Foster Care Training

Online Training

Stigmatization of foster and system-involved youth can give rise to belonging uncertainty, where persistent negative stereotypes and under-representation lead them to wonder if they belong. In this training, we will explore the important role of establishing meaningful social relationships in health behaviors and psychological well-being among foster and system-involved youth. Belonging uncertainty, and the related experiences of social isolation and loneliness, are linked with multiple health conditions, mortality, and mental health outcomes. These significant public health issues are often overlooked despite mortality risk comparable to or exceeding well-established risk factors like cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity. Further, many of the health disparities today involve experiences of perceived social threat, taking a toll on our health and well-being. Providing reassurance to stigmatized individuals that they belong can improve health and academic performance (Walton & Cohen, 2007) – but how do we promote a sense of belonging?

Together, we will explore how to respond to increased social isolation (stemming from the COVID-19-related quarantine mandates) and belonging uncertainty (stemming from social focus on racial inequity). Social belonging interventions can support foster and system-involved youth to view challenges they experience during periods of difficulty as normal and improvable so they remain socially and academically engaged. Participants will implement strategies such as adapting growth mindset, developing descriptive norms through providing peer narratives, and tools for youth to manage social anxiety. We will also examine prevention strategies for related public health impacts (e.g. higher health care utilization, academic achievement, long-term health outcomes, income, and employment).