Support Group Trainings
About Support Group Trainings
There are many foster/adoptive parent support groups located throughout the state that offer training during their meeting that is approved for foster parent credit. **If training credit is not mentioned below, please check with the training contact person to see if the training has been approved for foster parent credit. You can also check with your licensing worker to see if a training can be approved for foster parent training credit.**
Most support groups do not meet during the summer months. Please plan accordingly for your training needs. In Iowa, foster parents need six hours of training annually to renew their foster care license. At least three training hours must be done in a group setting, such as a support group or an IFAPA training class. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND - With the exception of CPR, First Aid and Mandatory Reporter classes, foster parents CANNOT receive training credit for any class after October 2009 that they have previously attended and used for re-licensing.
Attention Support Group Leaders
Want to book an IFAPA Training for your upcoming support group?
To view IFAPA's list of available support group trainings (instructor-lead trainings and DVD/VHS trainings), click here.
Want to have your support group trainings added to the list below?
NEW REQUIREMENT FOR SUPPORT GROUP LEADERS - If you would like your upcoming support group trainings posted on the IFAPA website, you must be an
IFAPA-affiliated support group and complete our online form: SUBMIT A TRAINING HERE.
Upcoming Support Group Trainings
Please note: This training schedule is accurate to IFAPA's knowledge. The information posted below is what has been provided by the support group leaders. For questions about these support group trainings, please call or e-mail the contact person listed for that group.
| Western Service Area #1 - SUPPORT GROUP TRAININGS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date & Time | Training Details | Location | Training Contact |
| Aug 26, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - My Brother, My Sister - Sibling Relationships in Adoption & Foster Care 2 hours credit |
Council Bluffs IWCC - Room 018 2700 College Rd |
CB IFAPA Service Area Support Group Hector Villarreal 712-352-1299 |
| Aug 28, 2010 8:30 - 5:00pm |
Adult, Child, Infant & AED CPR & Standard First Aid Cost - $65 |
Sheldon City Hall |
To register call Jean Grove at 800-340-4081 |
| Aug 31, 2010 9:00 - 5:00pm |
CPR & First Aid Cost - $60 |
Spencer Red Cross office |
To register call Cindy Voss at the Spencer Red Cross 712-262-1574 |
| Sept 7, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC -Discipline Strategies (John Smith) 2 hours credit No childcare provided |
Carroll Family Resource Center, 506 West 7th Street |
West Central Iowa Support Team Cathe Vanderheiden 712-792-2025 or 712-210-6011 |
| Sept 7, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - AEA Resources 2 hours credit |
Moville City Hall, 21 Main St. |
Moville Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Sept 7, 2010 5:00 - 9:00pm |
CPR only Cost - $40 |
Spencer Red Cross office |
To register call Cindy Voss at the Spencer Red Cross 712-262-1574 |
| Sept 8, 2010 9:00 - 5:00pm |
CPR & First Aid Cost - $60 |
Spencer Red Cross office |
To register call Cindy Voss at the Spencer Red Cross 712-262-1574 |
| Sept 8, 2010 6:00 - 9:00pm |
First Aid only Cost - $20 |
Spencer Red Cross office |
To register call Cindy Voss at the Spencer Red Cross 712-262-1574 |
| Sept 11, 2010 9:00 - 5:00pm |
CPR & First Aid Cost - $60 |
Spencer |
To register call Cindy Voss at the Spencer Red Cross 712-262-1574 |
| Sept 11, 2010 8:30 - 5:00pm |
Adult, Child, Infant & AED CPR & Standard First Aid Cost - $65 |
Storm Lake King's Pointe |
To register call Jean Grove at 800-340-4081 |
| Sept 14, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - AEA Resources 2 hours credit |
LeMars LeMars Bible Church, 1550 7th Ave SE |
LeMars Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Sept 18, 2010 8:30 - 5:00pm |
Adult, Child, Infant & AED CPR & Standard First Aid Cost - $65 |
Sioux Center All Seasons Center |
To register call Jean Grove at 800-340-4081 |
| Sept 21, 2010 5:00 - 9:00pm |
CPR only Cost - $40 |
Spencer Red Cross office |
To register call Cindy Voss at the Spencer Red Cross 712-262-1574 |
| Sept 22, 2010 6:00 - 9:00pm |
First Aid only Cost - $20 |
Spencer Red Cross office |
To register call Cindy Voss at the Spencer Red Cross 712-262-1574 |
| Sept 23, 2010 6:00pm |
First Aid only Cost - $20 |
Denison Denison Fire Station |
