Allegations: Training Course
Section l. Standing accused of child abuse
This first part of the training we will give a scenario that we have seen thousands of times across the United States and many other countries now.
Questions we will be exploring:
The truth about what you and your family will experience?
Is your anger normal?
Why is it important to know my rights from the very beginning?
Will the police be involved?
What about mine or my spouse's employment, will that be involved?
Will this allegation remain on my record?
Section ll. The investigation
Questions we will be exploring:
How will I know I am being investigated?
Who will the investigator speak to about you?
Will they keep me informed on what they have discovered?
How long will the investigation take?
What if I am innocent?
Can they file criminal charges on me or my spouse?
Section lll. Will I have to go court?
Questions we will be exploring:
You as a foster parent are guided by what is called “Administrative Law”.
What is Ad Law?
Will I need an attorney to represent me?
What if I cannot afford an attorney?
Can I represent myself? How?
What will I need to prepare for court?
Will I be allowed to call witnesses?
How long will all this take?
Will I be allowed to foster during this time?
Section lV.The aftermath
Questions we will be exploring:
Will there be fallout from this allegation?
What precautions do I need to take if I decide to continue fostering?
What steps do I need to take if I decide not to continue fostering?
How will this affect me personally? My family?
The outline you have just read is a truthful approach to fostering. Many of the questions, you want answered completely and more importantly honestly, you will find those answers here.
We encourage you to continue your studies, take all three courses offered. Your only protection from allegations is to comprehend the documentation process, something that your initial foster parent training does not teach you. That is like putting you into the pilot’s seat without teaching you how to fly. It is also critical that you have a basic understanding of Administrative Law. The other two classes that we offer are ESSENTIAL to your well being.
Prepare yourself, educate yourself on your rights as a foster parent, your State Statutes and be ready as the Bible say’s “be ready to give an answer.”