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 about using polyvagal theory to heal and prevent vicarious trauma, an introduction to the neuroscience of nervous system and brain chemicals, and strategies to implement with system involved youth or those who support them. Participants will explore and understand the negative impact of vicarious trauma and gain increased self-awareness about vicarious trauma in order to support improved outcomes for system involved youth through increasing nervous system regulation and deepening self-examination of their own behavior. Learning activities will include: self-reflection, storytelling of real life examples, large group exercises, and participant question time.