University of Kentucky College of Social Work

Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
2023-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 2
Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
JAugust 23, 2023
10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
Via Zoom
Stephanie Spires
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky Training Resource Centers, in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
During this CORE (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Teen Training session #2, piloted by the Foster Parent Training Program at the UK College of Social Work, parents will further explore how trauma affects a youth’s behaviors.
The experience of trauma often produces behaviors that often seem out of context and usually include anger, mistrust, or defiance. The experience of trauma can also impact school performance, relationships, and can result in delays in social skills and development. During this session, participants will explore how the interactions and interventions used with youth who have experienced trauma are different than those used with youth who have not experienced trauma. Participants will:
· Understand what traumatic events are and how they affect youth physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
· Recognize emotions and behaviors in your child that are associated to a traumatic event.
· Learn how triggers work and how to respond effectively to a traumatic response
· Gain usable knowledge on how to parent traumatized youth and promote successful behaviors.
Adaptive responses are those behaviors that a child or youth might develop in order to protect themselves when they feel unsafe. During this session, parents will learn more about the impact of trauma and how to meet the behavioral needs of children who have experienced trauma.
REGISTER NOW
To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Developing & Sustaining A Healthy & Supportive Relationship With Your Youth
2023-09-13 10:00 - 12:00
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 3
Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth
September 13, 2023
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Registration Deadline: September 10, 2023
Carla Jordan, MS
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky Training Resource Centers, in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
During this CORE (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Teen Training session #3, piloted by the Foster Parent Training Program at the UK College of Social Work, parents will further explore how ambiguous loss is a feeling of grief or distress combined with confusion about the lost person or relationship.
With ambiguous loss, there is no verification of death or certainty that the person will come back or return to the way they used to be. Ambiguous loss is a loss that occurs without a significant likelihood of reaching emotional closure or a clear understanding. There are two types of ambiguous loss:

When a person is physically present but psychologically unavailable.
When a person is physically absent but psychologically present.
(This type most commonly occurs in foster care and adoption.)

Foster and adoptive youth feel ambiguous loss when they are removed from their homes, change schools, and have multiple placements. Each incident requires them to lose a friend, a connection, and a sense of familiarity and trust. Dealing with ambiguous loss can create grief, confusion, fear, and uncertainty in foster youth. As a result, foster/adoptive youth who have experienced trauma may struggle with building relationships and behavioral issues. To help children better manage these repeated traumas, foster and adoptive parents, must be sensitive to the role ambiguous loss plays in foster and adopted children’s behavior. During this session caregivers will:

Determine the impact of loss and grief on teens.
Learn how to increase attachment and strengthen their relationship with youth.
Learn how to deepen their connection with their youth or the youth they will parent.

This session will help to mitigate the trauma associated with ambiguous loss and grief. It will help to strengthen the parent/youth relationship and set the foundation for creating other healthy relationships.
REGISTER NOW
To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs And Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
2023-09-27 10:00 - 12:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 4
Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
September 27, 2023
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Carla Jordan, MS
2.5 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It’s even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
For many years the child welfare system has struggled with disproportionate numbers of youth of color involved in the system.

In 2018, Black children represented 14% of the total child population but 23% of all kids in foster care. Latino and Hispanic children represent 25% of kids nationwide yet just 21% of all kids in foster care.
Children that identify as African American, Latino, or any marginalized community are at an increased risk for trauma exposure and subsequent development of PTSD.
These populations face higher rates of psychosocial disparities such as poverty, lack of education, barriers to health and mental health services, and exposure to multiple stressors such as discrimination, racism, community violence exposure, and immigration and acculturation stresses. (Pumariega, A.J., Jo, Y., Beck, B. et al., 2022). Being in foster care is traumatic in itself.

However, an added layer of trauma is present for African American and Latino-American youth that identify as LGBTQ+.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) adolescents contend with violence directed at them in response to suspicion about or declaration of their sexual orientation and gender identity. It is one of the leading causes of homelessness for youth due to familial conflict resulting from coming out (Truecolorsunited.org/our-issue/).
Findings from the GLSSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey demonstrate that Kentucky Schools were not safe for most lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) secondary school students. In addition, many LGBTQ students in Kentucky did not have access to important school resources, such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances/Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or similar student clubs and were not protected by supportive and inclusive school policies. The most recent Climate Survey Report further supports that schools nationwide have negative school climates whereas youth that identify as LGBTQ+ often face discriminatory practices and violence. (GLSEN, 2022). A hostile school climate affects students’ academic success and mental health. LGBTQ+ students who experience victimization and discrimination at school have worse educational outcomes and poorer psychological well-being
Parents with increased knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, awareness and belonging are better able to help foster youth achieve greater outcomes. During this session, parents will help to mitigate the effects of trauma by gaining a sound understanding of how to nurture their youth’s cultural/racial/ethnicity and sexual orientation/gender identity and expression. More specifically participants will be able to:
Identify their personal bias and discover ways to eliminate bias by “unpacking their knapsack” through self-directed coursework.
Identify ways to incorporate the youth’s race, culture, and ethnicity into family life.
Demonstrate two skills in communicating acceptance and support for youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity and/or identify as LGBTQ2S (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning or Queer, 2 Spirit).
REGISTER NOW
To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST)
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Understanding And Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
2023-10-11 10:00 - 12:00
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 5
Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
October 11, 2023
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Stephanie Spires
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
During Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1, parents will focus on high-risk behaviors and the vulnerabilities of youth with challenging behaviors who have experienced trauma. More specifically, this session will focus on challenging behaviors such as rejection, testing, disrespect, anger, and withdrawal. These behaviors were at one time needed to survive and are common in youth who have experienced early trauma. They may bring these same behaviors into your family, even though they are no longer needed for survival.
In order to help teens manage their range of emotions, which are often triggered by past experiences, parents and caregivers must be able to regulate themselves as well during high intensity moments. During this session parent will:

