This training will help participants recognize the benefits for children being aware of their adoption/guardianship story and maintaining connection with their birth families; aware of strategies for maintaining and promoting connections; understand the continuum that exists for connection; know how to negotiate relationships with birth families; recognize the impact on children’s loyalty and identity toward… Read More »The Adoption & Guardianship Journey: Navigating Relationships with Birth Families

Join Leeann Pennington, a Licensed Professional Counselor and fellow CASA, as she facilitates discussions regarding mental health, life stress, CASA work, and how to manage the difficulties of balancing them all. Each month we will discuss a different topic regarding mental health as well as have round table conversation of issues presented by members. The… Read More »CASA Peer Support Group

Sibling relationships are emotionally powerful and critically important not only in childhood but over the course of a lifetime. The sibling relationship is one of the longest relationships anyone will have, preparing individuals for peer relationships, teaching social skills, conflict resolution, and navigating relationship issues. They provide a sense of connection, continuity, and belonging. Children… Read More »The Importance of Sibling Bonds

Class open to any youth (13-19) in the Franklin County, Missouri area who are interested in gaining life skills.  Classes are provided by the Juvenile Office. RSVP to Denise.Sprick@courts.mo.gov  

This training acknowledges the complexities associated with caring for children who are related including: divided loyalties, redefining roles and relationships, setting boundaries with parents and other relatives, and the range of emotions including anger, resentment, guilt and/or embarrassment that caregivers can feel. Strategies for how to manage family dynamics and conflicts, identify triggers and effectively… Read More »Kinship Parenting: It’s Complicated!

Did you know: Your child can earn money for well care doctor visits? Birthparents can utilize transportation to visit their children? Some children qualify for a free sensory kit? Youth can receive free tutoring? This presentation will cover these benefits along with information on how SMHK can collaborate with Children’s Division, resource providers and community… Read More »What’s New with Your Child’s Insurance: An Evening with Show Me Healthy Kids

Hope for the Journey is a two-day conference, hosted by Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries and Show Hope. This conference is a blend of simulcast large group sessions and workshops. There will be so many resources to learn more about trauma-informed childcare techniques, sensory needs, and more. This year, Hope for the Journey will be… Read More »Hope for the Journey Conference

This class is open to any youth (13-19) in the Franklin County, Missouri area who are interested in gaining life skills.  Classes are provided by the Juvenile Office. RSVP to Denise.Sprick@courts.mo.gov  

Understanding the foster care system can be challenging and overwhelming while you’re also providing care to children who’ve experienced trauma. Often, parents are given incorrect or contradictory information, leaving them feeling unsupported and frustrated. This training will address common questions and situations for fostering families, such as: ● Who to call when you can’t reach… Read More »Know your Rights, Know Your Role

This class is open to any youth (13-19) in the Franklin County, Missouri area who is interested in gaining some life skills.  Classes are provided by the Juvenile Office. RSVP to Denise.Sprick@courts.mo.gov

This training describes parental resilience, why resilience is important, and covers how caring for children who have experienced trauma, separation, or loss can impact a caregiver’s own well-being. This theme also covers the behaviors that foster a protective environment for parents and children. This training helps participants understand the importance of self-care and practical ideas… Read More »Kinship Caregiving: Building Parental Resilience

Our next Network Training Webinar will be on Tuesday, June 18th from 11:00 am -12:00 pm. We will hear from Carrie Ragsdale, Transition Coordinator with MPACT about the work they do in Missouri to empower families to advocate for themselves in the educational system. This webinar is open to all CASA program staff and volunteers… Read More »Webinar: What is MPACT?