Want to be a parent? Foster, adopt or even short-term help? Want to be a potential resource for GLBT youth in need of a home?

Department of Children Services is offering the Parents As Tender Healers (PATH) class at Covenant of the Cross located at 752 Madison Square in Madison starting April 25. This class is for those who wish to adopt through the state, become a foster parent, or even be a place where children/youth can go if their foster parent has a need where the child cannot be with them for a few days. There are so many options available and DCS is looking for your help and support for these children.

All you need to have is a way to support yourself, have a place where the child can have a bedroom, be in good health and be at least 21. They ask that you have an open heart that can love children who may have problems (remember they are not with their parent’s anymore and it will affect them), have room in your life for them, as well as learn and use appropriate behavioral management skills.

Pastor Greg Bullard said, “I am excited that we can be the host venue for this set of classes. We want every person that can to consider this for the children in our community. This is about the children because we are inviting every church, synagogue, faith group we have connection with to participate, in addition to those of no faith.”

To register for PATH training, please call (615) 445-8711. Below are the scheduled classes:

• PATH Orientation: Thursday, April 25, from 6-8 p.m.
• Understanding the Child Welfare System: Thursday, May 2, from 6-9 p.m.
• Impact of Trauma: Thursday, May 9, from 6-9 p.m.
• Effective Discipline: Thursday, May 16, from 6-9 p.m.
• Cultural Awareness and Panel of Experts: Thursday, May 23, from 6-9 p.m.
• Medication Administration: Thursday, May 30, from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• CPR/ First Aid: Thursday, June 6, from 5:30-9:30 p.m.