Power Weekend Training
Foster Parent Pre-Service Training
Thursday, April 23 – Sunday, April 26, 2026
Children who have experienced trauma need compassion, stability, and someone who believes in them. Pathway Caring for Children’s Power Weekend is a four-day pre-service training designed to help prospective foster parents complete all required training in one focused weekend while gaining a realistic, supportive introduction to the fostering journey.
Contact and Registration
To learn more or register for Power Weekend, contact:
Makenna Taylor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 330-818-0425
What is Power Weekend Pre-Service?
Power Weekend is a free pre-service training experience for individuals and families interested in becoming licensed foster parents. Over four days, participants learn how trauma and instability affect children, how to respond with empathy and structure, and how to work alongside Pathway staff, county case managers, schools, counselors, and biological families to support children well.
This training is designed to be practical, encouraging, and informative. You will leave with a stronger understanding of the foster parent role, realistic expectations, how Pathway staff provide 24/7 support, and the next steps in the licensure process.
Training Format
Pathway’s Power Weekend includes both in-person and virtual sessions:
- Thursday: In person, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Friday: Virtual, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Saturday: Virtual, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Sunday: In person, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
A 30-minute lunch break is scheduled on Saturday. Light food and beverages are provided during Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon in-person sessions.
Please note cameras must be on and all participants visible during all virtual trainings to receive credit.
Event Agenda
Thursday, April 23, 2026
In Person | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Orientation | 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
- Caregiver Role & Responsibilities | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Friday, April 24, 2026
Virtual | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Child Development, Infant Safe Sleep & Adolescent Development | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Virtual | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Permanency | 8:30 AM–10:00 AM
- Discipline Foundations | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Break for Lunch
- Maintaining Child’s Connections | 12:30 PM–2:30 PM
- Partnering with the Primary Family | 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
- Effects of Caregiving | 3:30 PM–5:30 PM
Sunday, April 26, 2026
In Person | 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
- Trauma Overview & Impacts of Trauma of Children in Care | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
- Basics of Placement | 3:00 PM–5:30 PM
- Medication Management | 5:30 PM–6:00 PM
What You Can Expect
During Power Weekend, prospective foster parents can expect training on:
- the purpose of foster care and agency procedures
- the role and responsibilities of a caregiver
- child and adolescent development
- trauma and its impact on behavior and relationships
- positive discipline and behavior management
- permanency and placement decisions
- partnering with biological families
- maintaining a child’s important connections
- medication management
- caregiver stress, burnout, and self-care
Participants can also expect experienced trainers to walk alongside them, answer questions, and help them understand both the challenges and the rewards of foster parenting.
Incentive Opportunity
A $1,000 incentive is available for foster parents who complete all required checklist items within 30 days of their application date. The incentive is awarded upon completion of licensure.
Contact and Registration
To learn more or register for Power Weekend, contact:
Makenna Taylor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 330-818-0425