You Can Help Kids Experiencing Foster Care

There is an urgent need for foster parents in Dakota County, Minnesota. Current residents can learn more about becoming foster care licensed through Dakota County here.

While every child and situation are different, children experiencing foster care in Minnesota may have shared needs and characteristics, including:

• Experience of trauma, abuse and neglect, grief, loss, and disrupted attachments with caregivers.
• Complex behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Involvement in juvenile corrections.
• Behaviors such as non-compliance, defiance, destruction, chemical use, theft, and running away.
• A need for mentorship and guidance in building life skills, independence, and creating healthy relationships as they launch into adulthood.

There is no one type of person who can make a great foster parent. Caregivers can be married, single, rent, or own a home. They come from all types of professional and educational backgrounds with a variety of life experiences. However, there are a few key traits that most great foster parents share. Great foster parents are:

• Committed to the training program and process.
• Dedicated to the well-being of children.
• Open to participating in continued training and learning opportunities.
• Interested in gaining a deeper level of knowledge about how to care for youth with complex needs and develop useful strategies for behavioral interventions.
• Willing to seek out resources and supportive service for the teen in your care.
• Wholeheartedly committed to supporting reunification when possible.

In this training, Dr. Dean Grace, Ed.D., consultant for Northwood Children’s Services, retired from a 50-year career as a children’s mental health professional, and foster parent, discusses Adverse Childhood Experiences including abuse, neglect, mental illness in the family, use of substances or alcohol in the family, domestic violence, having a parent in jail, separation or divorce, or death of a parent or sibling.

Dr. Grace focuses on the developmental impact of trauma on children and adolescents, specifically on current behavior and school performance, and how we can understand and support them. The well-documented and tragic long-term physical and mental health outcomes associated with early trauma are not inevitable. We can change those outcomes if we intervene early.

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In this training, Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., foster parent, and Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, delves into an in-depth discussion about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The presentation explores how these experiences are intricately linked to long-term negative outcomes across cognitive, developmental, behavioral, social, and physical health domains.

Research has consistently shown elevated rates of ACEs among children and adolescents who become involved in the juvenile justice system. Dr. Brown provides attendees with an overview of ACEs research, emphasizing its impact on mood, behavior, cognition, physical health, and even criminality. Additionally, Dr. Brown offers practical tips, strategies, and solutions.

Among the other relevant topics covered in Dr. Brown’s discussion are prenatal and postnatal trauma, attachment dysregulations, alexithymia, theory of mind deficits, chronic low-grade inflammation, cognitive dysfunction, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, gut-brain health dysfunction, head trauma, sleep disturbances, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, high-risk coping behaviors, food insecurity, and central nervous system dysregulation.

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In this presentation, Brandon Jones, MA, will discuss how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), caused by toxic stress and environments, can negatively impact brain development and functioning throughout childhood and beyond. He discusses how disruptions in attachment, often caused by ACEs, also affect development and relationships. Viewers will learn what secure attachments look like, how they can be formed, and how to use these attachments to connect with young people who have experienced trauma and toxic stress.

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In this training, Miriam Reisetter, MSW, LICSW, discusses how trauma and attachment show up in school for youth. Viewers will gain skills and resources to advocate for children in school regarding special education and learn how to connect with the necessary support for the children in their care.

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In this training, Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., foster parent, and Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, discusses how attachment-based trauma and disruptions are common among children and adolescents in the foster care system. Critically examining the topic of attachment through a neuroscience lens, Dr. Brown offers valuable insights and practical strategies, tips, and solutions to enhance positive outcomes for foster care-involved youths.

Dr. Brown also examines the implications of disruptive attachment patterns on mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health across the lifespan. Other relevant topics of Dr. Brown’s discussion includes prenatal and postnatal trauma, other life adversities, central nervous system dysfunction, allostatic load, biological despair, HPA axis dysregulation, inflammation, sleep disturbances, gut-brain health axis dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, amygdala dysfunction, executive functioning impairments, parental mentalization, parental reflective functioning, joint attention, social referencing, and harsh versus warm parenting practices.

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Join Brenda Benning, MSW, LICSW, and adoptive parent, in an overview presentation of Beyond Consequences, a parenting model by Heather Forbes, and her book, Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control.

