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Network Resources: Training |
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Quality Assurance/ Credentialing
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HFA provides training and technical assistance to help communities implement home visitation programs for parents of newborns. Some states have training and technical assistance teams that provide these services; other programs turn to the national HFA staff to meet these needs. Primary training establishes a framework for understanding the program and instructs staff in their specific roles as Family Assessment Workers (FAWs), Family Support Workers (FSWs), Supervisors and Program Managers. Wraparound training complements primary training and covers the details of parent education and information on topics relevant to the needs of families in a specific community. Technical assistance is provided to ensure that HFA is effectively adapted to meet the needs of various communities. Prenatal training (Great Beginnings Start Before Birth) supplies service providers with strategies for supporting families during the prenatal period. This period of time offers a great window of opportunity for the home visitor to establish a trusting relationship, and focus on the mother and father, without the distraction of the baby. Based on best practice standards, with a special focus on the psycho-social issues facing expectant parents, home visitors will learn how to help parents enhance prenatal bonding, stimulate brain development and reduce stress, thereby increasing healthy mother/baby birth outcomes. Primary Training Primary training combines instruction with experiential activities to enhance the learning process while providing a thorough understanding of the specific roles within an HFA program. The curriculum is organized into six training modules that support the goals and objectives of HFA and the twelve critical elements that guide HFA program functioning. HFA primary training is conducted over five consecutive days. One day of training (either the first or the last) is typically reserved for Program Managers and Supervisors to discuss any special training needs among their staff and to begin the component specific to supervision. One day of training is attended by everyone and includes a description of the HFA program components and an overview of the critical elements. For the next three days, the group is divided into two role-specific training tracks: FSWs and FAWs. FSWs are trained in key concepts related to home visitation services: supporting healthy childhood growth and development, promoting positive parent-child relationships, enhancing family functioning by teaching parents solution-focused problem-solving skills, and improving family support systems. FAWs are trained to administer the Kempe Family Stress Checklist (FSC), which is used by many HFA sites to systematically identify the families most in need of services and to whom home visitation services would be offered. Primary Training Logistics Two trainers are provided for each primary training: one to train the FSWs and one for the FAWs. The maximum number of participants allowed in an FSW training group is 15; for an FAW training group the number is 12. To ensure the quality of training, larger groups will require additional trainers. Staff who have completed primary training in one role and need to be cross-trained in the other role may attend the three role-specific days of the training week. However, it is recommended that staff members serve at least three months in their primary role before being cross-trained. How to Arrange for HFA Training There are over 95 certified HFA trainers throughout the country. To schedule a primary training, please plan ahead and submit your training request eight weeks in advance of the desired training dates. For more information please contact the Training Division at (312) 663-3520. Costs The organization hosting HFA primary training is responsible for the following costs:
New staff members who have joined a program after the site has completed its primary training may receive training by attending a different program site's primary training (space permitting). National HFA staff can help facilitate these logistics. Prenatal Training (Great Beginnings Start Before Birth) This comprehensive training curriculum is organized into four sections. The training is conducted over a three to four day period, depending on the experience level of the group attending. During the training, participants will gain a greater understanding of the important role of the home visitor during the prenatal period. The training combines instruction with experiential activities to enhance prenatal bonding and stimulation, as well as stress reduction and strategies for engaging fathers. Fetal growth and development, along with emotional and physical changes experienced by the mother and father from the first through third trimester are explored. Costs Costs for the prenatal training range from $2,480 for a three day training to $3,140 for four days of training, all travel and hotel expenses for the trainer (including but not limited to air travel, ground transportation, and private hotel accommodations for 3-4 nights) and materials fee of $75 per participant plus shipping and handling. For further information contact: 312-663-3520 Wraparound Training In addition to conducting primary training, HFA program sites should develop a curriculum of wraparound training for their staff. Wraparound training generally begins prior to primary training to allow for initial team building and staff orientation. Staff should devote one-third of their time to wraparound training within the first six months of employment (approximately 80 hours). The curriculum should include information about the challenges faced by their community's families and the local resources available to support those families. HFA programs typically reach out to members of their own communities to fulfill their wraparound training needs. Community experts may be invited to provide training on community resources, core elements of home visitation, child development, cultural diversity, and other issues staff may confront in their work with families, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, etc. Program sites are encouraged to add wraparound training topics that are relevant to the families and communities in which they operate. Read a list of recommended wraparound training topics. Technical Assistance Questions about training, the critical elements, or any aspect of program implementation may be directed to HFA national staff members or the trainers who provide primary training to a program site. In the months following a primary training, HFA trainers are available to provide technical assistance to the Program Manager/Supervisor on whatever issues the site may face. Consultation is provided at no cost to provisional HFA sites. Teleconference on Domestic Violence Teleconference call April 25, 2007 presented by Dr. Leo Mesa, Jr.of the Florida Governor's Task Force on Domestic Violence Faith Committee shares the Definition of Domestic Violence; Causes of Violence; Batterer's Belief System; the Batterer as a Father, the Battered Woman and answers questions from participants on the call. Train the Trainer The national office encourages states to develop in-state training teams to best meet the ongoing training needs of the sites in their state. They offer a Train the Trainers Institute to facilitate this process. The Institute is a six-day comprehensive training that provides the skills necessary to communicate the HFA vision, assist in local program implementation and put the critical elements into practice. After completing the Institute, trainers are evaluated in the classroom by experienced trainers a minimum of two times. This rigorous training process ensures that the integrity of the HFA program remains intact. For more information on the Institute, please contact the Training Division at (312) 663-3520. More information is also available on this web site - click here. |
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