PREPARING FOR PLACEMENT: MOVING CHILDREN TO FAMILIES
Placing a child into family care is one of the most meaningful steps you can take—but it’s also one of the most complex. Good intentions aren’t enough. A successful placement requires thoughtful preparation, the right match, and support every step of the way.
This course gives you a practical, compassionate roadmap to help children move from group settings into family-based care. You’ll learn how to search for families, assess their readiness, prepare both the child and caregivers for the transition, and monitor well after placement.
YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
- A five-part process for preparing children and families for placement
- Tools for family tracing, family assessments, and pre-placement planning
- Insights into matching children with families using the principles of necessity, suitability, and permanency
- Guidance on how to include the child’s voice and prepare caregivers for long-term success
- A CAFO Certificate of Completion to demonstrate your learning
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Customizable Tools
& Templates
Download editable family assessment forms, child preparation guides, placement timelines, and tracking tools to adapt for your context.
Team Discussion &
Summary Guides
Lead your team through group reflection using summary sheets and team-focused discussion prompts.
CAFO Certificate of
Completion
Show your commitment to growth and best practices with a downloadable certificate from CAFO.
A PROVEN FRAMEWORK FOR BETTER CARE
This course is part of CAFO’s Core Elements of Success program, which provides a clear roadmap to improving outcomes for vulnerable children through evidence-based training on key aspects of quality care.
Drawing from global best practices and enriched by insights from NGOs, field experts, and experienced leaders, each course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to provide quality care for vulnerable children and families. Topics range from child protection and confidentiality to board governance and fiscal accountability—giving you the resources to implement best practices across every aspect of your organization, ensuring your efforts lead to meaningful, positive outcomes.
If you're committed to achieving measurable results—rather than just hoping for positive outcomes—and need actionable strategies and tools to improve your program, this course is for you.
CAFO’s Core Elements of Success: Simplified care improvement, designed for you.
AT A GLANCE
Move children thoughtfully and safely into family care through a process built on trust, preparation, and support.
- Who is This Course For?
- Christian leaders and staff serving vulnerable children and families
- Program managers, board members, or care decision-makers
- Anyone seeking practical tools grounded in both Scripture and science
- Time Commitment
- Fully self-paced
- This microcourse takes 3 hours to complete, but you’re welcome to move at your own pace.
- Price
- Free
COURSE CURRICULUM PREVIEW
EXPLORE OTHER COURSES
Want to keep learning? Check out other courses in CAFO’s Core Elements of Success program.
