Adolescence is a time of major transition physically, emotionally, and socially. Healthy sexuality is an important part of adolescent development, and caring adults play a key role in helping young people develop healthy routines, behaviors, and relationships that they can carry into their adult lives. During this workshop, participants will review adolescent health data trends,…

How can you turn moments of struggle into moments of connection? Discover how brain development, implicit memories, and the “6 F’s” (Fight, Flight, Freeze, Friend, Fidget, Flop) can influence your adoptive or foster child’s reactions to traditional methods of discipline, and develop compassionate, creative, and effective strategies for limit-setting and consequences that simultaneously enhance healthy…

This presentation will provide an overview of anxiety among children and adolescents. It will discuss common symptoms and diagnoses. Dr. Siek will specifically focus on reasons why anxiety is on the rise among this population along with practical solutions on how caregivers and professionals can help support this population experiencing anxiety.

As a bestselling and award-winning author and educator, Rhodes has dedicated her life’s work to uncovering suppressed stories. In this talk, she shares her personal experience researching and publishing the first novel to depict the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and delves into the reasons why it’s taken our society so long for these important narratives…

This interactive workshop highlights the exciting work in child welfare related to building and maintaining relationships and communication between birth parents and foster/adoptive parents. The goal of this training is to help foster parents and workers better understand the importance of families working together. We will examine the benefits and challenges of these working relationships…

Most of us know this term as Frankie Beverly & Maze's most popular song. This timeless song reminds us to think about what families should do as youth are transitioning. This session focuses on the importance of social capital as a strategy to assist young adults as they transition out of foster care. We'll define…

The birth children of foster and adoptive parents experience grief and loss in a unique way. From the comings and goings, new additions, changes to routines, and shifts in family dynamics, the family unit is no longer the same. This presentation will explore the many different ways birth children may experience and express grief within…

As rates of teen mental health concerns continue to rise, caregivers are often asking teens "What can I do to help?". This presentation will provide clear, research-informed answers with practice tools that meet families where they are at. Participants will learn how to: - Recognize early signs of stress and anxiety in adolescents - Use…

Mobile Crisis Response Teams are short-term, intensive services provided during a mental health crisis or emergency. They can help people cope with immediate stressors, identify and use resources, develop action plans, and can help avoid hospitalization. Teams are available throughout Minnesota and serve children and adults. In this webinar, staff from the Western Mental Health…