***This Class Has Been Cancelled***

Instructors:  Diana Macis, MSW & MaryAnn Paschal, Resource/Adoptive Parent

Trauma exposure is very pervasive among children living in foster care. As a result, child victims according to research can suffer severe and long-lasting adverse effects of maltreatment, including impairments in brain functioning, problems with physical growth and development, difficulty forming attachments, and experience mental and chronic health conditions, plus much more.

Often times, due to lack of preparation and training, most resource parents (foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers) and child welfare professionals may not be adequately prepared to recognize and respond effectively when children exhibit trauma symptoms. Therefore, they are unable to understand and address the impact of trauma when caring for these children.

Trauma Systems Therapy for Foster Care is an 8 hour training created by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to help caregivers provide a nurturing and responsive environment for young people in their care. We know that small changes can have a big impact on the lives of children and teens. Children in foster care, many of whom have experienced traumatic events in their lives, benefit when their caregivers learn how trauma affects children’s behaviors.

This training will provide information on trauma and help resource caregivers build a personal toolbox for coping when children experience common fight, flight and freeze responses.

Please note, no childcare is provided or available onsite. Do not bring babies or children to class. Thank you!