It is not a question of ‘if’ your adopted child will connect with birth family, it’s ‘when.’ 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;… Read More »The Adoption & Guardianship Journey: Navigating Relationships with Birth Families

Wish you knew more CASA volunteers? Are you feeling isolated and/or stressed? Want to find new ways to balance the demands of volunteering and other life responsibilities?

Optimize your Optima skills with Alecia. RSVP:  alecia@casamideastmo.org or (636) 583-4422

This training will provide information about the importance of the sibling bond in our personal lives and the lives of others, myths and facts about the separation of siblings, the benefits of placing children together, and the importance of preserving the connections that children in care have with their siblings. Register at: https://foster-adopt.my.site.com/exchange/ArdiraSurvey/SurveyResponse.app?su=t8C6i3    

Open to any youth (13-19) in the Franklin County 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 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. Registration Link: https://foster-adopt.my.site.com/exchange/ArdiraSurvey/SurveyResponse.app?su=QxHgWx  

Join us every 2nd Friday of the month from 8am-9am for CASA Coffee!

Self-compassion has become a popular term these days. But what does that mean? Self-compassion is an essential trait that caregivers must learn to practice 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… Read More »SELF COMPASSION / LifeLines-Education Opportunity for Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship Parents

Youth who have experienced trauma often have behaviors that can be frustrating and challenging to manage.  In general, traditional parenting techniques are not effective, leaving care providers baffled and overwhelmed.  This training will address three behaviors which seem to confound parents the most: lying, stealing and meltdowns. Learn how trauma impacts the youth's brain, reasons… Read More »Big Behaviors: Making Sense of Lying, Stealing & Meltdowns

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

Offered  Online and In-Person (feel free to bring your lunch) RSVP to alecia@casamideastmo.org

Join us to learn about your role in prepare your older youth for independence and success. This training is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for volunteers working with youth ages 14+ especially those with the case goal of APPLA. Additional online training videos to increase your learning experience with an opportunity to earn up to 9 hours of… Read More »FOSTERING FUTURES TRAINING