UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education is committed to providing a website and learning environment that is accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. If you experience any difficulty accessing website content, participating in a course or using training materials, we are happy to help. Accommodation may include alternative formats, captioning or other support services. Please contact us at [email protected] to report an accessibility issue and/or request assistance. We encourage you to reach out as early as possible so we can best support your experience.
Link to Recording: Watch Here
Links to Handouts: PowerPoint, Resource List, Workbook
The holiday season is traditionally perceived as a time to gather and celebrate traditions, families and friends. For children, youth and families navigating the child welfare system, this period can also be a source of grief and a reminder of loss and separation.
This webinar invites human services professionals to reflect on their sphere of influence and explore how they can create or support moments of togetherness, connection and belonging within the families and communities they serve. Presenters will share practical strategies to help participants engage child and family teams in meaningful conversations about belonging and connection—examining not only the emotions that can intensify during the holidays but also those that arise throughout the year for children, youth and families involved in the child welfare system.
The session will also highlight the experiences of youth living in short-term residential treatment programs or congregate care settings, where being away from a family-based environment adds unique challenges. Participants will learn about approaches and examples that foster inclusion, belonging and emotional well-being for these youth during the holidays and beyond.
Be inspired to make one small change that fosters connection and belonging for children, youth and families this holiday season
Presenters
Tamara Bahlhorn is a trainer, educator, public speaker and a healthcare and behavioral health chaplain. Throughout her nearly 17 years of working in the healthcare and mental health fields, Bahlhorn has provided instruction, education and guidance in an effort to help individuals (ages 5-90+), families, groups, agencies and corporations learn how to build healthier habits and practices into their lives, their work environments and with themselves. She specializes in healthy communication, healthy boundaries, trauma-informed recovery, diversity, equity and inclusion, building optimal healing environments, mental health, grief and navigating life change. She is passionate about helping those she serves learn, grow, heal and adapt to life’s changes.
Robert Martinez is a Parent Partner with Contra Costa County, has 13 years of experience supporting parents navigating the child welfare system. Martinez specializes in supporting fathers.