Course Description

Parenting a child who has experienced trauma can be both challenging and rewarding. This course provides foster parents with the tools and knowledge to navigate trauma-sensitive parenting—a compassionate, informed approach that recognizes and responds to the unique needs of children who have experienced difficult circumstances. 

We will begin by exploring how trauma-sensitive parenting differs from traditional parenting, focusing on the most common types of trauma in foster care, such as neglect, abuse, and loss, and their impact on children’s behaviors and development. We will help foster parents identify trauma responses versus typical behavioral challenges, equipping them to respond with understanding and patience. 

Participants will learn effective strategies for creating a safe, supportive environment and the power of routines and consistency in helping children feel secure. Real-life examples will showcase the positive impact of trauma-sensitive techniques, illustrating ways this approach can support a child’s healing journey.

We’ll also cover practical self-care strategies for parents, emphasizing the importance of managing stress and maintaining resilience. Foster parents will gain tips for collaborating with therapists and other professionals to support the child’s progress, along with recommendations for valuable books, training programs, and support networks.

By the end of this class, foster parents will feel equipped with new insights and confidence to provide trauma-informed care, fostering healing, connection, and hope for the children in their lives.

CEU CERTIFICATE: 1 Hour

Course Instructors

Ted Stackpole Facilitator

PROFESSION: Chaplain to the foster and adoption community. CREDENTIALS: Ordained minister and endorsed chaplain through the Assemblies of God. PERSONAL: Has eleven children, loves the outdoors, and would like to see Alaska one day.

Heather Bixler Trainer

PROFESSION: Heather Bixler MA, LAC is a Licensed Associate Counselor at Chenal Family Therapy. EDUCATION: Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. PERSONAL: Reading, time with my husband and kids, and hiking.