On-Demand Learning

This two-part training will address:

• Why matching is an art, not a science
• How far we've come: Examining the research on matching
• Individual beliefs, values, and biases
• Matching Best Practices: What should be happening? Why are there barriers?
• Dilemmas in the matching process
• Key considerations in matching

The goal of the training is for participants to gain a greater appreciation of matching in the permanency process and walk away with some ideas about how to incorporate these tools and strategies into their daily practice.

This two-part training will address:

• Why matching is an art, not a science
• How far we've come: Examining the research on matching
• Individual beliefs, values, and biases
• Matching Best Practices: What should be happening? Why are there barriers?
• Dilemmas in the matching process
• Key considerations in matching

The goal of the training is for participants to gain a greater appreciation of matching in the permanency process and walk away with some ideas about how to incorporate these tools and strategies into their daily practice.

In partnership with the Department of Family Services (DFS), Raise the Future has developed supplemental curriculum for families seeking to foster children in Clark County, Nevada. Each workshop carries the Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) lens.

Embracing Culture of Our Youth (June 2022)

Culture is typically a concept that is overlooked or dismissed when preparing to welcome children into our homes. Many caregivers and professionals want to ensure that children feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging but need additional support around competency and awareness. In this workshop, we will explore the concept of culture, why it is important, and how we can bring cultures together. Our goal is to ensure that families and professionals become stronger in all areas of life, using cultural awareness as a tool to help build connection and trust.

In partnership with the Department of Family Services (DFS), Raise the Future has developed supplemental curriculum for families seeking to foster children in Clark County, Nevada. Each workshop carries the Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) lens.

Embracing the Spirituality and Religion of Youth (May 2022)

Religion and culture are a huge part of the identity of children in foster care. This workshop focuses on how caregivers can create and maintain a welcoming environment for children entering their homes. We briefly discuss the most common types of religion in the United States. Collectively, we analyze the differences and similarities of each practice. The training ends with the creation of an action plan and a review of available supports.

Exploring Healthy Touch When It Hasn't Been Healthy in the Past

Caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse often face challenges with their child’s behavior and with navigating how to support their child in the healing process. This training is designed to assist caregivers in understanding and implementing healthy physical touch with their child. This training helps participants:

1. Understand the impact of sexual trauma on the brains and behaviors of children

2. Understand how to implement trauma-informed touch

3. Learn how to teach children about healthy physical boundaries, and

4. Learn how to effectively redirect unhealthy touch

About the Facilitator: Dr. Jesse Manson is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy at Regis University teaching in the Master’s in Clinical Counseling Program, and a part-time therapist at the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center. She earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Northern Colorado. Jesse is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Dr. Manson specializes in the clinical treatment of complex trauma using the integration of relationship and the neurobiology of the brain. She also specializes in the use of play therapy and parent coaching to help child survivors of complex trauma. (February 2022)

Exploring Healthy Touch When It Hasn't Been Healthy in the Past (Part 2)

This training is Part II in the Healthy Touch series, and we will be diving deeper into the topics discussed in Part I.

Caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse often find themselves challenged by their child’s behavior and unsure of how to support their child in the healing process. In Part II of this training series, caregivers will apply knowledge gained from Part I in reflective exercises, employing techniques of play therapy and filial therapy to address their child’s needs. Time will be allotted for Q&A at the end of the session and will allow for participants and the presenter to consider personalized applications of the techniques learned.

Attendees will:

1. Understand the premises of play therapy and filial therapy applicable to supporting their child
2. Participate in reflective exercises to consider applications of trauma-informed parenting specific to sexual abuse
3. Learn how to model and participate in healthy physical touch with their child
4. Learn how to effectively redirect unhealthy touch and other trauma-based behavior of their child

About the Facilitator: Dr. Jesse Manson is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Counseling and Family Therapy at Regis University teaching in the Master’s in Clinical Counseling Program, and a part-time therapist at the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center. She earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Northern Colorado. Jesse is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Dr. Manson specializes in the clinical treatment of complex trauma using the integration of relationship and the neurobiology of the brain. She also specializes in the use of play therapy and parent coaching to help child survivors of complex trauma. (April 2022)

This workshop delves into implicit memory and how experiences in the womb through the first two years of life create a blueprint for a child. You will learn how this blueprint impacts a child’s brain and behavior across the lifespan. As a transracial international adoptee, Lauren Fishbein will speak from her own experience and share her perspective as an adult adoptee who currently works with adoptees. You will explore brain activation (the triune brain model) and nervous system activation (hyper- versus hypo-arousal) and how this plays a role in behavior in the moment it is unfolding. The webinar covers a technique called Connect and Redirect by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Bryson to support the caregiver and the child.

This training provides current information supporting a foundation for collaboration of professionals and caregivers to meet the needs of children/youth impacted by FASD. Participants will increase their knowledge of FASD, reviewing particular criteria for diagnosis and the critical sub-categories of FASD. Caregivers and professionals will learn the effects and impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure on children. Other topics discussed: The damage that can be caused by in-utero exposure; the kinds of behaviors children often display; what makes these children unique; which interventions can be used to effectively manage problem behaviors, in turn helping children/youth begin to bring their lives under control.