Strategies for Parenting Teens
2025-12-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual through LMS, 619 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
Strategies for Parenting Teens will provide an overview of adolescent development and common questions and challenges presented by youth who are in foster care or were adopted. This training will equip participants with parenting strategies to address specific issues common to foster and adopted teens.
After completing this training, participants will be able to:

Recognize and identify behaviors and developmental challenges exhibited by a teen in their home.
Apply constructive parenting strategies to specific teen issues.

ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Two Rivers Citizen Review Panel
2025-12-19 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | KY
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a regional panel, please visit the CRP website or contact Tara Pulaski at Tara.Pulaski@uky.edu.

Support Group with Kay
2025-12-21 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual through LMS, 619 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
ASK-VIP Support Groups are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents in an inclusive, safe, and compassionate environment. They are led by seasoned facilitators who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption. If you’re seeking an opportunity to share resources, suggestions, frustrations and successes with those who share the unique experience of fostering and adoption, ASK-VIP is for you!
Create an account or log-in to register for this support group. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this support group, each person must register separately.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this support group or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Transracial Parenting: Ages 5-12
2025-12-21 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | KY
Transracial Parenting: Ages 5-12 explores the unique experiences of transracial families and examines developmental stages of racial identity development in elementary and middle school-aged children. It offers strategies to create an environment that is conducive to the formation of a positive identity, as well as strategies to help children develop coping skills and methods of maintaining a positive identity.
After completing this training, participants will be able to:

Examine children’s racial identity development (ages five to twelve years old).
Articulate positive self-esteem and coping strategies for transracially-placed children.

ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
2025-12-22 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual through LMS, 619 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
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.

Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens Support Group
2025-12-22 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual through LMS, 619 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers an opportunity to share experiences, questions, resources, and concerns in a safe and compassionate environment. The support group is led by a seasoned foster/adoptive parent who has lived experience caring for teens.
Create an account or log-in to register for this support group. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this support group, each person must register separately.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this support group or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Group
2025-12-23 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | KY
ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify as LGBTQ+. The groups offer an opportunity to share experiences, questions, resources, and concerns in a safe and compassionate environment. These groups are led by a seasoned foster/adoptive parent facilitator who understands firsthand issues unique to the LGBTQ+ community.
Create an account or log-in to register for this support group. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this support group, each person must register separately.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this support group or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
2025-12-24 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | KY

Eastern Mountain Region Citizen Review Panel
2025-12-26 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | KY

Myths and Realities of Foster Care and Adoption
2025-12-26 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | KY
Myths & Realities of Foster Care & Adoption enables parents to identify myths and realities related to foster care and adoption.
After completing this training, participants will be able to:

Identify myths that surround foster care and adoption and articulate accurate realities.
Interpret statistics to distinguish between foster care and adoption myths and facts.

ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Autism: Understanding the Basics
2025-12-28 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | KY
This comprehensive training provides a foundational exploration of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), offering participants valuable insights into the characteristics, challenges, and strengths associated with autism. Aiming to enhance awareness, promote empathy, and lay the foundation for creating inclusive and supportive environments. This training is designed for foster and adoptive parents committed to providing a loving and understanding home for children with autism.
Whether you are in the early stages of the foster or adoptive journey or seeking additional tools to support a child with autism, this training caters to your specific needs.
ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Building Strong Bonds With Your Foster And Adoptive Child
2025-12-29 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual through LMS, 619 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
This course equips participants with a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics between bonding, and attachment, and the critical role they play in fostering healthy relationships with children. The course will delve into the distinct differences between bonding and attachment, enabling participants to grasp the nuanced nuances that define these concepts. Throughout the training, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and comprehend the essential components of the four styles of attachment.
This comprehensive exploration will empower them to recognize and understand the behavioral patterns and emotional connections inherent in secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles.
ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Practicum Info Session
2026-01-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-14 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-21 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-11 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | KY
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for hands-on learning in real-world settings.
The UK College of Social Work is affiliated with approximately 3,000 agencies across the United States, offering flexible placements in schools, hospitals, with advocacy groups, and in many other settings. During your placement, you will gain valuable experience, build your professional network, and have the opportunity to explore specialized paths, including clinical social work, child welfare, and substance use recovery.
At the UK College of Social Work, students drive their practicum journey, with the ability to select or propose placement sites that align with their goals. Advising and mentorship are built in to help you succeed before and after graduation.
Register for an information session to learn how your practicum experience will support your goals and open doors to meaningful, impact-driven work.
REGISTER HERE

