Foster Parent Pre-Service prepares foster parents with the tools and resources they need to open their hearts and homes to foster children.
This 24-hour interactive training includes group discussion, activities, lectures and Q&A's. The course covers a variety of topics including state-mandated training, TBRI, trauma & childhood development, sensitivity training & expectations, CPR, and understanding of the child welfare/foster care system.
You will meet with Encourage staff, pray together and connect with other foster parents. You will complete Pre-Service feeling supported and equipped to begin your foster care journey with us. Below are current Pre-Service courses throughout Northeast Ohio.
Have you felt God may be calling you to foster?
There is a great need for families to say YES to open their homes to children in need. If you are looking to foster or foster to adopt, then Encourage Foster Care is a wonderful fit for you.
Events & Trainings
March 2025 Foster Parent Pre-Service
Dates:
Saturday, March 15 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, March 16 • 1-7pm
Saturday, March 22 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, March 23 • 1-7pm
Location:
The Branch Church
140 W High Ave
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Registration required. Please email us or fill out the inquiry form below.
May 2025 Foster Parent Pre-Service
Dates:
Saturday, May 3 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, May 4 • 1-7pm
Saturday, May 17 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, May 18 • 1-7pm
Location:
Medina Church of the Nazarene
6901 Wooster Pike
Medina, OH 44256
Registration required. Please email us or fill out the inquiry form below.
June 2025 Foster Parent Pre-Service
Dates:
Saturday, June 21 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, June 22 • 1-7pm
Saturday, June 28 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, June 29 • 1-7pm
Location:
Coshocton County
Exact Location TBD
Registration required. Please email us or fill out the inquiry form below.
July 2025 Foster Parent Pre-Service
Dates:
Saturday, July 19 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, July 20 • 1-7pm
Saturday, July 26 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, July 27 • 1-7pm
Location:
LincWay
258 Kurzen RD
Dalton, OH 44618
Registration required. Please email us or fill out the inquiry form below.
October 2025 Foster Parent Pre-Service
Dates:
Saturday, Oct 4 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, Oct 5 • 1-7pm
Saturday, Oct 11 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, Oct 12 • 1-7pm
Location:
Grace Church
5850 CO RD 77
Millersburg, OH 44654
Registration required. Please email us or fill out the inquiry form below.
Encourage also offers FREE online Resource Readiness Classes for all foster parents. With the completion of these trainings, foster parents will receive credit toward the ongoing training hours for their foster care license. If you have any questions about ongoing foster parent trainings, please contact Maria Reina, Intake Specialist & Trainer, at 330.466.2926 or reinam@encouragefostercare.org.
Would you like to learn more or have questions? Contact Heather Huebner, Director of Operations & Recruitment at 330.462.1118 or huebnerh@encouragefostercare.org.
February 2025 Foster Parent Pre-Service
Dates:
Saturday, Feb 15 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, Feb 16 • 1-7pm
Saturday, Feb 22 • 9am-3pm & Sunday, Feb 23 • 1-7pm
Location:
Oaks Church
1859 Burbank Rd
Wooster, OH 44691
Registration required.
