One of the most important parts of becoming a Wellspring foster parent is participating in orientation and training. These aren’t boxes to check—they are investments in your confidence and success as a caregiver.
Orientation
Orientation is your introduction to the world of foster care with Wellspring.
It’s a conversation, not a lecture. You’ll hear what the process involves, what to expect, and you’ll have the chance to ask every question you’ve been holding. One-on-one orientations are available in every region.
Regional Orientation Schedule
North (Gaylord): By appointment. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Great Lakes Bay (Bay City): First Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
West (Grand Rapids): First Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Central (Lansing): First and third Wednesday of every month, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Southeast (Bingham Farms): Third Thursday, 5:00–8:00 p.m.; or third Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
When an orientation date falls on a holiday, the orientation is held the following week.
Training
GROW Training
GROW is the statewide foster parent training curriculum required by the State of Michigan. It consists of 9 sessions (approximately 20–25 hours total) and is available in multiple formats. It is free.
GROW prepares you to protect and nurture children, understand trauma and developmental needs, support birth family relationships, and work as part of a professional team. Wellspring’s licensing staff will help you find and register for a GROW training near you.
To view training dates and locations, visit the Foster Care Navigator website: fcnp.org
Ongoing Support and Training
North (Gaylord): By appointment. Email us to reserve your spot.
Great Lakes Bay (Bay City): First Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
West (Grand Rapids): First Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Central (Lansing): First and third Wednesday of every month, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Southeast (Bingham Farms): Third Thursday, 5:00–8:00 p.m.; or third Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Licensing is just the beginning. Wellspring provides ongoing training, resources, and a foster parent-friendly online portal where you can access information whenever you need it. And our team is available around the clock—because not every hard moment happens between 8 and 5.
