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!

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

This training provides a basic understanding of mental health disorders and conditions that commonly occur in childhood. Content is shared to illustrate that not all ‘survival’ behaviors or symptoms of grief are connected with mental health disorders. Commonly administered psychotropic medications are described and information about how to obtain consistent, adequate and appropriate access to… Read More »Mental Health Considerations

Join us for a new training on bridging the gap between birth and foster parents. For years in child welfare a major gap has existed between birth and foster parents. Fueled by fear, mistrust, defensiveness and trauma, this gap in partnership causes children in the foster care system to suffer. Research shows that children thrive… Read More »Birth & Foster Parent Partnerships: Creating a Caregiving Network

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

Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, and 27 | 6-9 p.m. Forming a family through adoption is different than forming one biologically or being a foster family.  While adoption brings great joy and happiness to families, children who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect, and the loss of their family of origin may also bring… Read More »SPAULDING Adoption Training: Making the Commitment to Adoption

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

This training helps participants understand the importance of attachment in parenting both for the children and parents who are fostering or adopting. It covers the impact of fractured attachments/lack of attachments on children’s ability to attach and identifies strategies to develop healthy attachment bonds. This theme also covers developing trust and developing children’s sense of… Read More »Attachment 101

Find understanding and encouragement in a supportive community. Confidential. No RSVP required. Facilitated by Leeann Pennington, a CASA Volunteer Last Thursday of Every Month