Denison Area Foster & Adoptive Parent Group Dawn Luetje (LSI) 712-263-9341 |
| Sept 25, 2010 9:00 - 5:00pm |
CPR & First Aid Cost - $60 |
Spencer Red Cross office |
To register call Cindy Voss at the Spencer Red Cross 712-262-1574 |
| Sept 27, 2010 6:00 - 10:00pm |
CPR & First Aid Cost - $30 |
Denison Denison Fire Station |
Denison Area Foster & Adoptive Parent Group Dawn Luetje (LSI) 712-263-9341 |
| Sept 30, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit |
Council Bluffs IWCC - Room 018 2700 College Rd |
CB IFAPA Service Area Support Group Hector Villarreal 712-352-1299 |
| Sept 30, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Marty Wallace 2 hours credit |
Sioux City NW AEA - 1520 Morningside Ave |
Reactive Attachment Disorder Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Oct 5, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Documentation (John Smith) 2 hours credit No childcare provided |
Carroll Family Resource Center, 506 West 7th Street |
West Central Iowa Support Team Cathe Vanderheiden 712-792-2025 or 712-210-6011 |
| Oct 5, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Documentation - Kelly Upton 2 hours credit |
Moville City Hall, 21 Main St. |
Moville Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Oct 12, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Documentation - Kelly Upton 2 hours credit |
LeMars LeMars Bible Church, 1550 7th Ave SE |
LeMars Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Oct 14, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Marty Wallace 2 hours credit |
Sioux City NW AEA - 1520 Morningside Ave |
Reactive Attachment Disorder Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Oct 25, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - Discipline Strategies Presented by John Smith (IFAPA) 2 hours credit |
Denison Denison Police Dept, Meeting Room 1119 1st Ave N |
Denison Area Foster & Adoptive Parent Group Dawn Luetje (LSI) 712-263-9341 |
| Oct 28, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit |
Council Bluffs IWCC - Room 018 2700 College Rd |
CB IFAPA Service Area Support Group Hector Villarreal 712-352-1299 |
| Nov 2, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Capt. Heino - Police Dept. Drugs & What to Watch for with Your Children 2 hours credit No childcare provided |
Carroll Family Resource Center, 506 West 7th Street |
West Central Iowa Support Team Cathe Vanderheiden 712-792-2025 or 712-210-6011 |
| Nov 9, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Preparing for Relicensing - Mary Nitzschke & Rachelle Polkinghorn 2 hours credit |
LeMars LeMars Bible Church, 1550 7th Ave SE |
LeMars Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Nov 11, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Marty Wallace 2 hours credit |
Sioux City NW AEA - 1520 Morningside Ave |
Reactive Attachment Disorder Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Nov 22, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - Maintaining positive Connections - Lifebooks | Denison Denison Police Dept, Meeting Room 1119 1st Ave N |
Denison Area Foster & Adoptive Parent Group Dawn Luetje (LSI) 712-263-9341 |
| Dec 9, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Marty Wallace 2 hours credit |
Sioux City NW AEA - 1520 Morningside Ave |
Reactive Attachment Disorder Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Jan 13, 2011 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Marty Wallace 2 hours credit |
Sioux City NW AEA - 1520 Morningside Ave |
Reactive Attachment Disorder Support Group Rachelle Polkinghorn 712-251-8882 |
| Northern Service Area #2 - SUPPORT GROUP TRAININGS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date & Time | Training Details | Location | Training Contact |
| Sept 9, 2010 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Professional Relationships - John Smith 2 hours credit 6:30pm social / 7-9pm training |
Fort Dodge Youth Shelter GRLS (formerly Holy Rosary School) 2406 9 1/2 Ave South |
Central Iowa Foster/Adoptive Parents Support Group Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 AC 62 |
| Sept 14, 2010 6:00 - 8:00pm |
TOPIC - Period of Purple Crying - Linda Havelka & Dr. Laura 2 hours credit |
Marshalltown First United Methodist Church 202 West Main St |
Marshall/Hardin/Tama Support Group Kim Keenan 641-352-5623 |
| Sept 14, 2010 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - What the Heck Is Going On? System Updates 2 hours credit 6:30pm social / 7-9pm training Child care is available |
Waterloo Grace Lutheran Church, 1024 W. 8th Street |
Black Hawk Foster & Adoptive Parents Support Group Dianna Seedorff 319-235-2534 |
