Our December event will now be OFFERED VIRTUALLY!

*Content Warning// The topics covered throughout the training can be difficult to learn about as we walk with children who have experienced trauma. We encourage participants to be consious of their own needs, experiences and encourage taking breaks or seeking support when necessary. If you have any concerns or questions prior to registration, please contact us at info@iamfosteringhope.org

Participating Agencies:  Arrow, Angelheart, CPS, Circles of Care, Depelchin, Divinity Family Services, Giocosa, Helping Hand Home, Pathways, PCHAS, SAFE, Settlement Home, STARRY and Upbring

We are so glad you have decided to support foster families and children in your community! 

You don't want to miss out!

Registration is now open for this event and will close on November 26th (or whenever tickets are sold out).

Please read through all the FAQs below before registering.

This training is for those who are 21+ looking to offer short-term childcare (up to 72 hours) for licensed foster families in the Greater Austin area.

There will be a one day 2-part training you will be required to participate in virtually.

Portion 1: Trauma Informed Care for Babysitting, Administering Medications and Safe Transportation.

Portion 2: CPR/First Aid certification** Training . Both of these trainings MUST be attended* to receive your certification and the certificates to be sent to your chosen agencies.

**If you have received your CPR/First Aid certification in the last 12 months, your cards are valid & you are not required to participate in the CPR/First Aid portion of training.

Fees -

Training Registration: $20.00 (Due at time of registration)*

Background Checks: $37.00 (This will be paid separately by participant)

Steps to Becoming a Babysitter-

1. Complete Event Registration & Watch Instructional Video

If you have not identified a family, but would like to attend the certification training, please visit our FAQs page to see ways to get connected to a foster family.

2. Submit Application + required identification to your primary agency

3. Complete Fingerprinting process

4. Collect All Paperwork

Note that there is an online course that must be taken prior to Training day. Recognizing & Reporting Child Sexual Abuse. Please allow yourself time to complete the training and print the certificate. The link is listed in the Participant Checklist sent to you after registration.

5. Receive TB test and Results

This will be completed at a local clinic at no cost to you. This is a 2 appointment session, scheduled 48 hours apart, plan accordingly.

6.Attend Training Day with Fostering Hope: Trauma Informed Care for Babysitters, Administering Medications and Safe Transportation

7. Attend CPR and First Aid training

*If you have received your CPR/First Aid certification in the last 12 months, your cards are valid & you are not required to participate in the CPR/First Aid portion of training.

8. Paperwork Drop-Off

This will be contactless at the Fostering Hope Family Center in North Austin the week following training. Address, dates and times will be given to you at training.

Please purchase one ticket for EACH participant attending the training.

FAQs -

Do I have to have a foster family picked out to register?

For this training, Fostering Hope does NOT require you to have a foster family chosen before registering for the training.

Here are some ways we suggest getting connected to a foster family –

• Ask your local church leaders to see if there is a ministry or family in your community they can connect you to.

• Reach out to an agency in our collaboration to see if they can connect you to a family in your area.

• Check discussion boards, community events and your neighbors to see if there is a foster family in need.

• Utilize your platforms like social media, parent groups or other groups you are a member of.

What is the date(s) and time(s) for Training Day?

Saturday, December 11th from 9:00am-12:30pm

CPR/First Aid will be attended virtually from 1:00-3:30pm

This round of training will be offered virtually via Zoom. More information will be given to you as we approach the date. Training day with include Trauma Informed Care for Babysitters, Medication Administration and Safe Transportation trainings, all which are required by the State of Texas to care for children in care.

The agency I want to babysit for is not on the list. Can they join the collaboration now?

Not currently. The current agencies listed are working collaboratively to adhere to the same foundation of standards and expectations for their babysitters. We are always looking to collaborate with more agencies to best serve our communty.

Why are you asking people to choose only 3 agencies if there are more agencies in the collaboration?

All the agencies have agreed on the same requirements. Three choices gives you flexibility but still keeps you from getting over-run by requests.  You can add other agencies within a year if you choose to work with another agency.

How much will it cost?

There are some set fees.  $20 for registration (+ a bit extra for online processing fees). Fingerprinting fees are $37/person and is paid to the State's fingerprinting company.  Fostering Hope seeks out grants and donors to cover the additional costs of CPR and TB testing so it is at no additional cost to you!

Who has to get background checked?

Anyone who is 14 years or older who lives in the home can be asked to be background checked.  If a person will ever be the primary caretaker of a foster child (be left alone with the child), they must be certified with the background check and training. (ex. Parent in the house gets certified and they will be responsible for the foster child. An 18-year-old son or daughter in the home needs only to be background checked, but they cannot be left alone with the foster child without becoming babysitter certified themselves)

Who will help me through this process?

We here at Fostering Hope look forward at walking with you through each step of the process. You will be receiving emails from us leading up to Training Day(s) and our staff is available to answer any questions that may arise along the way.

Do I have to attend both portions of Training Day to be certified?

At the time, we do not have the ability to only offer partial training. It is possible to attend only the Babysitter Training but not only our CPR/First Aid Training however CPR/First Aid is only offered to those who complete the first portion of training.

*Please note we do not offer refunds for this training.