The goal of this training is to provide an opportunity for participants to explore the importance of building supportive partnerships between foster parents and birth parents.

QPI is an approach to ensuring that all children receive excellent parenting. It is an initiative adopted by the Department of Children and Family Services to strengthen the foster care system and its ability to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families. The goal of this training is to provide an introduction to the QPI principles. A review of developmental research highlights the importance of recognizing early trauma, as well as the ability of consistent, caring relationships in helping children to have better outcomes. The role of foster parents in the QPI process is highlighted.

2 General CEUs

This course defines the Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) and outlines the initiative’s traits.  Emphasis is placed on working as a team for the child in care. QPI’s three core components are identified- the Initial Call, the Icebreaker Meeting, and the Transition Plan.  The course illustrates best practices for child welfare staff to incorporate in their cases.

1.75 General CEUs

Panelists discuss the ways the Quality Parenting Initiative touches each part of a child's team including Case Managers, Foster Parents, Birth Parents, and Community Partners.  Panelists share their personal experiences with QPI and how it as affect their time within the child welfare system.

Objectives of this training are:

1. Understand QPI from the perspective of foster parents, birth parents, and DCFS workers.
2. Understand the benefits of QPI practice.
3. Learn how others have addressed challenges that arise in QPI practice.