This learning program equips newly hired foster care case planners and supervisors with essential knowledge of child welfare policies and role-specific practices. Learners gain core foster care case planning skills, including collaborating with partners, preparing court reports and setting permanency and concurrent planning goals, such as supporting family reunification and supporting youth transitioning to independent living — all with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed practice, communication, empathy and self-care.
Who Should Attend?
Foster care case planners and supervisors who are within one year of their hire date, or within one year of being promoted into a case planning team role, or who have been recommended by leadership and have not previously completed this program.
Course Benefits
Learners will:
- Understand child welfare foundations, history and their role in promoting child safety, permanency and well-being.
- Develop effective, individualized service plans that address family strengths, safety and needs.
- Communicate and document case information clearly, including effective written and verbal court communication.
- Apply structured, strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches — including Motivational Interviewing — to build partnerships and inform assessments.
Course Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Components
Once enrolled in the course, learners will complete an online pre-test, a one-day, instructor-led workshop and an online post-test. Completion of all components is necessary to receive a Certificate of Completion.
Continuing Education Units
There are no CEUs associated with this course.
Registration
Register for this course by logging in to Cornerstone, browse for the course name and complete all information. For more information about the ACS Workforce Institute, please contact the Help Desk at WIhelpdesk@acs.nyc.gov or call (212) 748-1898.