The course will cover an overview of how trauma affects the development, behaviors and relationships of youth and families. Adolescent youth who are in the juvenile justice system show a significantly higher degree of exposure to severe childhood trauma, maltreatment, witnessing violence, and personal victimization such as physical abuse and/or sexual abuse, than do youth outside of the system. Understanding how trauma impacts their everyday interactions and decision-making is key for probation officers and CFTM facilitators. Youth reacting to trauma are more vulnerable and their behaviors tend to affect relationships. This course will review the evolving nature of the Child and Family Teaming (CFT) process and identify where impacts of trauma may emerge and derail or complicate planning within a CFT. In addition, trauma-informed practice will be introduced as promising practice to address the needs of youth and family throughout the evolving stages of the Child and Family Teaming process.
Topics include:
Complexities of the parent-child relationship
How trauma impacts this relationship and looks like “behavioral problems”
Discussing attachment and trauma in a strengths-based way
Identify when trauma may be impacting the CFT process and how to effectively engage youth and families.
As a result of this presentation, participants will gain a better understanding of how trauma may affect the individual and family dynamic, as well as provide practical tools for all positions to move forward in individual and family meetings.