Foster Source Podcast

Foundations of Potty Training

Foster Source — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0600

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."

Connecting with Teens

Foster Source — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0600

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.

Navigating Special Ed 2.0

Foster Source — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0600

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.

What is Reactive Attachment Disorder: An Experiential Point of View

Foster Source — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0600

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.

Which Way? Exploring the Traumatized Brain

Foster Source — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0600

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.

Supporting Trans and Gender Fluid Children and Youth 101

Foster Source — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0700

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.

Foster Care Alumni Panel

Foster Source — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0700

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.

Mindful Manners and Happy Holidays

Foster Source — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0700

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.

I-Generation

Foster Source — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0700

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.

Parents in Child Welfare

Foster Source — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0700

We are hosting a biological parent, kinship parent, foster parent, and foster care alumni parent to discuss their experiences and provide different perspectives. This panel discusses some difficult topics and shares a wide range of opinions. It may be uncomfortable at times. We appreciate your willingness to be open and vulnerable. No training hours are available via podcast.

What Foster, Pre- and Post-Adoptive Families Need to Know About FASD

Foster Source — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Research estimates children in the foster care system are 10 to 15 times more likely to be exposed to alcohol prenatally than the general population making this population especially at risk of having a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD is a medical condition that consists of a range of physical, behavioral, mental and cognitive symptoms caused by alcohol exposed pregnancies. This training will provide an overview of the basics of FASD, discusses common symptoms and the challenges caregivers and families face related to FASD in the foster care system. Then we will explore effective strategies to best support children with an FASD.

Substance Use 101

Foster Source — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700

We will be discussing the ins and outs of alcohol, marijuana, stimulants (methamphetamine, cocaine) and opioids (prescription pain pills, heroin). This will include the slang terms, prevalence, the impact on the brain and body, and treatment options. Come and learn how substance use impacts the child welfare system.

Ask an Attorney Welfare Panel

Foster Source — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Join us for an organized panel featuring experienced attorneys to learn more about the child welfare legal system. This event will feature a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), a Respondent Parent Counsel (RPC), and a private family law attorney. This event is intended to educate foster and kinship parents on navigating aspects of the child welfare system.

Socialization and COVID-19

Foster Source — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0600

During this uncertain time, a concern for all parents is how to best manage our children's emotional health while keeping them physically safe and adhering to guidelines. This training provides information around the concept of socialization as a key part of development. As we unpack the concept of socialization, we explore considerations for foster parents. This time will offer an opportunity for collaborative discussion around integrating our children into social settings within our "new normal".

The Intersection of Transracial Adoption and Racial (in)Justice

Foster Source — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0600

It is critical that caregivers and parents understand the history of why children of color are over-represented in child-welfare in order to avoid perpetuating racism and to instead embrace an anti-racist outlook to support the health and wellbeing of transracial adoptees and/or transracial foster youth. This training will cover: history of race in child-welfare within the United States (laws & definitions), American racial norms and implicit biases, and transracial adoptee identity.

ACES

Foster Source — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events occurring before the age of 18. ACEs include all types of abuse and neglect, as well as parental mental illness, substance use, divorce, incarceration, and domestic violence. Research shows that there is a direct correlation between the number of ACEs a child experienced and a variety of negative outcomes in adulthood, to include poor physical and mental health, substance abuse, and risky behaviors. The more ACEs experienced, the greater the risk for these outcomes. When children do experience trauma, understanding the impact of ACEs can lead to more trauma-informed interventions that help to mitigate negative outcomes.

Ombudsman 101

Foster Source — Sat, 15 May 2021 00:00:00 -0600

This training will give you a better understanding of the role of the Ombudsman's office within child welfare in the state of Colorado. They are independent from the state and county agencies that work on behalf of children and families. They listen to the public about their experience with and concerns about child protection, research and investigate those concerns, and determine the best way to resolve each concern. Their work also allows them to collaborate with lawmakers, professionals and other stakeholders to advance legislation and policies that will have a lasting, positive impact on our children and families.

Suicide, Self-Harm, and Chronic Risk

Foster Source — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Suicide and self-harm risk impacts more children and youth in the foster care system than average. Colorado has a rate of death by suicide that is nearly twice the national average. Suicide is becoming an increasingly visible issue, and we can't afford to hope that someone else will step in when help is needed. We will discuss the basics of suicide including risk factors, warning signs, how to talk about suicide, how you can support someone endorsing suicide (regardless of your role), risk assessment basics, and referral options within the community.

