CONCORD UNIVERSITY LEADS INITIATIVE TO REVOLUTIONIZE PRE-SERVICE TRAINING CURRICULUM FOR KINSHIP CAREGIVERS IN WEST VIRGINIA

CONTACT: Nicole Smith, Public Relations Manager
Concord University Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312
[email protected]
www.concord.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2024

CONCORD UNIVERSITY LEADS INITIATIVE TO REVOLUTIONIZE PRE-SERVICE
TRAINING CURRICULUM FOR KINSHIP CAREGIVERS IN WEST VIRGINIA

ATHENS, WV - Concord University (CU) proudly announces its fundamental role in transforming the pre-service training curriculum for kinship caregivers throughout West Virginia. In 2023, Concord University, in collaboration with the WV Social Work Education Consortium (SWEC), proposed changing the pre-service curriculum used by the state to the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) to better serve the unique needs of kinship caregivers in the region.

Following the approval of these changes, Concord University took a proactive step by hiring a Curriculum and Training Specialist, Madeline Hawkins. Hawkins has been instrumental in adapting the NTDC model to align with the specific training needs of kinship families in West Virginia. Working closely with Dr. Scott Inghram and Dr. Samantha Byrd, Hawkins incorporated essential themes such as kinship and trauma-informed care into the model of the NTDC training.

CU held a Train-the-Trainer event on July 12th and 13th aimed at enhancing the quality of pre-service training provided to kinship foster and adoptive caregivers throughout the state. CU, in conjunction with the Social Work Education Consortium (SWEC) schools across West Virginia, is the sole provider of kinship training throughout the state. CU hosted this train-the-trainer event and invited the other schools to attend to gain more knowledge about the new NTDC curriculum being utilized in WV. Trainers from the SWEC schools gathered to collaborate, learn, and improve their training methodologies to switch pre-service training curriculums. Hawkins led the event and trained trainers from the various SWEC schools throughout the state.

Kinship caregivers are critical in providing stable and nurturing homes for children who cannot live in their natural homes. Recognizing these caregivers' unique challenges, the SWEC schools have prioritized equipping their trainers with the latest knowledge, skills, and resources to support kinship families effectively.

The curriculum officially launched in July 2024, with SWEC schools implementing the new training model statewide. Concord University is at the forefront of this initiative, offering a pilot round of training to ensure the curriculum's effectiveness and gather valuable feedback for continuous
improvement.

Concord University remains committed to fostering educational excellence and community service. By leading this important initiative, the University continues demonstrating its dedication to supporting families and enhancing the well-being of children across West Virginia. For more information about becoming a foster parent in West Virginia, please get in touch with Mission WV at 304-562-0723. For media inquiries, contact Nicole Smith, Concord's PR Manager at 304-384-6312.

-CU-

Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 ext. 6086, if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus. Concord University may take pictures at these events for publicity purposes.

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