Foster Care Training

The effects of vicarious trauma have been shown in research to cause very harmful consequences to those experiencing them. In this 2-hour training, the presentation will include: definitions; research on how polyvagal theory can help prevent vicarious trauma; an introduction to the neuroscience of nervous system and brain chemicals; and strategies caregivers of system-involved youth (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 vicarious trauma can have on system-involved youth and families and to gain increased awareness in order 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.