Foster Source Podcast

Shari Simmons, MSW, LCSW discusses the cluster traits of the I-Generation and implications for parents raising them. She will also discuss how this generation of youth is being impacted by current life events. I-Gen has been defined as children born between 1995-2012. Key aspects of this generation are increased media consumption, the love for electronics, the need to multitask and the desire to use electronic communication over phone calls or face-to-face communication.

No training hours available via podcast.

People celebrate holidays differently. It is important to discuss cultural values and special days to offer insight on past trauma. Children may feel safer talking about holidays compared to talking about race and culture. We need to have mindful discussions about holidays to enhance communication and bonding. This training aims to increase awareness of biases and reduce the risk for accidental microaggressions. We hope to identify healthy strategies for exploring differences.

Come and hear from adults that were formerly in care. What do they feel their foster parents did right? What do they wish their foster parents had known? What do they wish their foster parents had done differently?

-No training hours available in this format.

As a result of a variety of converging factors including societal oppression and discrimination, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender fluid individuals are at greater risk for depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance abuse, and trauma than same-aged peers. Support systems are vital in caring for these diverse populations and are well positioned to break cycles of oppression both within the caregiver system and through advocacy. The purpose of this seminar is to increase personal awareness, increase knowledge, and build greater competency in working with trans and gender fluid youth.

Based on the memoir, Which Way? written by Shari Simmons that focuses on trauma, Shari will unveil the powerful decisions clients make about the path that leads to healing. Shari deconstructs beliefs that prevent clients from embracing truth and moving forward in their lives. She highlights evidence-based programming for clients and stresses the importance of self-care and emotional regulation for those on the front lines.

RAD Advocates will be sharing personal experiences that highlight what living with a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder looks like in the home. They will discuss what families can do to make a difference in the life of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. These experiences will be contrasted against some of the definitions and explanations that professionals tend to use when discussing children with attachment issues. Parenting any child who has a traumatic background is difficult. That difficulty is compounded when a child is unable to attach to a parent. Diagnosing R.A.D. can be difficult because children with attachment issues can exhibit a wide range of behaviors. Having an accurate diagnosis and receiving proper treatment is critical. If a child remains undiagnosed or receives ineffective treatment, their disorder can become increasingly worse. R.A.D. Advocates hopes to provide foster/adoptive parents with more knowledge on identifying R.A.D and finding support.

Teenage foster placements can be intimidating. Through our time together in this course, we will address ways of parenting from a place of trauma-informed care and connectedness. This will cover building blocks of relationship building as well as co-regulation and appropriate ways to support your teen.

No training hours will be earned.

Come and learn tips from Special Education Advocate Roxanne Bradley. This is your chance to learn from an expert how to advocate for your children! This class will address the laws behind and the steps involved in getting your child on an ALP, 504, or IEP.

No training hours will be earned.

This potty training workshop is designed to teach parents the foundations needed by children and a family for potty training. It focuses on the behaviors and skills required for a child to be independent with the restroom routine. It will also focus on how to teach these skills for children that have experienced trauma and how techniques can be modified to help children be successful with toilet training.

What People Are Saying:

"Very helpful on tips for potty training and overcoming challenges."

"Learning to potty train kids with trauma is super helpful!"

"SUPER helpful! So much great practical advice and coaching. Would definitely recommend to do again."