Foster Care Training

The effects of racial microaggressions and vicarious trauma have been shown in research to cause very harmful consequences to those experiencing them, especially for people of color who are coping with colonization, assimilation, and generational trauma. In this 2-hour training, the presentation will include: definitions; research on how polyvagal theory can help heal harm from racial microaggressions and vicarious trauma; an introduction to the neuroscience of nervous system and brain chemicals; and strategies BIPOC system involved youth and their caregivers (who are all too often negatively affected by vicarious trauma) can implement. Participants will be guided through a sequence of learning activities to explore and understand the negative impact that microaggressions and vicarious trauma can have on BIPOC system involved youth and families (as well as those who support them) and to gain increased self-awareness to reduce harm in the future through nervous system regulation and self-examination of their own behavior. Learning activities will include: self-reflection, storytelling of real life examples, large group exercises, and participant question time.