The Peer Advocacy Training Program (P.A.T.) is a signature program of the (DC) Foster & Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center. This 19 hour training program is designed to teach DC's foster, kinship and adoptive parents to advocate for the needs of the children in their homes, to assist and support other foster parents who may be more intimidated by the system, and to train foster parents who can take their place at any agency table to work towards systemic reform. P.A.T. supports, encourages and empowers our foster parent community so they are best able to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children.
Presenters include staff and administrators from our Child and Family Services and Mental Health agencies, community experts, private agency providers, and FAPAC staff, thus encouraging stimulating dialogue and collaboration between foster parents and our public and private partners.
P.A.T. training includes topics such as:
- Accessing and navigating Special Education services
- Advocating in court
- Permanency options
- Advocacy skills
- Allegations
- Local child welfare legislation
- History and challenges of our child welfare system
- Structure of our Child and Family Services Agency and the DC government
- New agency programs and policies
- Community resources
- Accessing Mental Health services
- Confidentiality when supporting other families
FAPAC staff would be pleased to consult with other jurisdictions and Foster Parent Associations to develop a training program based upon our model.
For information please call Marilyn Egerton or Margie Chalofsky at:
202 269-9441.
Training certificates are available at the end of each training. After completing the appropriate level of training Peer Advocates may volunteer for the following projects:
- Individual Case Advocacy
- Birthparent/Foster Parent Round Tables
- Peer Advocacy Community Outreach
- Policy Advocacy
- Allegation Support
The next Peer Advocacy Training weekend will be listed on the FAPAC calendar page.
