We have been discussing the progression of FAFS’ training from its inception in the 1970s and ‘80s through the 1990s. In just three decades, the world has shifted from a close-knit culture into a culture that is all about the microwave lifestyle – we want a quality product that is relevant to our needs delivered in a quick and convenient manner. In our society, it almost seems as if yesterday was too late. That just seems to be a sign of the times – wanting what we need and wanting it NOW.

Fortunately, FAFS has been poised to address the concerns foster parents have regarding their growth and development and how it affects the children in their care; today training is available in ways that are more convenient than ever before.

History of Foster Care Training – The Evolution of the “T” Word

There is one word that describes a major difference in training between the earlier decades and the 2000s -TECHNOLOGY. While the internet began its journey in the 1990s, it soared in the new millennium. In general, we became a society that started to rely on the internet for just about everything, from do it yourself projects to medical research on disease. The internet started to become the guru of information. As search engines like Google began to flourish, they simply showed how we as a people desired to quickly access helpful information. When the growth of the World Wide Web began, FAFS’ training grew along with it, taking learning to a higher height and deeper depth.

History of Foster Care Training – The Rise of Online Courses

The 2000s brought forth a new and exciting medium that allowed FAFS to provide quality courses to foster parents – online training. With the implementation of the Child Welfare Reform, it became a requirement to complete in-service training. With online training, foster parents could gain access to a variety of courses from their own homes, or wherever they could connect to the internet. This, no doubt, was a huge step forward.

History of Foster Care Training – Incorporation of Training with Volunteer Committee Meetings

The growth of FAFS brought about the incorporation of training into the county-based Volunteer Committees meetings. These meetings were a great way to connect to other foster parents and gain vital information about providing for children in care. The trainings focused on relevant issues foster parents faced. Experts in specific fields would come out to the one of the monthly meetings and give vital information to help enhance the knowledge of foster parents who attended. In turn, foster parents would receive “in-service” training credit towards their license. It was a great way to connect with their peers in the community – and it still continues to this day.

History of Foster Care Training – The Beat Goes On

This concludes our series on the history of FAFS training. We started with flip charts and library research and ended with the World Wide Web. As a famous slogan said, “You’ve come a long way, baby.” FAFS definitely has. One thing is certain: FAFS ensures foster parents are provided with the best training available. The purpose has always been about more than providing information; it’s about providing foster parents with the tools to grow and become well-rounded, making the outcomes better for the children in their care.

With so much progression throughout the years you may be wondering what’s next. Well, as we go into a new decade, FAFS has incorporated eLive webinars which are certainly the next level in learning. Keep your eyes open as FAFS looks to develop training that is even more valuable and easier to access. With whatever new technology the future may bring, you can be sure FAFS will be ready to ride the wave.