A foster parent must be many things to many people. Child welfare professionals depend on the skills of foster parents. Children need safety and guidance to heal from the various traumas that they have experienced in their short lives. In session 2 of this 3-part series, we will explore the following skills: patience and humor,…

An introduction to legal guardianship and mentally ill (MI) and chemical dependency (CD) commitments. What is it? What are the legal parameters based on Minnesota State Statutes? What is the process? What are your rights and responsibilities? Sara Johnstone’s workshop will answer these questions, and any others you may have regarding guardianship and MI/CD commitments.

This presentation will include a review of how adversity gets embedded in neurodevelopment and affects the way our genome may be used and affected. The public health and communitywide implications of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study will be reviewed and specific examples of how this science has shown how ACEs affect the goals and…

Step into the world of client care with Justin, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with years of experience working with children and their parents. In this captivating presentation, Justin shares invaluable insights on transcending the conventional view of clients as mere cases. Through compelling anecdotes and the latest trauma research, he unveils the profound impact…

We all have or will experience burnout on the job and the sluggishness, boredom, and frustration that accompany it. One way we can learn to combat burnout is by learning which foods enhance our ability to deal effectively with the challenges life brings to us and indeed rebuild brains damaged by trauma and chronic stress.…

Creating a sense of belonging and inclusion has a significant impact on the family. As foster and adoptive parents themselves, the presenters will provide the characteristics of inclusive families and effective strategies to maximize feelings of familial connectedness and partnership. This webinar is designed to benefit foster and adoptive parents as well as those who…

A training for agency staff and service providers who have limited knowledge of tribal cultures and histories, intended to encourage culturally appropriate approaches to supporting Native children and families.

Behavior problems shown by children-in-care can act as a stubborn barrier to the creation of healing relationships to foster, kinship and adoptive caregivers and helping professionals.  This workshop will focus on the “whys” of complex behavioral/emotional challenges.  When these challenges are seen only as “problematic”, and not seen as having purpose for the child, frustration…

This workshop explores the profound impact of trauma on both foster children and caregivers. It provides a compassionate and insightful examination of the unique challenges faced by these groups, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative and empathetic approach to healing. Attendees will gain valuable strategies and practical tools for creating the conditions for resilience and…

Its often difficult to see the full picture in adoption. Adoptees and adoptive parents have individual and unique perspectives and struggles that don't get seen side by side. Inside Transracial Adoption is a window into the journey of an adoptive family with all the highs and lows. Adoptive mother Julie Etter, son Isaac Etter, and…

In this lecture for parents and professionals,  science journalist and author Donna Jackson Nakazawa will explore the causes of the mental health epidemic facing girls today and revelatory new strategies…