Having Hard Conversations with Foster and Adopted Youth

Laura S. Anderson

Training Description

This four-hour interactive training equips participants with trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate strategies for having difficult but necessary conversations with foster and adopted youth. Participants will explore how to communicate honestly without overwhelming children, making promises they cannot keep, criticizing family members, or sharing information that is not appropriate or legally permitted. Particular attention will be given to helping children ages 6–11 and adolescents understand family separation, uncertain court processes and permanency outcomes, parental mental illness, substance use, incarceration or other criminal activity, and family loss or death.

Through practical scripts, case examples, reflection, and role-play, participants will practice responding to painful questions from youth and will also practice how to offer information to youth. The training will also address conversations surrounding placement changes or endings, including how to prepare youth, acknowledge grief and rejection, preserve important relationships and memories when possible, and avoid blaming the…