Brenda breaks down the model and shows how behavioral struggles are connected to trauma and experiences. Brenda examines the four principles laid out in the book and connects how stress, trauma, and behaviors can get in the way of healthy relationships—the most important thing when it comes to fostering healthy attachment and healing trauma. Brenda also looks at a few common behavioral struggles that parents have and some suggestions about how to parent through those in a therapeutic way. Brenda provides an understanding of how your emotional regulation can help or inhibit your relationship with your child.

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In this training, Dr. Dean Grace, Ed.D., consultant for Northwood Children’s Services, retired from a 50-year career as a children’s mental health professional, and foster parent, continues his discussion on overcoming the trauma he described in his previous training on Adverse Childhood Experiences. Viewers will gain knowledge on what we can do as foster parents to help children move past early adversity.

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In this documentary, Angela Tucker, author of You Should Be Grateful, CEO of The Adopted Life, and Executive Director of the Adoptee Mentoring Society, shares her personal adoption journey. As an African American, Angela was raised by a Caucasian couple in a large, multiracial family in Washington State. Angela was adopted at the age of one from foster care in the state of Tennessee, under the terms of a closed adoption. As Angela grew older it became apparent that the unanswered questions about her birth story would continue to haunt her if she did not attempt to find some answers. Filmed and edited by her husband Bryan, this documentary follows Angela for two years during the search for her birth family. This film is a story about identity, the complexities of trans-racial adoption, and most importantly, closure.

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In this presentation, Wendy Wolff, M.A., school counselor, and adoptive mother, will discuss what trauma response looks like in children, why children display violent behaviors and the impact these behaviors have on them and others. Viewers will learn how to identify triggers and create a safety plan for their family when a child becomes violent. Viewers will also learn how to help with emotional regulation and begin the process of healing (yourself and your children) when violence occurs.

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In this presentation, a panel of foster and adoptive parents speak about their experiences as parents of youth who have been in foster care. Topics that will be discussed include parenting lessons, how to see past a youth’s diagnosis, and how to practice self-care.

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In this presentation, Charley Joyce, LCSW, and co-author of the book Behavior with a Purpose, will deepen your understanding of how children in foster care and foster parents experience grief and loss. Viewers will walk away with practical tools to help foster youth and foster parents process their grief and find resources to help along the way.

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In this presentation, you will learn about teens who are in foster care who might have experienced sex trafficking. Presenter, Cyreta Oduniyi, will provide viewers with examples of signs to look out for, who the biggest targets are, and what we can do to support these youth.

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In this presentation, Noelle Palmer, MS, LMFT, provides a deeper understanding from a neurodevelopmental perspective of what occurs within children who have experienced disrupted attachment, both emotionally and behaviorally. Noelle helps us make sense of their behaviors and provides practical ways to support them in developing competencies, enabling them to better manage their mental health.

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In this presentation, Dr. Anne Gearity will begin by discussing the difference between tolerable stress and toxic stress, and will provide information about how youth in foster care experience complex trauma. In the second part of this presentation, Dr. Gearity will discuss memory and how children store memories that have meaning and support survival. Viewers will be provided with hands-on strategies to stay engaged with their kids, rather than defeated and discouraged.

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In this presentation, Bob-e Simpson Epps provides context for caregivers to better understand how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) impact a person’s life. Viewers will learn about indicators of stress and trauma and how to recognize their impact on a child, and in yourself. By viewing this presentation, you will learn ways to navigate through hard times as a parent and receive guidance on how to remain steady and consistent in your caregiving.

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In this presentation, Adam Arnold, MA, LMFT, LADC, explores the prevalence of mental health symptoms and chemical abuse during adolescence. When these concerns are combined with attachment disruptions, special challenges arise for both adolescents and their families, as well as for clinicians. Viewers will learn the basics of the adolescent brain, attachment-based parenting, and the negative effects of chemical abuse; explore the common reasons adolescents abuse chemicals; process the complex relationship between attachment disruptions and chemical abuse; and learn interventions for addressing chemical abuse in adolescents using an attachment and trauma informed lens.

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In this training, Alison Feigh, MS, Jacob Wetterling Resource Center and Zero Abuse Project Director, discusses how young people are faced with a growing and changing technological landscape. There are extra challenging dynamics for youth in foster care when it comes to building an online footprint. Brain development, trauma responses, and the need for connection can make online challenges even more challenging. Alison Feigh provides an overview of the challenges kids and teens are facing online with tips and tools specific to foster parents.

