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

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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

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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

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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

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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