Dfcs training for New County Directors Workshop No. 1 Leadership Trainer’s Guide

Show OH 66 (Activity: Strategies for Specific Relationships). 
Refer participants to the worksheet for this activity on Page 35 of the 
Participant Guide. 
Distribute flip chart paper and markers to each of the four small groups. 
Facilitate activity according to instructions on the slide. 
Debrief: 
¾ Ask the speaker for each group to stand and present the group’s 
strategies. 
Trainer’s Note: During each presentation, check what is presented against 
the proposed strategies on the next page of this Trainer’s Guide. When each 
presenter is finished, thank the group for their good ideas. If any of the 
strategies on the next page have not been mentioned, introduce them as 
“additional strategies to consider.”
Workshop 1 for New County Directors
82 
Rev/Dec., 2006 

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Trainer’s Guide 
Strategies for 
Working with 
the Board 
¾ Do your homework: 
- 
Learn who the members are/their backgrounds. 
- 
Know how the previous Director worked with them. 
- 
Discuss the level of detail they have been receiving, and ask what 
they’d like to see in the future. 
¾ Get to know Board members as people. 
¾ Let them get to know you. 
¾ Don’t make changes too quickly. 
¾ Explain programs and limitations, strengths and issues. 
¾ Don’t inundate with too much information. 
¾ Explain information you give them. 
¾ Explain how the needs of the office translate to the community. 
 
Strategies for 
Working with 
Foster 
Parents 
¾ Make sure you understand the Foster Care system and appreciate 
what foster parents do for us. 
¾ Treat them like Very Important People, because they 
are.
¾ Be accessible and responsive. 
¾ Respond to their needs, listen to their complaints and clarify 
misunderstandings. 
¾ Meet with them at least twice a year. 
¾ Call them occasionally (once a week, pick one or two and telephone 
to see how it’s going). 
¾ Attend county/region annual Foster Parent Association Meeting. 
 
Strategies for 
Working with 
Community 
Groups 
¾ Be proactive. 
¾ Extend your hand, go out and introduce yourself to community