Understanding And Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
2024-03-14 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 6

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
March 14th, 2024
6:30 PM-9:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Joy Harris Edwards
2.5 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
There are many reasons that foster and adoptive youth display challenging behaviors. For some youth, living in a family and accepting parental guidance and support is exceedingly difficult. Behaviors that have been useful in the past for survival and self-protection, can become instinctive, automatic reactions. Intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as dealing with grief are also contributing factors for challenging behaviors. Whatever the case, having sufficient trauma informed parenting skills are required to help navigate the teen years for youth who have experienced trauma.
During this session parents will gain a better understanding on the vulnerabilities and high-risk behaviors that foster and adoptive youth that have experienced trauma are challenged by. By the end of the session parents will:

Learn and demonstrate skills needed to assist their youth during a crisis situation.
Parents will learn how to respond appropriately when teens display high-risk behaviors like:

Risky sexual behaviors
Aggressive behaviors towards others
Using the internet and social media appropriately
Self-injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation

Parents will learn strategies to keep their youth and others safe.
Parents will learn crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
Learn how to access and be actively involved in professional supports that their foster/adoptive youth may need to access.

This session will teach foster/adoptive parents learn skills needed to address, intense, frequent, or long-lasting high-risk behaviors that they threaten the quality of life and/or the physical safety of the teen or others. For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
REGISTER NOW
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

A New Suitcase Of Parenting Knowledge And Skills
2024-03-21 18:30 - 20:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 7

A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
March 21, 2024
6:30 PM-8:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Stephanie Spires
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
Session 7 wraps up the CORE Teen Training Program. During this final session parents will continue to add to their “trauma- informed parenting suitcase.” Participants will:

Create healthy relationships with birth family members and other key individuals
Review the impact of trauma and trauma informed parenting
Define secondary traumatic stress
Identify strategies for dealing with secondary traumatic stress

This session will teach parents how to nurture and promote the well-being of their youth through trauma-informed parenting. For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
REGISTER NOW
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Trauma and Sensory Processing Training
2025-07-24 18:00 - 19:30
The Foster Parent Training Program is holding a 90-minute training to help foster parents understand how sensory processing and trauma intersect—and how this affects behaviors, meltdowns, and relationships. We’ll break down the 8 sensory systems in easy-to-understand ways, explore how trauma can heighten sensory sensitivities, and share practical strategies to support regulation and connection.
Participants will take a short self-assessment to reflect on their own sensory styles and leave with actionable tools to use at home.
This training is approved for Foster Parent Training credits up to 1.5 hours of elective foster parent training credit.
Training Objectives:
By the end of this session, foster parents will be able to:

Identify and describe the 8 sensory systems and how they impact behavior.
Recognize sensory thresholds and patterns in children.
Recognize the difference between sensory preferences vs a potential sensory processing disorder
Understand how trauma can influence sensory processing and regulation.
Apply simple, trauma-informed sensory strategies to prevent and respond to dysregulation in the home, while maintaining connection.

REGISTER HERE
Trainer Bio
Lora Buth, MS, OT/L is a licensed occupational therapist with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming an OT, she worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home supporting children in residential care, which led she and her husband to later becoming foster parents. As a traditional OT, her work focused on the pediatric population through early intervention, home health, and outpatient therapy. Today, Lora’s focus is on parent education and consultations. Through her company Connected Littles Co., she consults with adoptive and foster families to help them better understand behaviors and build secure connections. She specializes in translating sensory and trauma-informed strategies into simple, relational parenting practices.

Advocating for your Child in School
2025-09-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
Children in foster care often face school disruptions, trauma, and sensory/behavioral challenges. This training will help foster parents to recognize the signs that their child may need extra support in school and learn how to navigate the educational process in their role as a foster parent. Parents will learn key educational terms, types of accommodations, and the parts of an IEP and 504 plan. An emphasis is placed on effective advocacy and building collaborative relationships with school staff.
About the Speaker:
Lora is a licensed occupational therapist with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming an OT, she worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home supporting children in residential care, which led to she and her husband to later becoming foster parents. As a traditional OT, her work focused on the pediatric population through early intervention, home health, and outpatient therapy.
Today, Lora’s focus is on parent education and consultations. Through her company Connected Littles Co.. Lora has partnered closely with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to assess children’s needs and support their development. In addition to her clinical work, she provides training for foster and adoptive parents on trauma-informed care, sensory strategies, and attachment.
This includes guiding parents through the process of requesting evaluations for IEPs and 504s, understanding legal rights, and collaborating effectively with educators to ensure their child receives appropriate support.
This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.

Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care
2025-09-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. In Session 1, caregivers will define trauma, describe ways that traumatic stress and adversity impact a youth’s development and describe the importance of responding to the underlying cause of a youth’s behaviors.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Regulating Emotions & Coping Skills
2025-09-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
Help your child effectively identify and learn how to regulate their emotions. This training will teach developmentally appropriate activities and coping skills parents can use to help their children feel more in control, form better relationships, normalize feelings, and learn how negative thoughts lead to negative emotions.
About the Speakers:
Stephanie Caudill & Cara Kriebel are part of the team at Hope’s Place. Hope’s Place is one of the 15 Child Advocacy Centers in Kentucky. Stephanie is an LPCC-S RPT and has been actively practicing since 2015. Cara is an LPCC and has been practicing since 2018. Each provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Hope’s Place served 627 children in their Ashland office in 2024.
This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.

Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
2025-10-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 2 – Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
October 6th, 2025 – 6:00 PM-8:00 PM EST – Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 2 will help caregivers describe the two major adaptive responses to threats, describe how fear changes the way you think, feel and action, and describe three trauma-informed techniques to effectively parent youth, based on their emotional age and developmental state.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Child Wellbeing & Social Media
2025-10-09 16:00 - 17:30 | Virtual through LMS
This training will educate foster parents on the parts of the brain and the potential benefits and harms of social media for their children. It will explore ways parents can protect their children on social media and provide valuable resources.

About the Speaker:
Dr. David Weisenhorn is a Family Scientist and Senior Specialist for Parenting and Child Development at the University of Kentucky. He is a Certified Family Life Educator, Researcher and Therapist with 30 years of training and experience working with families. His primary focus is improving the quality of individual and family life through education, research, and outreach in the field of parenting and child development.
This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.

Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth
2025-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 3 — Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth
October 13th, 2025 — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 3 will describe the impact of loss and grief on teens, describe two actions that parents can take to enhance attachment and strengthen their relationship with youth, and describe two ways that parents can deepen attunement with their youth.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
2025-10-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 4 — Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
October 27, 2025 — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 4 will identify ways to incorporate the youth’s race, culture and ethnicity into family life, and demonstrate two skills in communicating acceptance and support for youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
2025-10-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 5 — Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
November 3rd, 2025 — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 5 will demonstrate two skills parents use in coping and managing their own emotions in the face of their youth’s challenging behaviors. It will also demonstrate two ways that parents can effectively respond to their youth’s rejection, testing and maladaptive behaviors. Plus, it will describe at least two signs that their relationship with the youth is under stress.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences: Trials & Triumphs
2025-10-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual through LMS
Angela Jamison, MSW, CSW, LCW
1.5 credit hours
This training will provide foster parents with information about adverse and positive childhood experiences and how each affect the developing child. Information will be provided about how to identify and encourage the use of positive childhood experiences with their children.

This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
2025-11-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 6 — Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
November 10th, 2025 — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hour
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 6 will demonstrate at least two skills in addressing crisis/severe behaviors challenges. It will demonstrate two skills in teaching your youth how to remain safe and recognize vulnerabilities of youth with challenging behaviors who have experienced trauma. It will also describe how to access and be actively involved in professional support that your youth may need to access.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
2025-11-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 7 — A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
November 17, 2025 — 6:00 PM-8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 7 will describe two ways that parents can support youth’s important connections and a sense of connectedness. It will demonstrate the impact of secondary trauma on parenting as well as identify the important elements to developing a self-care plan.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Attachment: Connecting Littles (& Bigs) in Foster Care
2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
Attachment: Connecting Littles (& Bigs) in Foster Care
November 17, 2025
6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Lora Buth, MS, OT/L
1.5 credit hours
Attachment is a lasting emotional bond that provides safety, comfort, and a secure base to explore from. This training will teach foster parents:

How to recognize the four attachment types and their signs
To reflect on how their own attachment style affects parenting
Principles to build secure attachments
Strategies to promote healthy attachment with their children

Lora Buth is a former foster (now adoptive) mom. She is a licensed occupational therapist with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming an OT, she worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home supporting children in residential care, which led she and her husband to later becoming foster parents. As a traditional OT, her work focused on the pediatric population through early intervention, home health, and outpatient therapy.
Today, Lora’s focus is on parent education and consultations. Through her company Connected Littles Co., she consults with adoptive and foster families to help them better understand behaviors and build secure connections. She specializes in translating sensory and trauma-informed strategies into simple, relational parenting practices.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

