For many resource families, the prospect of working with a child’s birth family can be intimidating. This class is designed to examine the benefits and realities of working with birth families and to provide tools and ideas to help bridge the gap. The intergenerational nature of trauma, along with special considerations in dealing with kin relationships, will be discussed. Setting boundaries in continued relationships with the birth family, both prior to and following adoption, will also be examined. To register, call 314.968.2350 ext. 7234 or email intake.dept@familyforwardmo.org.

Module 1 From the National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency Planning Hunter College School of Social Work: Sibling Practice Curriculum Module 1 focuses on enhancing understanding of sibling-related issues in out-of-home care. The importance of siblings in your life and the lives of others will be discussed.  Myths and truths about sibling separation…

From the National Development & Training Curriculum (NTDC): This theme briefly explores how early childhood trauma and neglect may impact a child’s ability to interact successfully with their outside world – sensory integration. This theme provides parents who are fostering or adopting with the ability to identify behaviors related to sensory integration difficulties and strategies…

From the National Development & Training Curriculum (NTDC): This theme provides an overview of the importance of children maintaining visits with their family and how to check in and address concerns, questions and emotions children may encounter before and after the visits. The theme provides strategies on how to help children name and validate the…

From the National Development & Training Curriculum (NTDC): This theme provides an overview of the impact transitions, both planned and unplanned, have on children who have experienced trauma, loss or separation. The theme discusses strategies parents can use to make these transitions less traumatic and disruptive. Strategies for making children feel welcomed and connected before,…

The holidays often bring much excitement and celebration for families. But for children who have experienced the disruption in their lives of being separated from their families, holidays can be a time of great emotional upheaval. The stress level can become intolerable. This class will help parents see the holidays through their child’s eyes and…

Self-compassion is an essential trait that caregivers must learn to practice in order to sustain themselves through the long, challenging job of parenting. Understand that being kind to yourself is not selfish but rather a gift you need to give yourself to prevent compassion fatigue. In addition to exploring and applying the practice of self-compassion,…