Foster Care Training

Latino Families may share some common characteristics; there are significant variabilities within and between groups. Who are Latinos? Why is it so hard to engage Latino Families into receiving treatment? How can we break through many of these barriers? In order to address these questions this workshop will focus on the considering each sub- group of Latinos (e.g., refugees, those with varying socioeconomic status, geographical origins, or levels of acculturation). And we will address the “invisible border”, which are the challenges that Latino families must face on a day-to-day basis. These challenges can include a lack of familiarity and comfort with the dominant culture (especially the English language); conflicting ideals and personal values; frequent exposure to ethnic and racial discrimination (both practical and institutional); competing social demands from family members, teachers, and peers; and feelings of isolation and a sense of discomfort interacting in public settings. This workshop will focus on current strategies to address the psychotherapeutic barriers that prevent Latino families from receiving mental health services.