EUGENE, Ore., Sept. 8, 2007 -- Northwest Media's Foster Parent College -- the industry-leading, Web-based training program for foster parents -- has added a 19th course to its online and DVD learning products catalog: "Working with Schools."

The course discusses problems foster, adoptive and kinship parents frequently encounter with their school-age children. In this multimedia curriculum, foster parents share their experiences dealing with school systems, and they gain insight into strategies and methods helpful in developing a positive working relationship with the schools.

"Success in school equates to success in life and foster kids deserve the best education we can give them," said Karen Jorgenson, Executive Director of the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA), the nation's largest advocacy group for adoptive, kinship and foster parents. "Many foster children arrive at school with unique histories that often lead to behavioral issues and social missteps."

Bringing together all involved -- parents, teachers, administrators, counselors and even therapists -- "Working with Schools" breaks down critical responsibilities each contributing player has in educating foster children. The parents are usually the primary advocate for the child, even more so than social workers.

"Becoming a positive, proactive advocate is perhaps the foster parent's most important role when dealing with school systems," said Ginger Gorham, a special education educator and co-author of the new FPC course. "Often a child's/youth's school success depends on your advocacy skills."

Courses at Foster Parent College are a mix of interactive audiovisual teaching techniques combined with state-of-the-art Web animation and video for a more effective and satisfying student experience.

Foster parents share experiences dealing with school systems and share tips for developing a positive relationship with schools. Unlike many books and programs for foster and adoptive parents, all the programs at Foster Parent College are thoroughly researched and deemed effective in meeting industry and governmental standards.

Hundreds of social service agencies in 18 states and territories recognize FPC course completion certificates as meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements for continuing education. This kind of training is required to maintain foster parenting home licenses.

Online courses are only $8 per subject per student. Visit fosterparentcollege.com for details.

Foster Parent College provides dynamic, interactive, multimedia training courses for adoptive, kinship and foster parents. FPC courses are available online as self-directed courses or scheduled interactive workshops. Parents can purchase courses on their own, or agencies can purchase an Agency Account and offer the training to parents.

About Northwest Media, Inc., Eugene, Oregon

Northwest Media is a 21-year-old privately held publisher of traditional and digital resources for successful parenting. Founded in 1985, it has received more than 35 federal research grants in the general areas of foster and adoptive parent training and independent living. Northwest Media products include Foster Parent College; www.SocialLearning.com, an online and catalog sales division with more than 2500 listed products; Vstreet.com, an animated, interactive Web site for young people at risk; and Getting Ready, a monthly magazine serving youth in transition to independent living.

For more information, visit www.fosterparentcollege.com or www.northwestmedia.com.