Training and Support
SafeCare® is implemented through an evidence-based training model that includes three levels that build on one another.
PROVIDER
Has core knowledge and skills to implement SafeCare
COACH
Gives onsite coaching to SafeCare Providers
TRAINER
Can train individuals at their site to become SafeCare Providers and SafeCare Coaches
Training & Requirements for Each Level- the SafeCare Path
A four-day Provider training prepares individuals to provide home-based services to caregivers using the SafeCare model.
Participants learn to implement the three SafeCare modules (Health, Safety, and Parent-Child/Infant Interaction training), and also receive training on communication and structured problem solving. Approximately one day is spent on each model. The training workshop consists of:
- Didactic presentations by the Trainer
- Use of videos of sample sessions
- Modeling of skills by the Trainer
- Role-play exercises for trainees
- Feedback by Trainer
Training includes many opportunities for practice until mastery is achieved. Following the training workshop, participants receive feedback on their implementation of SafeCare in the field with families from a SafeCare Coach. Once trainees demonstrate mastery of SafeCare skills in the field, they are granted certification as SafeCare Providers.
If training using the SafeCare Augmented curriculum, additional training may be needed.
Coach training prepares an individual to provide onsite coaching for SafeCare Providers, a requirement for SafeCare implementation.
It includes a two-day workshop in which participants learn about the role of a SafeCare Coach, how to conduct coaching, and how to provide feedback to Providers. The Coach workshop consists of:
- Didactic presentations
- Modeling of coaching skills by the trainer
- Practice role plays of mock coaching sessions
- Feedback by the Trainer
Coach training includes many opportunities for practice until mastery is achieved. Following the workshop training, Coach participants must demonstrate coaching skills and mastery in fidelity monitoring to become certified.
Certified SafeCare Trainers can train individuals (at their site) to become SafeCare Providers and Coaches.
Requirements to become a Trainer individuals must:
- Be certified Providers and Coaches with experience
- Agree to adhere to the requirements regarding distribution of materials, support of SafeCare Coaches and Providers, and reporting of data to NSTRC
Trainer training includes a two-day workshop that teaches participants about
- SafeCare training methods
- Teaching adult learners
- Setting up role-plays
- Providing feedback to trainees, and supporting SafeCare Coaches
Following the workshop, Trainer participants are observed by NSTRC during their first Provider Workshop to ensure fidelity to the training model. Trainers will become fully certified once they achieve mastery in the delivery of a Provider Workshop, as rated by a NSTRC Trainer observer.
All SafeCare trainings:
- Are conducted at your site. NSTRC Trainers will travel to your location.
- Require completion of a workshop and live demonstration of skills.
- Are based on the same principles of behavioral skill acquisition that forms that basis of the SafeCare parenting program.
- Include workshops with some didactic presentations, and extensive role plays and practice of skills to mastery levels. All trainings include extensive modeling of skills, trainee practice with feedback that leads to skill mastery.
- Are conducted with low trainer to trainee ratios of 1:3 or 1:4 at the most.
- Include demonstration with feedback on real-world implementation.
- Include technical support with implementation and quality assurance from NSTRC for up to one year.
- Include all documents needed to implement, coach, or train SafeCare, and includes the ability to download materials as they are updated.
Please contact the National SafeCare Training and Research Center for more information about the program and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is my site ready for SafeCare training?
- How much does SafeCare Training cost?
- What are the requirements for staff to be trained in SafeCare?
- How long does it take to become a SafeCare Provider?
- How long does it take to become a SafeCare Coach?
- How long does it take to become a SafeCare Trainer?
- How does SafeCare ensure continuous quality improvement?
- How does SafeCare fit with FFPSA?
NSTRC works with interested implementation sites to determine the fit between the SafeCare model and the potential site, and the readiness of a site to implement SafeCare.
NSTRC will discuss your training needs and to determine if there are any issues or barriers that should be addressed before training.
The cost of SafeCare training varies according to the number of individuals trained and what level of training (Provider, Coach, Trainer) is desired.
Because SafeCare training is done with very small trainer to trainee ratio, it is generally more efficient to train large numbers of staff at once. For price estimates for your particular organization, please email [email protected]
There is no educational requirement for SafeCare training. The SafeCare protocols are very concrete and easy to learn. SafeCare has been implemented by individuals with high school diplomas and individuals with doctoral degrees in clinical psychology.
NSTRC has found that it is important for staff to be motivated to implement SafeCare, open to new services models, and interested in using a structured protocol for service delivery. It is critical that there be communication about SafeCare implementation before training is initiated. Staff must be prepared to receive SafeCare training, especially if it is very different from the services they are used to providing. NSTRC can assist in this process.
To become a SafeCare Provider, you must attend a four-day workshop and complete all required role-plays and quizzes. Following the workshop, you will be supported by a SafeCare Coach or Trainer to become certified as a SafeCare Provider.
To reach certification, you must demonstrate proficiency in delivering SafeCare with families across the three modules.
To become a SafeCare Coach, you must:
- Have already attended the Provider workshop and be a certified SafeCare Provider
- Attend a two-day Coach Workshop and complete required role-plays.
Following the workshop, you will be supported by a SafeCare Trainer to become certified as a SafeCare Coach. To reach certification, you must demonstrate proficiency in fidelity monitoring of SafeCare Providers, leading SafeCare team meetings, and providing coaching of SafeCare home visiting skills.
To become a SafeCare Trainer, your agency must have successfully completed their second accreditation and you must:
- Complete full certification in SafeCare home visiting and coaching,
- Have substantial experience in delivering the SafeCare model with proficiency, and
- Attend a three-day Trainer Workshop and complete required role-plays.
Following the workshop you will be supported by an NSTRC Trainer to become certified as a SafeCare Agency Trainer.
To reach certification, you must demonstrate proficiency in:
- Delivering a SafeCare Provider Workshop
- Supporting a Coach.
After certification, SafeCare Trainers are supported for six months following training and must complete recertification every year to maintain Trainer certification.
Implementing SafeCare requires partner agencies follow the evidence-based model with fidelity. NSTRC is committed to supporting partners both in maintaining fidelity and continually improving their implementations. Fidelity measurement occurs at all levels through Provider, Coach, and Trainer certification and maintenance as well as agency-level annual accreditation. View more information
SafeCare is a manualized, skills-based parent training program for parents of children 0-5 that has been used extensively by child welfare systems. The program fits within the FFPSA in-home parent skill-based program domain. Features of SafeCare include:
• Brief parenting program (18 sessions) that can be completed in 3-5 months
• Addresses parent-child interactions, home safety, and child health
• Strong focus on neglect and physical abuse
• Appropriate for parents/relatives caring for children who are candidates for foster care
• Easily integrated with other services
• Trauma-informed curriculum
• Implementation model allows for local trainers to sustain the implementation