to become a foster parent in West Virginia, contact Mission WV at (304) 562-0723.

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