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Trauma and Safety“In the Moment”
Trauma and Safety“In the Moment”
2013 PCSAO Conference
“Making a Difference”
2013 PCSAO Conference
“Making a Difference”
From the Perspective of Foster Care AlumniFrom the Perspective of Foster Care Alumni
Invisible Suitcase of Traumatic Memories
• What do I expect from the world?• What can I expect from other people?• What do I believe about myself?
Repacking the Suitcase
• When we protect children from harm… children learn that the world can be safe.
• When we respond to their needs and live up to our word… children learn that adults can be trustworthy.
• When we recognize and nurture their strengths… children learn that they are capable and valuable.
Voices of Resilience
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
Physical vs. Emotional Safety
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
En route from one foster care placement to another
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
What Do You Wish You KnewAbout Your Case?
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
8
Best Practice Tip #1
Give youth some idea of what is going to happen in their future.
• Children who have been through trauma need more control, more reassurance and more information in order to feel safe.
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Maintaining Positive Connections during time in care
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
Resilience and Relationships
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
11
Best Practice Tip #2
Help foster youth maintain a sense of continuity with their culture and prior positive connections in their lives.
• They have valid, real-life concerns about their own safety and the safety of loved ones (i.e. siblings)
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Adjusting to a newfoster care placement
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
13
Best Practice Tip #3
Provide opportunities for a young person to express themselves.
• The more a child feels known and understood by the people around them, the less they will feel like a stranger among strangers.
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Don’t Take Behavior at Face Value
Earning trust gradually
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
16
Best Practice Tip #4
Understand that building trust takes time and patience. Actions of others can either increase or undermine the building of that trust.
• Take time out to listen to the young person. Ask questions about what matters to them, and the reasons behind their behavior. Help them process their thoughts and feelings.
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Understanding Emotions in the Moment
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
Most Helpful Waysto Handle Emotions in the Moment
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
Emotional Hot Spots
1. Food and Mealtime
2. Sleep and Bedtime
3. Physical Boundaries: privacy, personal grooming, medical care
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Best Practice Tip #5
Train foster parents, and be role models ourselves when it comes to the handling of potential emotional triggers.
• Be aware of a child’s history. By our actions, we have the power to send positive safety messages to youth.
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Building Positive Relationships After Foster Care
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
Building A FamilyAfter Foster Care
Foster Care Alumni of America’s“Culture of Foster Care” Postcard Project
Questions and
Answers
Questions and
Answers