*Attendees should register for virtual Practicum Info Sessions in advance. All times are EST. Sessions occur on Wednesdays at either noon or 3:00 (they are not offered when the University of Kentucky offices are closed, and classes are not in session).

Salt River Trail Citizen Review Pane
2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-17 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Salt River Trail Citizen Review Panel, 229 Douglas Ave, Versailles, KY, 40383, United States

Practicum Info Session
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | KY
Launch your career through your practicum education! Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you explore hands-on learning in real-world settings.
The UK College of Social Work is affiliated with approximately 3,000 agencies across the United States, offering flexible placements in schools, hospitals, with advocacy groups, and in many other settings. During your placement, you will gain valuable experience, build your professional network, and have the opportunity to explore specialized paths, including clinical social work, child welfare, and substance use recovery.
At the UK College of Social Work, students drive their practicum journey, with the ability to select or propose placement sites that align with their goals. Advising and mentorship are built in to help you succeed before and after graduation.
Register for an information session to learn how your practicum experience will support your goals and open doors to meaningful, impact-driven work.
REGISTER HERE

*Attendees should register for virtual Practicum Info Sessions in advance. All times are EST. Sessions occur on Wednesdays at either noon or 3:00 (they are not offered when the University of Kentucky offices are closed, and classes are not in session).

Fostering and Adopting Sibling Groups
2026-02-13 21:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | KY
Fostering & Adopting Sibling Groups explores the benefits of placing siblings together as well as potential barriers and challenges. The impact of on attachment and bonding among siblings who have experienced trauma is discussed. Considerations related to caring for a sibling placement are explored.
After completing this training, participants will be able to:

Recognize positive aspects of placing siblings together as well as potential barriers and challenges.
Identify items to consider before accepting a placement of siblings.

ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Parenting a Child with an Invisible Disability
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | KY
Join our comprehensive training designed specifically for foster and adoptive parents to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Led by our expert ASK liaisons, this training covers essential topics such as understanding FASD, recognizing its symptoms, implementing strategies for managing behavior, accessing resources and support networks, and promoting positive outcomes for children with FASD. With practical insights and evidence-based approaches, this training empowers parents to provide nurturing environments and tailored care for children with FASD, fostering resilience and optimal development.
ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Support Group with Kay
2026-02-15 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | KY

Cyberbullying
2026-02-15 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | KY
Cyberbullying is a training that explores what cyberbullying entails, warning signs that a child may be a victim of it, and its harmful effects. Statistics on cyberbullying are examined and reasons for cyberbullying behavior in children and youth are discussed. Strategies designed to protect children and youth from becoming a victim of cyberbullying are provided.
After completing this training, participants will be able to:

Identify the signs of a child, teen or young adult being cyberbullied or engaging in cyberbullying behavior.
Articulate appropriate steps if a parent suspects a child or youth in their home is being cyberbullied or exhibiting cyberbullying behavior.

ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

Criminal Justice Blueprint Banter Session
2026-02-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | KY
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by Dr. Kayla Powell, Director of Student Experience and Engagement. These occur at least once per semester and provide an invaluable opportunity for the college to learn what topics matter most to students. If you have questions, contact Kayla Powell at kayla.powell@uky.edu.
REGISTER HERE

BASW Blueprint Banter Session
2026-02-16 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | KY

Internet Safety with Detective John Sims, Kentucky State Police
2026-02-16 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | KY
Internet Safety is a training designed and presented by KSP Detective John Sims to empower and equip parents and caregivers to help children navigate the digital world safely with a focus on the following topics:

