Foster Care Training

Time and time again I hear foster parents, adoptive parents and social workers wonder out loud “what is in the water” near the holidays. Those of us who have worked in the field for some time know that youth who have experienced trauma and relationship loss often struggle during the holidays (and don’t always understand themselves why they are struggling). This can be especially baffling for caregivers who have a history of positive holiday experiences and for whom holidays signify family, ritual and belonging. This training is designed to help caregivers and social workers understand how to support youth before, during and after holidays (birthdays, anniversaries, and cultural holidays). Specific strategies will be addressed for youth in congregate care as well.