Foster Care Training

This workshop is geared toward providers, professionals, caregivers, and others working with youth at risk for suicide. The workshop uses a combination of teaching methods including didactic work, lecture, and discussion. The workshop will encourage participants to explore their own reactions towards suicide and suicidal youth. It will address common myths and perceptions about suicide and suicidal behavior. The workshop will cover suicide statistics, trauma, and suicide theory with an emphasis on Thomas Joiners model: The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. Risk factors, warning signs and protective factors will be introduced and reviewed. Participants will learn methods of suicide risk assessment and will be introduced to screening tools that aid in determining suicide risk. Emphasis will be placed on how to ask, talk about suicide, how to screen youth for risk and safety needs, and resources to lean on in the event of suicidality in youth. Questions for risk screening will be handed out during the workshop for attendees to take home. Safety planning will be introduced using Stanley and Browns Safety Planning Template. Safety Planning mobile applications will be introduced and discussed as well. Participants will work through a case study and will use role-play and video clips to gain further understanding and application of new skills.