Foster Care Training

Training Summary: Provide a couple sentences summary (content themes/training techniques, and how this training is relevant to working with children who live in out of home care): This training focuses on how child welfare staff must work together with other staff, the youth and family, outside professionals, extended family, and friends, as well others in order to provide coordinated support for youth in out-of-home care and their extended network. Working together is critical to successfully supporting youth in crisis. We explore collaboration, direct communication, and feedback. We also look at what type of engagement strategy is most helpful in responding to crisis and the importance of valuing the energy of co-workers. Didactic presentation, small and large group exercises are utilized. Class Objectives: (what knowledge, ideas or skills will participants explore, learn, and practice during the training) Participants will: Practice different modes of communication to successfully engage with youth and different members of their extended support network. Explore the natural engagement strategies they bring to working with youth and list ways they can strengthen skills that do not come naturally. Understand the use of cultural humility when working with youth How can participants utilize their new skills and knowledge after the training to reinforce their learning? Practice different engagement styles with the youth in their care. Explore with each youth what kind of communication styles work best for them. Engage in conversation about youth and families in their care as if they were present.