| Sept 21, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - What's Up with DHS, IFAPA & KidsNet? 2 hours credit Child care is available |
Waverly Vineyard Comm Church, 319 West Bremer |
Allison Area Foster Parents Nancy Magnall 877-467-4100 |
| Sept 21, 2010 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - DHS/IKN/IFAPA Roundtable Discussion |
Mason City DHS Office, Liberty Room (22 N. Georgia) |
North Central Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 code 62 |
| Oct 12, 2010 6:00 - 8:00pm |
TOPIC - Journey from Foster Care to Adoption - Julie Schroeder 2 hours credit |
Marshalltown First United Methodist Church 202 West Main St |
Marshall/Hardin/Tama Support Group Kim Keenan 641-352-5623 |
| Oct. 12, 2010 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Domestic Violence 2 hours credit 6:30pm social / 7-9pm training Child care is available |
Waterloo Grace Lutheran Church, 1024 W. 8th Street |
Black Hawk Foster & Adoptive Parents Support Group Dianna Seedorff 319-235-2534 |
| Oct. 14, 2010 6:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Caring for Children with HIV 3 hours credit Child care is available |
Independence First United Methodist Church (313 2nd St SE) |
Independence Area Support Group, Inc. Dave Brace 319-334-4566 |
| Oct. 19, 2010 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - John Church - Attachment Disorders 2 hours credit 6:30 social time, 7-9 training |
Mason City DHS Office, Liberty Room (22 N. Georgia) |
North Central Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 code 62 |
| Nov 9, 2010 6:00 - 8:00pm |
TOPIC -Vicarious Trauma - Ruth Phillips 2 hours credit |
Marshalltown First United Methodist Church 202 West Main St |
Marshall/Hardin/Tama Support Group Kim Keenan 641-352-5623 |
| Nov. 9, 2010 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC -Hair & Skin Care for African American & Biracial Children 2 hours credit 6:30pm social / 7-9pm training Child care is available |
Waterloo Grace Lutheran Church, 1024 W. 8th Street |
Black Hawk Foster & Adoptive Parents Support Group Dianna Seedorff 319-235-2534 |
| Nov 11, 2010 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC -to be determined 2 hours credit 6:30pm social / 7-9pm training |
Fort Dodge Youth Shelter GRLS (formerly Holy Rosary School) 2406 9 1/2 Ave South |
Central Iowa Foster/Adoptive Parents Support Group Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 AC 62 |
| Nov. 11, 2010 6:30pm potluck 7-9pm training |
TOPIC - Teen Bullying / Cyber Bullying 2 hours credit (applied) Child care is available |
Independence First United Methodist Church (313 2nd St SE) |
Independence Area Support Group, Inc. Dave Brace 319-334-4566 |
| Nov. 16, 2010 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - TBA 2 hours credit 6:30 social time, 7-9 training |
Mason City DHS Office, Liberty Room (22 N. Georgia) |
North Central Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 code 62 |
| Nov 16, 2010 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Domestic Violence, Trainer: Pam Jones |
Waverly Vineyard Comm Church, 319 West Bremer |
Allison Area Foster Parents Nancy Magnall 877-467-4100 |
| Jan 11, 2011 6:00 - 8:00pm |
TOPIC - Stress Management - Carol Leland 2 hours credit |
Marshalltown First United Methodist Church 202 West Main St |
Marshall/Hardin/Tama Support Group Kim Keenan 641-352-5623 |
| Jan 13, 2011 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit 6:30pm social / 7-9pm training |
Fort Dodge Youth Shelter GRLS (formerly Holy Rosary School) 2406 9 1/2 Ave South |
Central Iowa Foster/Adoptive Parents Support Group Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 AC 62 |
| Jan. 18, 2011 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Pam Jones - Domestic Violence 2 hours credit 6:30 social time, 7-9 training |
Mason City DHS Office, Liberty Room (22 N. Georgia) |
North Central Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 code 62 |
| Feb 8, 2011 6:00 - 8:00pm |
TOPIC -Panel - What the Heck is Going On? 2 hours credit |
Marshalltown First United Methodist Church 202 West Main St |
Marshall/Hardin/Tama Support Group Kim Keenan 641-352-5623 |
| Feb. 15, 2011 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - TBA 2 hours credit 6:30 social time, 7-9 training |
Mason City DHS Office, Liberty Room (22 N. Georgia) |
North Central Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 code 62 |
| Mar 8, 2011 6:00 - 8:00pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit |
Marshalltown First United Methodist Church 202 West Main St |
Marshall/Hardin/Tama Support Group Kim Keenan 641-352-5623 |
| March 10, 2011 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit 6:30pm social / 7-9pm training |
