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  

This training will discuss characteristics for caregivers, understanding potential developmental impacts of prenatal exposure, understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and their impact on development, common challenges faced by caregivers and how to reframe them. 2 Hours Training Credit Enroll Here

Bring your lunch and join us to learn about the Your Other Mother Program, which provided support and resources to at-risk parents and families, focusing on improving family well-being. We'll also cover how Nurses for Newborns offers home visits by nurses to provide vital health education and support for newborns and families, especially in high-risk… Read More »Lunch While You Learn: Your Other Mother & Nurses For Newborns

This training helps participants understand the impact of separation and ambiguous loss, and the different ways children grieve. Life-long grieving and the importance of providing opportunities for grieving is explored. Strategies to help children deal with grief and loss are identified. Participants will understand loss and fractured attachments with birth family members and previous placements;… Read More »Separation, Loss and Grief