Foster Care Training

Identifying and understanding compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma, which are known as the “hazards of the trade,” is important to maintain wellness. Anyone who supports system involved youth and families are vulnerable to these hazards. In this training, we will discuss strategies for reducing risk of vicarious trauma and identify tools, techniques and ways to eliminate or diminish intrusive thoughts, feelings and behaviors that impact how we support system involved youth and their families. Participants will learn how to cope with the aftermath of traumatic incidents and spot the signs of trauma. The adverse consequences of supporting traumatized individuals have been described as vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue, etc. Through lecture and breakout group discussions participants will identify the difference between compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma and create action plans to counteract the effect of these experiences, to improve the effectiveness of support for system involved youth and families.