Foster Care Training

The effects of vicarious trauma and implicit bias have been shown in research to cause very harmful consequences to those experiencing them, especially for individuals coping with histories of generational trauma. In this training, the presentation will include: definitions; research on how polyvagal theory can help heal harm from vicarious trauma and implicit bias; an introduction to the neuroscience of the nervous system and brain chemicals; and strategies system-involved youth and their caregivers (who are 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 and implicit bias can have on 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.