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In this presentation, Beth Holger, CEO of The Link, defines sexual exploitation, reviews signs to look for, and shares response and interventions options adults or caregivers have when they believe a young person is being sexually exploited or trafficked. This presentation will also cover run risks, indicators, prevention, and responses for caregivers. Viewers will also receive a variety of resources and local programming available through The Link.

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In this presentation, Breanna Gronli, MSW, LGSW, delves into how trauma impacts not only the brain but also the body and children’s cognitive processes. Trauma can leave an invisible, lifelong scar, and understanding how to respond and work with children who have experienced trauma is crucial. This presentation provides a deeper understanding of trauma while also offering resources and strategies to address the trauma experienced by children.

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In this presentation, Kaitlyn, former Juvenile Probation Officer and current Special Education Teacher, will provide background on common diagnoses that might impact a child’s ability in school and different school programs/services. You will also learn more information about what the juvenile justice system is and how to support a youth who is involved in the juvenile justice system.

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In this presentation, Brianna Sigg, MSW, LICSW, will provide an in-depth discussion about LGBTQ+ terminology, statistics regarding LGBTQ+ foster youth, resources for teens and adults, and tools for support/understanding LGBTQ+ youth in care.

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In this presentation, Logan Sand, M. Ed, SELF Program Senior Manager, along with supporting information from Cat Hammond, Adolescent Health Specialist, provides information on best practices for supporting youth of all genders and orientations. Recent studies indicate that more individuals are identifying with identities under the LGBTQ+ umbrella at higher rates than ever before. Additionally, due to discrimination and other factors, there are disproportionately high rates of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care. Viewers will gain a deeper knowledge of gender and orientation development, as well as how caregivers can effectively support their LGBTQ+ youth.

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In this presentation, Kim Rossow, MPH, Parent/Caregiver Education Specialist from Mad Hatter Wellness, discusses how to create connections and increase communication during the early years. This training includes information about adapting material for individuals with disabilities.

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In this presentation, Kim Rossow, MPH, Parent/Caregiver Education Specialist from Mad Hatter Wellness, discusses how to talk about the “big things” with older kids, and how to handle problematic behaviors. This training includes information about adapting material for individuals with disabilities.

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In this presentation, Brandon Jones, MA, discusses how social media has changed parenting over time, how technology impacts identity, at what age should a child have a phone, overall challenges with social media and things to watch out for, and tips for parents in navigating technology usage.

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In this training, Kate Rickord, MA, LP, Co-Director of the Resiliency & Health Institute, and Quality Parenting Outreach Lead & Champion Group Leader, introduces the national movement to foster care system change through its three core principles. You’ll walk away understanding how research on attachment informs QPI’s relationship-based approach to reform and learn how QPI focuses on lived experience individuals (youth, parents, foster parents) to uniquely contribute to effective solutions.

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In this workshop Angela Tucker, author of You Should Be Grateful, CEO of The Adopted Life, and Executive Director of the Adoptee Mentoring Society, discusses transracial caregiving as a multifaceted journey for the entire family. However, it is often the child who bears the brunt of navigating the complexity of the experience. It is critical that caregivers and parents understand the history of why children of color are over-represented in child-welfare in order to avoid perpetuating racism and to instead embrace an anti-racist outlook to support the health and wellbeing of transracial adoptees and/or transracial foster youth.

This workshop will provide a window into the nuanced first-hand narratives of adoptees through videos, anonymized case studies, and Angela’s personal stories. This workshop will leave you thinking about the role transracial adoption plays in our quest for racial justice in America.

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In this training, Ben Nesbitt, MSW, LICSW, provides a basic overview of the three principles of TBRI. Trust-based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors.

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In this webinar, Dr. Dean Grace, consultant for Northwood Children’s Services, retired from a 50-year career as a children’s mental health professional, and foster parent, presents what we know works and does not work to teach kids the behavior skills they need and correct their misbehavior. After describing the important principles of effective discipline, Dr. Grace provides viewers with two key skill sets: First, how to help kids learn and live the values that make them proud of who they are becoming, and second, how to understand (assess) the purpose of a child’s behavior so you can help them become the best version of him or herself.

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