top of page
Open Mind, Open Heart, Open Door
Training Resources for New Families
The information below supports families who are joining Open Mind, Open Heart, and Open Door. The included links outline the mandatory training and certifications required to complete the home licensing process. Our office is available during business hours to answer any questions you may have.
DFPS Website Trainings
This training provides foster families and caregivers with important information and resources to support the safety, well-being, and development of children in care. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on foster care requirements, trauma-informed caregiving practices, and other state-mandated training topics designed to help families provide a nurturing and supportive environment.
Training is available through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
To complete your training, please visit:
Psychotropic Medication Training Link
This training empowers foster families with the skills and understanding needed to recognize the effects of trauma and provide compassionate, supportive care that fosters healing and builds resilience. Participants will learn how traumatic experiences can impact a child’s behavior, emotions, and development, while gaining practical strategies to create safe, supportive, and nurturing environments that promote positive outcomes.
To complete this training, please visit:
Trauma-Informed Care Training Link
This training provides foster families with critical guidance on recognizing warning signs of sexual abuse, implementing effective prevention strategies, and responding appropriately to protect and support youth who may be at risk. Participants will learn how to create safe environments, identify concerning behaviors, understand reporting requirements, and help ensure the well-being and protection of children and youth in foster care.
To complete this training, please visit:
Preventing and Recognizing Sexual Abuse and Victimization of Youth in Foster Care Training Link
*Under the Caregiver Training Hub system*
This training provides essential guidance on recognizing and reporting suspected abuse or neglect, highlighting the critical role community members play in protecting youth and supporting families through timely intervention and appropriate response. Participants will learn how to identify potential signs of abuse and neglect, understand reporting requirements, and take appropriate action to help ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth.
To complete this training, please visit the DFPS Learning Hub using the link below. The link will direct you to the Learning Hub login page, where you can access the training and track your completion status.
Mandatory Reporting: Community Response for Youth and Families Training Link
This training equips foster parents with the knowledge and guidance necessary to make informed medical decisions for children in their care. Participants will learn about legal responsibilities, consent processes, and documentation requirements for both routine and emergency medical care. The course is designed to help caregivers understand their role in ensuring children receive appropriate and timely healthcare services.
To complete this training, please visit the DFPS Learning Hub using the link below:
Medical Consent Training Link
This two-hour Normalcy Training helps foster parents promote age-appropriate, everyday experiences for children and youth in their care. Participants will learn how to make reasonable and informed decisions that allow foster children to participate in normal childhood activities, such as school events, extracurricular programs, social gatherings, and community activities, while ensuring their safety and well-being. The training is designed to support healthy development and help children experience a sense of belonging and normalcy.
To complete this training, please visit the DFPS Learning Hub using the link below:
Normalcy Training Link
This training equips foster parents with the tools to identify risk factors and early warning signs that may lead a child or youth to run away. Participants will learn strategies for building trust, fostering a supportive home environment, and strengthening communication and emotional connections with children in their care. The training emphasizes proactive approaches that help promote safety, stability, engagement, and positive relationships within the placement.
To complete this training, please visit the DFPS Learning Hub using the link below:
Runaway Prevention Training Link
This training equips foster parents to recognize the signs of human trafficking, understand risk factors that increase youth vulnerability, and respond appropriately if trafficking is suspected. It also covers strategies for prevention, safety planning, and supporting survivors using trauma-informed care to promote safety, stability, and recovery for children and youth in care.
To complete this training, please visit the DFPS Learning Hub using the link below. The link will direct you to the Learning Hub login page, where you can access the course catalog and complete the training requirements.
Human Trafficking Course Link
Video and Emergency Trainings
This training helps foster parents learn how to protect children and youth from online risks such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and online predators. It covers safe internet practices, monitoring tools, and strategies for teaching youth responsible digital behavior while maintaining privacy and security at home. Participants will gain practical guidance on creating safer digital environments and supporting healthy online habits for children and youth in care.
To complete this training, please visit the DFPS Learning Hub using the link below:
Cybersecurity Training Link
Emergency Preparedness Training (EPP) may be completed jointly by both foster parents. It is acceptable for only one parent’s name to appear on the completion certificate; both parents are not required to complete the training separately.
This training equips foster parents with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in a variety of emergency situations, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and household incidents. The course covers creating safety plans, assembling emergency kits, and ensuring the well-being of children in care during unexpected events. Participants will gain practical tools to help maintain safety, stability, and readiness in the home.
To complete this training, please visit the DFPS Learning Hub using the link below:
Emergency Preparedness Training Link
This training prepares foster parents to support the goal of safely reuniting children with their biological families. The course explores the importance of family preservation, ways to foster positive relationships with birth families, and strategies to help children navigate the emotional aspects of transitioning back home. Participants will learn how to provide supportive, child-centered care that encourages stability, healing, and positive connections throughout the reunification process.
To complete this training, please use the link below to access the course:
Reunification Training Link
*This course is password-protected. If you are unable to access the training, please email us to request the password and additional instructions for completion. If you experience any technical issues accessing the course, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.*
bottom of page