In September 2014, the United States Congress passed the "Prevent Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families” Act.
The law articulates, among other things, the rights of older youth in foster care and "reasonable and prudent parent” standards for foster caregivers. It explains, in other words, what’s expected of foster parents and what foster children have a right to expect. The main point of the law is "normalcy” for children and youth in foster care.
The Georgia General Assembly, in Senate Bill 138, establishes Georgia’s supporting requirements for the implementation of the federal law. The Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standards (RPPS) and "Youth Rights” provisions are effective in the Child Welfare Policy of the Division of Family and Children’s Services as of October 1, 2015.
Below are the trainer’s resources for implementation of RPPS and YRR. If you have any questions, please email opmtraining@dhs.ga.gov.
Below are the scripts, PowerPoints and resource information for two curriculums geared toward educating staff/caregivers and one for educating youth in foster care ages 14 years and older.
Facilitator Preparation: In order to prepare to facilitate either workshop including managing the question and answers component, the facilitator must primarily develop a solid level of knowledge regarding the federal and state law applicable DFCS Child Welfare policy. Additionally, by reviewing the other resources provided, the facilitator should be able to acquire a larger depth and breadth of knowledge base on the topic to comfortably respond to participants questions. Please submit any training questions to opmtraining@dhs.ga.gov.
Knowledge Resources:
Federal Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014
SB 138, Georgia’s Child Welfare Reform Law
A Guide for States Implementing the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act
Child Welfare Policy 13.7 Youth Rights and Responsibilities (FINAL)
Child Welfare Policy 10.14 Promoting Normalcy for Children in FC
Child Welfare Policy 14.18 Supervision of Children
Caregiver Contact Information Form
Curriculum #1: Normalcy for Children and Youth in Foster Care: RPPS and YRR (For Staff and Caregivers)
Description: This is a 90-minute workshop that supports the dissemination of information on the federal and state law requiring implementation of the reasonable and prudent parenting standards and youth rights. It introduces participants to the supporting child welfare policy, key definitions, implementation expectations and resources to gain a more in-depth understanding of the topics.
Audience: This workshop is appropriate for staff, foster caregivers and stakeholders. The presenter should make any adjustments necessary to the script based upon the audience’s needs.
Training Modes: This workshop is suitable for web-based learning as well as classroom facilitation.
Workshop Materials:
RPPS/YR Video
Participant’s Certificate of Completion
RPPS – Handout 1
"Know” Before You Say "No” – Handout 2
Stages of Adolescent Development – Handout 4
Youth Rights – Handout 5
Youth Rights Grievance Form – Handout 6
Curriculum # 2: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities 101 (For Youth)
Description: This is a one-hour workshop that supports the implementation federal and state law requiring implementation of the reasonable and prudent parenting standards and youth rights. It introduces youth participants to the supporting child welfare policy, key definitions, implementation expectations and resources to gain a more in-depth understanding of the topics.
Audience: This workshop is appropriate for youth in foster care ages 14 years and older. The presenter should make any adjustments necessary to the script based upon the youth’s needs.
Training Modes: This workshop is designed for classroom learning but may be adapted for web-based learning.
Materials Needed:
RPPS – Handout 1
Youth Rights – Handout 2
Youth Rights Grievance Form – Handout 3
Youth Rights Acknowledgement Form – Handout 4
RPPS/YR Video
(Updated Aug 2024)
