Foster Care Training

Through interactive programming, large and small group dialogue, and self-reflection, participants in this session will be introduced to oppression theory through the Cycle of Oppression and consider the effects of oppression on our ability to develop healthy interdependent communities. This theoretical model works to explain oppression (racism, sexism, heterosexism, adultism, etc.) on institutional, cultural and individual levels.

Participants will be challenged to consider the ways in which we have all been socialized to fulfill assigned roles in society based on our perceived identities including ability, age, country of origin, sex, sexual orientation, social class, race, religion, etc. Participants will review a continuum of action and will consider the ways in which they are willing to work as change agents for the benefit of the youth they serve.

• Participants will be introduced to the cycle of oppression including the definitions of stereotype, prejudice, discrimination, social power, oppression, microaggressions, internalized dominance, and internalized subordination
 
• Attendees will be challenged to explore how they can begin to unearth the socialization and patterns which create internalized oppression and microaggressions
 
• The group will identify ways that youth in care are impacted by the cycle of oppression on personal, cultural, and institutional levels
 
• Participants will work to devise action plans to engage change for the benefit of youth they serve.