Saint Francis Community Services will offer a free, 10-week course: Partnering for Safety and Permanence — The Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting for individuals interested in becoming foster parents. Saint Francis Community Services is a provider of foster care, adoption, and family preservation services.

The course begins March 1 and will be held Thursdays for 10 weeks from 6 to 9 p.m. The training will be held at Saint Francis Community Services, 423 S.E. 10th Street, Newton.

PS-MAPP training is required by the state of Kansas for those interested in becoming foster parents. The course provides information and skill development for prospective foster parents, helps potential foster parents gain a better understanding of the needs of children in foster care, helps families make informed decisions about fostering, and provides information on resources, parenting techniques, and support services available for individuals interested in becoming foster parents.

To register for the course or learn more, call Saint Francis Community Services: John Young, Foster Care Homes, (620) 615-1063 or visit www.st-francis.org.