In this class, taught by Shari Simmons, we delve into the complex dynamics of children who, due to trauma, have taken on parental responsibilities for themselves, their siblings, and even their parents. This phenomenon, known as parentification, can have profound effects on a child's development and well-being.

Join us as we welcome biological, foster and kinship caregivers who will share their journeys, as well as what they learned from interacting with the system and with each other. We'll hear what worked, what didn't, and how we can all move forward together.

Join us as we welcome Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker for an insightful and enlightening discussion addressing the complex dynamics of transracial foster care and kinship care.

This class will explore the rights of kinship and foster parents in light of new legislation that has changed the when and how of advocating for children in care as well as updated expectations on caregivers.

This class will explore the rights of kinship and foster parents in light of new legislation that has changed the when and how of advocating for children in care as well as updated expectations on caregivers.

Navigating benefits is a tricky thing. It's even more challenging when you become a kinship provider. Join us to learn about our new partnership with Benefits In Action and learn about the ways they can help you find food, health, and financial benefits that you may qualify for!

Let's talk about money! Raising children costs money and often foster and kinship families are unprepared for the financial impact. Better Pockets Financial desires to assist families with short and long-term financial planning. This class will explore some fundamentals about budgeting for caregivers.

Babies are Like Smartphones: A Practical Pathway to Explaining Early Childhood Mental Health Have you ever noticed that in most spaces mental health care seems to be all about older children or adults? Did you know that all mental health is built from the blueprints of infancy and early childhood? Join Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant Karen Wolf as she shifts the conversation in a practical direction. Babies are Like Smart Phones will give you real life information that you can take home, to families you work with, into schools, and right up to the halls of our legislative bodies. Our infants and toddlers belong in any space where mental health is being discussed, so let's work together to speak for them until they have the words!

Intro to Autism is a great way for caregivers and professionals alike to understand autism, learn some of the signs, and develop tools to better communicate with children and youth who may be neurodivergent.

Daring Greatly/Shame/Vulnerability with Sarah Phillips Vulnerability in the Foster Parenting Arena Summary: We never feel more alive than when we are practicing vulnerability. This class is based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown and the highly experiential methodology, The Daring Way™. Here you will receive an in-depth overview of vulnerability. We will explore the relationship between vulnerability and shame, and you will learn an impactful metaphor that will support you in practicing shame resilience as a foster parent. Learning Objectives: Attendee will define vulnerability and how it relates to shame. Attendee will identify six myths of vulnerability. Attendee will identify the two major paradoxes that prevent us from practicing vulnerability. Attendee will explore the metaphor of the arena and identify five sections that represent the messages that both support us and work against us when we engage in vulnerability. Attendee will begin to utilize the metaphor of the arena to examine the challenges associated with feeling vulnerable.