Helping Caregivers of System-Involved Youth Navigate Common Caregiving Struggles

Brooke Hailey, PhD

Training Description

This training provides practical tools and trauma-informed approaches to help caregivers of system-involved youth navigate common caregiving struggles such as emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, communication barriers, and caregiver compassion fatigue. Participants will explore the intersection of trauma, attachment, and system involvement, gaining a deeper understanding of how compassion fatigue and adversity affect both caregivers and youth. Through lecture, discussion, and case application, attendees will learn strategies for fostering resilience, improving caregiver–youth relationships, and enhancing stability within caregiving systems. Emphasis will be placed on developing collaborative, strengths-based approaches that support long-term healing and relational growth.

Learning Objectives

• Identify at least 4 common caregiving challenges faced by caregivers of system-involved youth.

• Describe 3 trauma-informed strategies for addressing caregiver compassion fatigue, conflict, and youth behavioral difficulties.