Foster Care Training

Mental health providers working with system-impacted youth and families frequently navigate complex relational, ethical, and systemic pressures that can strain professional boundaries. Trauma exposure, power imbalances, cultural considerations, crisis-driven needs, and multi-system involvement often blur roles and increase the risk of boundary erosion, provider burnout, and relational harm. This course provides mental health professionals with practical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive strategies for establishing, maintaining, and repairing boundaries in work with youth and families impacted by child welfare, juvenile justice, education, immigration, and behavioral health systems. Participants will explore how trauma, attachment, systemic inequities, and historical mistrust influence boundary expectations and behaviors. Through real-world scenarios, guided reflection, and applied tools, participants will strengthen their ability to set clear, compassionate boundaries that promote safety, trust, autonomy, and ethical practice—without sacrificing empathy or relational connection. The course emphasizes sustainable boundary practices that support provider well-being, reduce role confusion, and enhance outcomes for youth and families across systems