The first phase in developing the CORE Teen training was to identify a comprehensive list of competencies.  Current literature and curricula were reviewed, as well as surveys and interviews of parents, older youth and professionals were conducted.  This generated a list of 215 competencies identified as important for resource parents of adolescents to be successful. The competencies were categorized into 17 themes: a) Trauma Informed Resource Parenting; b) Behavior Management; c) Parental Adaptation; d) Regulation; e) Self-Care; f) Structure and Environment; g) Attachment; h) Social Connections and Support System; i) Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI); j) Continued Connections; k) Relationship Development; l) Grief and Loss; m) Culture; n) Self and Prescribed Treatments; o) Parental Resilience; p) Transitions and q) Family Dynamics.

Utilizing the Delphi method, the competencies were prioritized for inclusion in the training by administering two rounds of a survey to an expert panel who ranked their importance. The inclusion of the competencies in the training was based on two criteria: the competencies had a minimum mean score of four and seventy-five percent of the panelists rated the competency at a four or higher. Of the 215 non-duplicative competencies generated initially, 61 competencies reached consensus for inclusion in training development.

Many of these competencies focused on trauma-informed parenting, building a trusting relationship with youth, helping youth maintain a connection with their biological family and other past supportive relationships, emotional regulation skills for the parent and youth, and how to adapt to meet the youths’ unique needs.

For a listing of the 61 competencies, please click on following link.