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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

February 2025 Pre Service Digital Design.jpg

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.

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