Who are the 3 agencies that are part of the joint certification?   New Horizons, Methodist Children’s Home and Christian Homes of Abilene. This is a collaboration of several local churches as well. 

The agency I want to babysit for is not on the list. Can they join the collaboration now? Please ask your agency if they would like to be part of this collaboration. If time still allows, we would love to have them join us in using the same format that the original 3 agencies have agreed upon. We are not trying to be exclusive; we just needed to start somewhere and this group was already working together. 

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

In brief overview, the entire process will include:

Register online:

• Training Day Only if you already have a valid CPR card. (No fee) 
• $30 if you need CPR training day. 

Round 1: Register online and fill out the application for a background check. The application is available for download on the registration page. Please forward the completed application to the primary agency you would like to work through. Please download the application when you register as it will not be easily available once the web page is closed. The web page will close up to 10 days prior to the training day to allow time for the agencies to run background checks and assimilate all of the paperwork and give you time to complete the online trainings. Please do not delay in getting your application in for this reason. You will not be allowed to attend the CPR portion on training day if your background check has not already been cleared. 

Round 2: You’ll receive an email to schedule your fingerprint appointment AFTER submitting your application to your primary agency (so please turn in your application as soon as possible). You will also have several documents to collect before training day. Each agency has a few differences in their requirements, so read the beginning email carefully as some agencies have online video trainings which will need to be completed to become licensed.

Round 3 Training Day!! Bring with you all of your document copies. After all the requirements are met, your primary agency will approve your certification and share the necessary paperwork for certification with the other agencies that you choose.

* Please purchase one ticket for each participant for training.
* Background check fee ($37) will be required at time of fingerprinting.

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For more details, see our FAQ’s below:

What is the date and time for Training Day?

Saturday, April 13 from 9am-1pm at Pioneer Drive Church. Snacks will be provided. Your day will be shorter if you have been certified in CPR in the past year.

Who are the 3 agencies that are part of the joint certification? New Horizons, Methodist Children’s Home and Christian Homes of Abilene. This is a collaboration of several local churches as well.

The agency I want to babysit for is not on the list. Can they join the collaboration now?
Please ask your agency if they would like to be part of this collaboration. If time still allows, we would love to have them join us in using the same format that the original 4 agencies have all worked out. We were not trying to be exclusive; we just needed to start somewhere and this group was already working together.

How much will it cost?
CPR training will cost $30 and will be completed on training day. If you do not need CPR, we still need you to sign up to start the paperwork process.  Each participant will also be required to pay $37/person which will be paid to the State’s fingerprinting company.  While CPR training will be graciously provided by volunteers, the cost for the certificate from the American Red Cross is actually $36. The agencies and churches are providing volunteer trainers and funds to underwrite this expense to keep the cost for you to only $30 rather than the typical $60 retail rate.

Who has to get background checked?

Anyone who is 14 years or older who lives in the home. If a person will ever be the primary caretaker of a foster 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. A 14 year-old (or older) son or daughter in the home needs only to be background checked, but they cannot be left alone with the foster child.)  The minimum age for training is typically 18 years old so that they too can be left alone with a foster child. It can be possible for a 16-17 year old to become licensed, but please contact your primary chosen agency to learn if you can meet the additional requirements.

*We do not offer refunds for this training.

*Childcare will not be provided.