Description:
Equip direct care staff with the knowledge and tools to promote age-appropriate activities, autonomy, and experiences for children in care—supporting healthy development and emotional well-being.
v2026.2
Course Content
Lesson 1: What is Normalcy & Why it Matters
Lesson Content
Define normalcy and explain its developmental importance for children and youth in out-of-home care.
Recognize how trauma and system involvement may limit access to age-appropriate experiences.
Reflect on how common childhood milestones—like dances, sports, or first jobs—can restore dignity and healing for youth in care.
Lesson 2: Implementing the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard
Lesson Content
Describe the purpose and function of the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard.
Identify key factors in RPPS decision-making, including age, maturity, risk, and trauma history.
Apply RPPS to real-world decisions in group homes or foster settings through interactive scenarios.
Distinguish between appropriate caregiver judgment and unnecessary restrictions based on fear or personal bias.
Lesson 3: Supporting Youth Voice and Empowerment
Lesson Content
Explain the importance of youth involvement in decisions about their daily life and activities.
Demonstrate strategies for giving youth structured choices and fostering self-advocacy.
Recognize how empowerment and participation promote healing and positive identity formation.
Reframe common caregiver language to be more youth-centered and trauma-informed.
Lesson 4: Making Normalcy Part of Your Daily Practice
Lesson Content
Incorporate normalcy goals into team planning, supervision, and service documentation.
Normalize developmentally appropriate risk-taking as part of healthy growth.
Identify ways to support staff and teammates in confidently applying RPPS.
Reflect on mindset shifts that move away from fear-based decision-making and toward child-focused care.