The Children's Alliance of Kansas is proud to announce that the PS-MAPP Update materials are now being offered in an online, self-directed format.
The child welfare landscape has changed considerably since MAPP was first developed in 1986. As a group, children in foster care are older and their behavioral problems more challenging. The current child and family service population, along with the demands of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), mandate that agencies prepare prospective foster and adoptive parents to work as team members rather than just caretakers.
To ensure that all MAPP-licensed states and agencies are able to meet the needs of a changing child and family service population, CWI developed Partnering for Safety and Permanence – Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (PS-MAPP). This program uses five new core abilities to link the ASFA outcomes throughout the 10-meeting structure of Group Preparation and Selection Program – Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (GPS/MAPP).
The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services – Child and Family Services Division, has mandated that all resource parents, who completed the GPS/MAPP program, receive information regarding the changes in philosophy and laws. The PS MAPP Update class was developed from the PS-MAPP program to satisfy this training requirement.
Typically the PS-MAPP Update requires resource parents and agency staff to attend a four hour face to face class. This face to face training has now been converted to an online format. Participants will log onto the website when and where they wish and complete assignments online. There is a discussion forum where comments and questions can be posted.
Participants who wish to take this online class must meet the following requirements:
- Have successfully completed a GPS/MAPP class
- Be self motivated
- Be willing to commit 100% to complete the course
- Have computer and internet access
- Have a valid email address
For questions, contact Denise Gibson by email: dgibson@childally.org or by phone at the Children's Alliance office: 785-235-5437 x 2.