Foster Care Training

Youth involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice system are at increased risk of mental health issues and self harming behaviors. The course reviews issues impacting depression in youth including their experience of trauma, mental health issues, and multiple losses. Mental health issues impacting depression and self harm are discussed including depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychotic disorders, and behavior disorders. Approaches to working with youth who have mental health issues and self harming behaviors are reviewed including counseling guidelines, self-regulation skills and psychotropic medications. Approaches for intervening in self harm are also provided cutting, warning signs of suicide, talking with suicidal youth, crisis risk assessment, and safety planning.