Family First 101: The Foster Parent's Role

Foster Source — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Family First is new federal legislation that will go into effect in October 2021. Join us as we welcome Jon Steinmetz and Mary Griffin from Colorado Department of Human Services. We will learn about the "Why" behind this new legislation, how it will affect foster care in Colorado, and your role as the foster parent.

Adams County Foster Care Town Hall

Foster Source — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Come and get to know your Adams County foster care team. Meet and hear from Kari Daggett, MSW, Deputy Director Children and Family Services. We will be answering your questions, talking about the CHAMPS Colorado initiatives, and the formation of a foster/kinship advisory council for Adams County.

NEW FOSTER CARE RULES

Foster Source — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Join us as we welcome Mary Griffin, MSW from the Colorado Department of Human Services as she walks us through new foster care rules that have or will soon go into effect. We will also be discussing and collecting feedback regarding proposed new rules changes.

Overwhelmed By Therapy Acronyms: How do I find good services for my child?

Foster Source — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0600

By the end of the session, participants will begin to understand: 1. Different therapeutic services available, such as OT, TF-CBT, EMDR, TBRI, ABA, TST, MST, family pres, family therapy, equine therapy, play therapies, etc. 2. The hierarchy of which services are evidenced based for children with trauma and which are NOT 3. How to interview treatment providers, what to look for 4. How to establish a supportive treatment team before a child even arrives 5. The impact of LAN and 12 year olds being able to make mental health decisions

Exploring the Importance of the Sibling Relationship

Foster Source — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Elevating Connections was created so we can offer our kids a permanent connection with their siblings and their community after they turn 18 and leave foster care. We offer Connecting Events throughout the year to give our siblings more opportunities to connect with each other, our volunteers, and our community. The sibling relationship is cradle to grave and we need to do everything we can to support the sibling bond. We decided that our kids who emancipate from foster care without returning home or without a finding a permanent home need a place to come to feel connected to their community. Our future plan is our Elevating Youth program that will be based out of a community coffee shop that will give our youth a place to learn job skills; find resources for housing, jobs, and school; learn life skills; have a place to share their talents, such as their music, art, and poetry; and where they can always come for acceptance, support, and a safe place to land no matter how old they are.

Diet, Nutrition, and Trauma

Foster Source — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Present times are stressful. Our bodies are taxed, depleted and undernourished. To complicate issues, traumas can contribute to all of these and long term health issues. Christy will be discussing the link between food, traumas and healing. How we can recognize the link and simple solutions. When we put together the physical, psych, social and spiritual, food can be a common thread. Food is a means to healing, let's discuss how to use it for more joy, and less depletion.

What Would My Therapist Say?

Foster Source — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Every foster parent’s situation is different and so are their needs. In this educational therapy class, our instructor will work to answer your questions about therapy and help you navigate the complicated world of therapeutic services. You can look forward to a discussion of the following topics: What therapeutic services and psycho-educational material is available to foster parents? What is Online Therapy & Counseling? Dispelling the myths of therapy Figuring out what you (the foster parent) needs What is going on in your brain? What is going on in your child’s brain? What can you do right now to address what’s going on? What tools and services are available to you moving forward?

Project Foster Power

Foster Source — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0700

project Foster Power (pFP) is a group of current and former foster youth, ages 15 to 25+, who are using their voices and experiences to improve the Colorado child welfare system through youth-led organizing and advocacy. Hearing time and time again that youth did not feel adequately prepared or supported in their transition to adulthood, pFP identified their 2020-2021 issue for action: Improving Supports for Young People Exiting Foster Care. As part of this campaign, youth came together to develop best practice recommendations for professionals across three key areas: 1) Placements that Better Meet Youth Needs, 2) Self Care and Community, and 3) Education and Employment. The first session of the series will focus on “Placements That Better Meet Youth Needs.” pFP developed these recommendations to help ensure that placements value youth voice, better meet youth needs, and better support youth during this critical time in their development. In this training, you’ll hear directly from pFP youth about how these tips were collectively created, why they are so important, and how you might incorporate them in your day-to-day work with young people.

TikTok Trauma Doc Training

Foster Source — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Christine Gibson MD - or the tiktoktraumadoc, author of The Modern Trauma Toolkit due Spring 2023 - is pleased to be speaking with you all about trauma theories and practice. During this interactive discussion, she'll describe the polyvagal theory and how to recognize trauma responses in yourself and others. She'll mention the ways that these can shift using top-down and bottom-up approaches. We will have time for some experiential learning, but that will be up to you if you choose to participate. Learn more about her at www.christinegibson.net.