Fort Dodge Youth Shelter GRLS (formerly Holy Rosary School) 2406 9 1/2 Ave South |
Central Iowa Foster/Adoptive Parents Support Group Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 AC 62 |
| Mar. 15, 2011 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Mike McGuire, Effects of Media on Teenagers 2 hours credit 6:30 social time, 7-9 training |
Mason City DHS Office, Liberty Room (22 N. Georgia) |
North Central Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 code 62 |
| Apr 12, 2011 6:00 - 8:00pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit |
Marshalltown First United Methodist Church 202 West Main St |
Marshall/Hardin/Tama Support Group Kim Keenan 641-352-5623 |
| Apr. 19, 2011 5:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Nancy Magnall, Responding to Sexual Behaviors 3 hours credit 5:30 social time, 6-9 training |
Mason City DHS Office, Liberty Room (22 N. Georgia) |
North Central Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 code 62 |
| May 10, 2011 6:00 - 8:00pm |
TOPIC - to be determined | Marshalltown First United Methodist Church 202 West Main St |
Marshall/Hardin/Tama Support Group Kim Keenan 641-352-5623 |
| May 12, 2011 6:30 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit 6:30pm social / 7-9pm training |
Fort Dodge Youth Shelter GRLS (formerly Holy Rosary School) 2406 9 1/2 Ave South |
Central Iowa Foster/Adoptive Parents Support Group Christie McGuire 800-720-9850 AC 62 |
| May 17, 2011 7:00 - 9:00pm |
TOPIC - Effects of the Media on Teens, Trainer: Mike McGuire 2 hours credit Child care is available |
Waverly Vineyard Comm Church, 319 West Bremer |
Allison Area Foster Parents Nancy Magnall 877-467-4100 |
| Eastern Service Area #3 - SUPPORT GROUP TRAININGS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date & Time | Training Details | Location | Training Contact |
| Sept 7, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - Boundaries 2 hours credit |
Burlington First Assembly of God Church, 1809 Agency St |
Des Moines County Foster Adoptive Support Group Melissa Foster 319-752-4000 Kim Edwards 877-845-4348 |
| Sept 27, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - Confidentiality 2 hours credit |
Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church 309 N. Main |
Henry County Foster Adoptive Support Group Kim Edwards 877-845-4348 |
| Cedar Rapids Service Area #4 - SUPPORT GROUP TRAININGS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date & Time | Training Details | Location | Training Contact |
| Sept. 11, 2010 8:30 - 12:30pm |
CPR & First Aid Cost - $15 |
Ottumwa Heartland AEA |
To register contact Julie Seemann |
| Sept. 16, 2010 6:00 - 9:00pm |
Tornado Thursday - Topic to be determined SEE FLYER |
Cedar Rapids Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 First Ave NE |
Kris Millsap 319-360-5827 |
| Oct. 21, 2010 6:00 - 9:00pm |
Tornado Thursday - Topic to be determined SEE FLYER |
Cedar Rapids Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 First Ave NE |
Kris Millsap 319-360-5827 |
| Nov. 18, 2010 6:00 - 9:00pm |
Tornado Thursday - Topic to be determined SEE FLYER |
Cedar Rapids Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 First Ave NE |
Kris Millsap 319-360-5827 |
| Dec. 16, 2010 6:00 - 9:00pm |
Tornado Thursday - Topic to be determined SEE FLYER |
Cedar Rapids Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 First Ave NE |
Kris Millsap 319-360-5827 |
| Jan. 20, 2011 6:00 - 9:00pm |
Tornado Thursday - Topic to be determined SEE FLYER |
Cedar Rapids Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 First Ave NE |
Kris Millsap 319-360-5827 |
| Feb. 17, 2011 6:00 - 9:00pm |
Tornado Thursday - Topic to be determined SEE FLYER |
Cedar Rapids Four Oaks Bridge, 2100 First Ave NE |
Kris Millsap 319-360-5827 |
| Des Moines Service Area #5 - SUPPORT GROUP TRAININGS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date & Time | Training Details | Location | Training Contact |
| Sept 9, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit |
Indianola Indianola Public Library, 207 N B St |
Warren/Madison County Foster & Adoptive Support Group LaDonna Overton 515-989-3146 |
| Oct 14, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit |
Indianola Indianola Public Library, 207 N B St |
Warren/Madison County Foster & Adoptive Support Group LaDonna Overton 515-989-3146 |
| Nov 11, 2010 6:30 - 8:30pm |
TOPIC - to be determined 2 hours credit |
Indianola Indianola Public Library, 207 N B St |
Warren/Madison County Foster & Adoptive Support Group LaDonna Overton 515-989-3146 |
For a list of Iowa support groups meeting times and locations, click here.
