Foster Source Podcast

Suicide and self-harm risk impacts more children and youth in the foster care system than average. Colorado has a rate of death by suicide that is nearly twice the national average. Suicide is becoming an increasingly visible issue, and we can't afford to hope that someone else will step in when help is needed. We will discuss the basics of suicide including risk factors, warning signs, how to talk about suicide, how you can support someone endorsing suicide (regardless of your role), risk assessment basics, and referral options within the community.

This training will give you a better understanding of the role of the Ombudsman's office within child welfare in the state of Colorado.

They are independent from the state and county agencies that work on behalf of children and families. They listen to the public about their experience with and concerns about child protection, research and investigate those concerns, and determine the best way to resolve each concern. Their work also allows them to collaborate with lawmakers, professionals and other stakeholders to advance legislation and policies that will have a lasting, positive impact on our children and families.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events occurring before the age of 18. ACEs include all types of abuse and neglect, as well as parental mental illness, substance use, divorce, incarceration, and domestic violence. Research shows that there is a direct correlation between the number of ACEs a child experienced and a variety of negative outcomes in adulthood, to include poor physical and mental health, substance abuse, and risky behaviors. The more ACEs experienced, the greater the risk for these outcomes. When children do experience trauma, understanding the impact of ACEs can lead to more trauma-informed interventions that help to mitigate negative outcomes.

It is critical that caregivers and parents understand the history of why children of color are over-represented in child-welfare in order to avoid perpetuating racism and to instead embrace an anti-racist outlook to support the health and wellbeing of transracial adoptees and/or transracial foster youth. This training will cover: history of race in child-welfare within the United States (laws & definitions), American racial norms and implicit biases, and transracial adoptee identity.

During this uncertain time, a concern for all parents is how to best manage our children's emotional health while keeping them physically safe and adhering to guidelines. This training provides information around the concept of socialization as a key part of development. As we unpack the concept of socialization, we explore considerations for foster parents. This time will offer an opportunity for collaborative discussion around integrating our children into social settings within our "new normal".

Join us for an organized panel featuring experienced attorneys to learn more about the child welfare legal system. This event will feature a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), a Respondent Parent Counsel (RPC), and a private family law attorney. This event is intended to educate foster and kinship parents on navigating aspects of the child welfare system.

We will be discussing the ins and outs of alcohol, marijuana, stimulants (methamphetamine, cocaine) and opioids (prescription pain pills, heroin). This will include the slang terms, prevalence, the impact on the brain and body, and treatment options. Come and learn how substance use impacts the child welfare system.

Research estimates children in the foster care system are 10 to 15 times more likely to be exposed to alcohol prenatally than the general population making this population especially at risk of having a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD is a medical condition that consists of a range of physical, behavioral, mental and cognitive symptoms caused by alcohol exposed pregnancies. This training will provide an overview of the basics of FASD, discusses common symptoms and the challenges caregivers and families face related to FASD in the foster care system. Then we will explore effective strategies to best support children with an FASD.

In this “new normal” where children are learning online from home, they are exposed more than ever to online predators and the damaging effects of screen time. This cyber safety seminar prepares parents to effectively supervise their child on social media sites, protect them from online threats, and bring technological balance back to their homes. This seminar will show you the current games, apps, and more that teens are using today. Cyberbullying and other online threats are defined with current trends and real-world examples that law enforcement have investigated in schools.

We are hosting a biological parent, kinship parent, foster parent, and foster care alumni parent to discuss their experiences and provide different perspectives.

This panel discusses some difficult topics and shares a wide range of opinions. It may be uncomfortable at times. We appreciate your willingness to be open and vulnerable.

No training hours are available via podcast.