The Basics of Play Therapy: Helping Children Heal, Grow, and Express Through Play
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
The Basics of Play Therapy: Helping Children Heal, Grow, and Express Through Play
November 18, 2025
6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Becky Host, LPCC-S, NBCC, RPT, LFTP, TBRI Practitioner
1.5 credit hours
In this training, parents will learn:

The benefits and goals of play therapy
Types of play therapy
Common play materials
The power of symbolism in play
How to encourage and support emotional expression and build self-regulation skills through play in the home

Becky Host is the Director of Willow Creek Counseling Center in Lexington, KY. Her work centers on helping children and families feel safe, seen, and empowered — especially those navigating trauma, attachment challenges, or life transitions. A mother of five through both birth and adoption, Becky brings deep empathy and lived experience to her work. She believes healing begins with connection, and that every child deserves a space where their story can unfold through play.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care
2025-12-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 1
Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care
December 1st, 2025
5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. In Session 1, caregivers will define trauma, describe ways that traumatic stress and adversity impact a youth’s development and describe the importance of responding to the underlying cause of a youth’s behaviors.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Holiday Meltdowns: Connecting through the Chaos with Your Foster Child
2025-12-03 11:30 - 13:00 | Virtual through LMS
Holiday Meltdowns: Connecting through the Chaos with Your Foster Child
December 3, 2025
11:30 AM-1:00 PM EST Via Zoom
Lora Buth, MS, OT/L
1.5 credit hours
This training will assist parents to be able to recognize sensory overwhelm and provide strategies to prepare your child for the chaos of the holidays. This training will also provide some gentle strategies to use when meltdowns happen while prioritizing connection with your child.
Lora Buth is a former foster (now adoptive) mom. She is a licensed occupational therapist with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming an OT, she worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home supporting children in residential care, which led she and her husband to later becoming foster parents. As a traditional OT, her work focused on the pediatric population through early intervention, home health, and outpatient therapy.
Today, Lora’s focus is on parent education and consultations. Through her company Connected Littles Co., she consults with adoptive and foster families to help them better understand behaviors and build secure connections. She specializes in translating sensory and trauma-informed strategies into simple, relational parenting practices.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Grief in the Holidays: Navigating the Holiday Season after Loss
2025-12-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
Grief in the Holidays: Navigating the Holiday Season after Loss
November 24, 2025
6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST Via Zoom
Emily Johnson, MS, LMFT
1.5 credit hours
This training explores the impact of grief on children and teens during the holiday season. Parents will learn why grief is so difficult for children, common physical symptoms and behavioral reactions to grief, and what impacts grief. Parents will learn how to talk with their children about grief, how to encourage positive coping skills, along with what not to say.
Emily is from the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children & Families. Their mission is to support children, youth, and families as they grieve and grow. Emily is KCGCF’s clinical program manager. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
2025-12-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 2
Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
December 4th, 2025
5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 2 will help caregivers describe the two major adaptive responses to threats, describe how fear changes the way you think, feel and action, and describe three trauma-informed techniques to effectively parent youth, based on their emotional age and developmental state.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth
2025-12-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 3
Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth

December 8th, 2025
5:00 PM –7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 3 will describe the impact of loss and grief on teens, describe two actions that parents can take to enhance attachment and strengthen their relationship with youth, and describe two ways that parents can deepen attunement with their youth.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
2025-12-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 4
Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
December 11, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 4 will identify ways to incorporate the youth’s race, culture and ethnicity into family life, and demonstrate two skills in communicating acceptance and support for youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.

Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
2025-12-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 5
Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
December 15th, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 5 will demonstrate two skills parents use in coping and managing their own emotions in the face of their youth’s challenging behaviors. It will also demonstrate two ways that parents can effectively respond to their youth’s rejection, testing and maladaptive behaviors. Plus, it will describe at least two signs that their relationship with the youth is under stress.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
2025-12-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 6
Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
December 18th, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hour
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 6 will demonstrate at least two skills in addressing crisis/severe behaviors challenges. It will demonstrate two skills in teaching your youth how to remain safe and recognize vulnerabilities of youth with challenging behaviors who have experienced trauma. It will also describe how to access and be actively involved in professional support that your youth may need to access.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
2025-12-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 7
A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
December 22, 2025
5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 7 will describe two ways that parents can support youth’s important connections and a sense of connectedness. It will demonstrate the impact of secondary trauma on parenting as well as identify the important elements to developing a self-care plan.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.
