Sign Up for Free Foster Parent Training

After attending a foster care information session, the next step is completing pre-service training—offered virtually and free of charge by The Villages.

To become a licensed foster parent in Indiana, you’ll need to complete 20 hours of training, as required by the Department of Child Services and the State of Indiana.

These trainings cover trauma-informed care, behavior management, and how to create a safe, supportive home. And you won’t do it alone—our team will walk with you every step of the way.

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Parents with their child

Required Trainings

Each required class is offered several times each month, giving you the flexibility to choose the sessions that work best
for your schedule. You must attend one of each class listed below, but trainings do not have to be taken in any particular order. If you are fostering as a couple, both of you must complete all trainings and you must both register for each session—but you may attend separately if needed.

Training Session RAPT 1 background

RAPT I

Understanding the role of DCS and how the foster care system works in Indiana.

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Training Session RAPT 2 background

RAPT II

Understanding, recognizing, and appropriately responding to child abuse and neglect.

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RAPT III

Developing insight into attachment, discipline, and how fostering can impact the family.

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Trauma-Informed Care

Learning how trauma shapes behavior and how to respond with empathy.

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Understanding & Managing Challenging Behaviors

Developing tools to navigate and respond to difficult behaviors with patience, structure, and support.

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Training Session Sexual Abuse background

Sexual Abuse
101 & 201

Understanding, recognizing, and appropriately responding to signs of sexual abuse.

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Headshot of Rebecca

“The extra training on the effects of different trauma experiences—and how those behaviors may show up in children—was incredibly valuable. It’s helped us quickly recognize what might be going on with our kiddos, and because of that training, we’re better equipped to support their healing.”

– Rebecca Baldwin, Foster Parent