JOHN DAY – Training sessions for prospective foster or adoptive parents are coming up in October.

The Department of Human Services offices for Grant and Harney counties will offer the classes from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23; and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

The training classes are designed to help prospective foster and adoptive parents make well-informed decisions about whether foster or adoptive parenting is right for their family.

Foster and adoptive parents require specific skills to parent children with special needs. Topics cover: the children who will be in their care, agency rules and regulations, and how to effectively work with therapists and school staff.

Call 541-575-0728, ext. 248, to preregister. The classes are free and will be held at DHS offices in John Day and Burns.