Parenting Tips for Online Safety
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Child Safety Online
Emoji Slang: A Guide for Parents
Social Media
Gaming Safety
What Parents Should Know about Sextortion
Slang Terms and Their Meaning
Hidden Apps
Parental Control Apps
Time allowing, there will be a Q&A at the end of the training

About the Trainer:
John Sims is a Detective for the Electronic Crime Branch of the Kentucky State Police, with over 23 years of Law Enforcement experience and 18 of those years being spent in Investigations.
Sims began his Law Enforcement career with the Paducah Police Department in February of 2001. He was a graduate from DOCJT Class #304 and spent two years of Patrol before applying with the Kentucky State Police. Sims graduated from Class #81 with the Kentucky State Police in October of 2003. Sims was assigned to Post 1, Mayfield. While working as a Road Trooper, Sims was assigned to Graves and McCracken Counties. In March of 2006, Sims transferred to Investigations. During his tenure as a Post 1 Detective, Sims took various trainings and became specialized in working Financial Investigations and ICAC Investigations. He also became proficient in crime scene photography. While working in Investigations at Post 1, Sims was named Detective of the Year at Post Level in 2012 and was named Detective of the Year for the Kentucky State Police in 2015.
In January 2017, the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch (ECB) expanded to include detectives that covered different parts of the state. The primary function of the ECB is to work investigations regarding the exploitation of children via electronic means. Detective Sims was assigned to the ECB and worked investigations in the Western part of state covering multiple counties over multiple Post Districts in 2017. Since his start at the ECB, Detective Sims has become proficient in Peer to Peer (P2P) Investigations including BitTorrent, Emule, CPS, and Freenet.
In August of 2022, Detective Sims became the second Electronic Storage Device Detection (ESDD) K9 handler with the state, with his partner Cam. Cam is an English lab who is trained to detect electronic storage devices and assists the Electronic Crime Branch on search warrants regarding the exploitation of children. In 2021, Detective John Sims was named the Detective of the Year for the Electronic Crime Branch.
This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 2.0 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.

Connecting with Your Child While Correcting Behavior
2026-02-16 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | KY
Connecting with Your Child While Correcting Behavior introduces parents to strategies to use to help them feel connected to children while correcting difficult behaviors. Parents will learn how to connect while also understanding the child’s history and also empowering them in the process.
After completing this training, participants will be able to:

Participants will learn the 3Ds by focusing their correction on behaviors with the goal being compliance. ​
Participants will understand the 3 c’s and how to achieve those by connecting while correcting. ​
Participants will understand the four levels of response and strategies for correcting behaviors.
Participants will understand how the child’s history impacts themselves and the child.

ASK-VIP trainings are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents. Skilled trainers who have lived experiences with fostering and adoption provide these trainings in a virtual group setting. There is 1.5 hours of ongoing, elective foster parent training credit available for Kentucky’s foster parents.
Create an account or log-in to register for this training. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is needed to participate. If there are two adults in the same household that want to participate in this training, each person must register separately. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the meeting and each attendee’s participation. Training credit is only available if you have not participated in this training within the past twelve months.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training or how to register, please email ask@uky.edu or call 859-257-7361.

MSW Blueprint Banter Session
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | KY
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by Dr. Kayla Powell, Director of Student Experience and Engagement. These occur at least once per semester and provide an invaluable opportunity for the college to learn what topics matter most to students. If you have questions, contact Kayla Powell at kayla.powell@uky.edu.
There is an additional MSW Banter session later in the day at 4:00. Only one of these sessions should be attended.
REGISTER HERE

MSW Blueprint Banter Session
2026-02-17 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | KY
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by Dr. Kayla Powell, Director of Student Experience and Engagement. These occur at least once per semester and provide an invaluable opportunity for the college to learn what topics matter most to students. If you have questions, contact Kayla Powell at kayla.powell@uky.edu.
There is an additional MSW Banter session earlier in the day at 12:00. Only one of these sessions should be attended.
REGISTER HERE