What is Reactive Attachment Disorder: An Experiential Point of View (4/30/22)

Foster Source — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Kinship 101 Panel (4/9/2022)

Foster Source — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Child Welfare just placed a child in your care. You are somehow a part of this child’s life already - Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, Neighbor, Family Friend, School acquaintance, sibling, etc.). NOW WHAT?!?!?! This class will give you the information you need to know as you begin your kinship journey. Learn the basics about resources available, expectations, key players involved in the child’s case, and more.

Kinship 101 Espanol

Foster Source — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Protección de menores acaba de poner a un niño a su cuidado. Y, de alguna manera, usted ya es parte de la vida de este niño. Ya sea abuelo, tío, tía, primo, vecino, amigo familiar, compañero de clase, conocido, hermano, etc. ¡¿AHORA QUÉ?! Esta clase le dará la información necesaria para comenzar su trayectoria como familiar de parentesco. Aprenda lo básico de este proceso, así como los recursos disponibles, expectativas, los agentes clave involucrados en el caso del niño y mucho más.

Bases de la salud mental a temprana edad

Foster Source — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0600

La salud mental a temprana edad desarrolla la capacidad del niño(a) desde el nacimiento hasta los 5 años para formar relaciones cercanas, así como manejar y expresar emociones, explorar su entorno y aprender. ¡Únase a esta capacitación para obtener más información sobre por qué esta etapa es tan importante y qué puede hacer para construir una base de salud mental para los más pequeños que durará toda la vida!

Navigating Benefits For Kinship Caregivers

Foster Source — Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 -0600

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!

Benefits in Action is a nonprofit organization located in Lakewood, Colorado that serves individuals throughout the state. They strive to increase understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare resources. Their team of navigators works with individuals to help them recognize the health-related benefits they qualify for, apply to those benefits, and utilize them as effectively as possible. They are passionate about the importance of increasing healthcare benefit literacy among the public. Accordingly, they organize and hold educational sessions in public facilities aimed to increase individual understanding and self-efficacy in navigating the healthcare system.

Financial Planning For Caregivers

Foster Source — Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Let's talk about money! Raising children costs money and often 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 kin caregivers. (Foster parents are welcome too!)

El Paso County: Legal Training & Panel

Foster Source — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Legal Training & Panel: El Paso County

Updates for Foster & Kinship Parents in a Changing Legal Landscape: Part 1

Foster Source — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0600

As foster and kinship caregivers, there are a lot of legal questions that arise. Everyone involved in a child welfare case has legal representation appointed, except for the caregiver. Oftentimes, navigating the legal side of a case is confusing, challenging, and downright overwhelming. 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.

Tim Eirich is one of the most sought after family lawyers in the state of Colorado. He is known for representing foster and kinship parents in a D&N case. Tim will help us make sense of all these questions and will explore other legal topics such as:

Law changes after the 2023 legislative session
Self-representation vs. hiring an attorney
The right to be heard
Parenting time
New intervention rules

Bringing Race Into The Room: Understanding & Supporting Racial Attachment Needs Within Transracial Foster & Kinship Families

Foster Source — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker for an insightful and enlightening discussion addressing the complex dynamics of parenting transracial adoptees of color. Through the lens of the seven core issues in adoption combined with her groundbreaking model of the racial and cultural identity needs of transracial adoptees, she will unpack and explain the intricacies of navigating transracial parenting. Grow your awareness of the internal and external experiences of adoptees of color as they strive to build a positive racial and cultural identity, enhance your understanding of the role race plays in your own relationships and attachment patterns, and learn language and concepts to deepen your family's dialogue around racial and cultural needs in a manner that promotes safety, empowerment, and connection.

Parentification: How to Parent a Child Who Parents

Foster Source — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

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.

Participants will gain insight into the underlying causes and manifestations of parentification. We'll explore the psychological, emotional, and social implications for children who find themselves in this role, as well as its impact on familial dynamics and relationships.

Drawing from trauma-informed approaches and attachment theory, we'll discuss compassionate ways to support children who are navigating the challenges of premature caregiving. Participants will learn techniques for promoting healthy boundaries, fostering resilience, and restoring a sense of childhood for these young caregivers.

Breaking Barriers: A Panel of Biological, Foster and Kinship Parents

Foster Source — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0700

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.