Foster Care Training

Understanding the system of oppression, the historical underpinnings that set the foundation for the cycle and system of oppression, is the first step to dismantling it. Next, we can challenge the ways in which childhood socialization helped us internalize the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors required for our subordination. Two common areas where we have been socialized to behave are around suppressing or masking our feelings and also avoiding being in conflict with each other.

This course provides participants with the opportunity to thoroughly examine the ways families and youth experience oppression in the child welfare system. Understanding how they internalize oppression is the first step in beginning to better serve and support our clients and colleagues in the child welfare system. We will examine how to access our feelings and name the internal messages that help us cope with and deal directly with what we’re experiencing. Participants will come away with additional tools and practice around how to engage in courageous conversations across difference.