18 Hours Pre-Approval Training is REQUIRED
(Formerly known as PRIDE)
- Applicants must complete all 18 hours of RFA Pre-Approval Training in order to be certified.
- Classes are available at Los Medanos College, Diablo Valley College, and Contra Costa College.
- Applicants can register and attend classes at any of the three community colleges.
- Applicants must pre-register with Contra Costa County CFS by calling (925) 655-4230.
Annually:
Resource Families must complete at least 8 hours of training yearly and can choose from a number of Foster/Kinship Care Education classes available
at the local community colleges. RFA Social Workers may also recommend specific trainings based on current placement or agency needs.
CPR/First Aid Certification
- RFA families must maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification.
- CPR and First Aid Certification may be completed at one of the community colleges (check with colleges for available dates and times) or through a private company (fees apply). Contra Costa County makes an effort to also offer CPR and First Aid through local hospitals, and will contact RFA families if and when these classes become available.
Heritage Training
- Specialized training available for resource families. Heritage Training is recommended for those interested in providing specialized care for children 9 years of age and under who have been exposed to HIV, drugs or alcohol before birth.
- Heritage Training is 36 hours.
Contra Costa County Children & Family Services Strongly Encourages additional training beyond the 18 required hours.
All three community colleges offer additional pre-service training which helps ensure caregivers receive the education needed to provide the highest level of care to children and youth. Additional training and education may also allow RFA social workers to more successfully match children with a caregiver who is best suited for them.