Parenting when Trauma derails child development: Let’s talk about parenting strategies to get back on track. Often times, foster and adopted children have experienced some trauma during their young lives. This webinar will provide a basic understanding of brain development and what happens to development when children do experience trauma. We will review key development tasks for young children (ages 0-5), school-aged children (ages 6-13), and adolescents (ages 14–21), and recognize trauma’s impact on developmental tasks. Together, we will talk through parenting strategies that can rebuild the connections that have been lost. We will discuss how to get development back on track. Foster and adopted parents at all experience levels are welcome to attend, listen, and share their wisdom.

Char McDonald MSW, LICSW earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine University in 2011.  She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker by the MN Board of Social Work and has certificates in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Permanency and Adoption.

Char has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of roles. She has expertise in the child welfare system, infant and early childhood mental health, child development, DC:0-5 assessments, Circle of Security, foster care and adoption, suicide first aid, and attachment. The majority of Char’s career has been spent working with children and adolescents in foster care, and their birth, foster, and adoptive parents with an array of presenting issues. She has experience working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, chemical use challenges, domestic violence, and those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, and have challenges related to anxiety and depression.

Char uses a variety of therapeutic modalities in her practice while focusing on client and family strengths, including components of cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, solution-focused therapy, neuroscience, and mindfulness and relaxation. Char carries a small caseload at Main Street Family Services, while providing supervision and oversight to other clinical staff.