Learn the important components to parental regulation.
Understand how to regulate themselves through a variety of techniques.
Understand the importance of self-regulation and modeling those behaviors for the youth.

This session will help parents understand their youth’s challenging behaviors and develop strategies to manage them safely and effectively. To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
REGISTER NOW
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Understanding And Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
2023-10-25 10:00 - 12:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 6
Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
October 25, 2023
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Stephanie Spires
2.5 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
There are many reasons that foster and adoptive youth display challenging behaviors. For some youth, living in a family and accepting parental guidance and support is exceedingly difficult. Behaviors that have been useful in the past for survival and self-protection, can become instinctive, automatic reactions. Intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as dealing with grief are also contributing factors for challenging behaviors. Whatever the case, having sufficient trauma informed parenting skills are required to help navigate the teen years for youth who have experienced trauma.
During this session parents will gain a better understanding on the vulnerabilities and high-risk behaviors that foster and adoptive youth that have experienced trauma are challenged by. By the end of the session parents will:

Learn and demonstrate skills needed to assist their youth during a crisis situation.
Parents will learn how to respond appropriately when teens display high-risk behaviors like:

Risky sexual behaviors
Aggressive behaviors towards others
Using the internet and social media appropriately
Self-injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation

Parents will learn strategies to keep their youth and others safe.
Parents will learn crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
Learn how to access and be actively involved in professional supports that their foster/adoptive youth may need to access.

This session will teach foster/adoptive parents learn skills needed to address, intense, frequent, or long-lasting high-risk behaviors that they threaten the quality of life and/or the physical safety of the teen or others. For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
REGISTER NOW
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

A New Suitcase Of Parenting Knowledge And Skills
2023-11-08 10:00 - 12:00
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 7
A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
November 8, 2023
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Carla Jordan, MS
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
Session 7 wraps up the CORE Teen Training Program. During this final session parents will continue to add to their “trauma- informed parenting suitcase.” Participants will:

Create healthy relationships with birth family members and other key individuals
Review the impact of trauma and trauma informed parenting
Define secondary traumatic stress
Identify strategies for dealing with secondary traumatic stress

This session will teach parents how to nurture and promote the well-being of their youth through trauma-informed parenting. For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
REGISTER NOW
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Foster Parent Safe Zone Training
2023-12-07 10:00 - 12:00
Foster Parent Safe Zone Training
December 7, 2023

10:00 AM-12:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Registration Deadline: 12/5/23 at 11:59 PM
Carla Jordan, MS
2 credit hours
Becoming a foster and/or adoptive parent can present its own unique challenges, especially when the children involved have a complex history of trauma. LGBTQ+ youth enter the foster care system for many of the same reasons as non-LGBTQ+ youth in care, such as abuse, neglect, and parental substance abuse. Many LGBTQ+ youth have the added layer of trauma that comes with being rejected or mistreated because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2022:

Approximately 1 out of every 3 youth in foster care is LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ youth report higher rates of mistreatment while in care
LGBTQ+ youth report more frequent placement disruptions and are less likely to be placed in family settings.

LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care face additional challenges such as discrimination, stigma and bullying. LGBTQ+ children/youth feel unsafe and face rejection from their families, schools and community. The Foster Parent Training Program, housed at the UK College of Social Work Training Resource Center, is offering training that would equip foster parents to support LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
This training will help foster parents create safe environments for their foster youth to feel safe and affirmed. This workshop is designed to provide an introduction LGBTQ+ and allyship Training. Parents will learn:

About foundational LGBTQ+ vocabulary.
Participants will develop a clearer understanding of the importance of language in relation to creating affirming environments LGBTQ+ individuals.
Participants will learn to understand the difference between gender and sexuality.
Participants will be able to describe the difference between biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, and attraction.
Participants will know at least one reason it is helpful and important to recognize these different components within gender.
Participants will learn what it means to “come out” and the privileges or lack of privileges associated with coming out.
Participants will be able to separate myth from fact, and accurate information from hearsay, regarding popular misconceptions about LGBTQ+ people.

This training is approved for 2 credit hours for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky foster parents. Though the training is delivered virtually, it fulfills the face-to-face, group-setting requirement. A reliable internet connection and computer/ smartphone with webcam are required.
Register Now
If you have any questions, please contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at Carla.Jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
Reference: Human Rights Commission Foundation, 2022. Change Makers Report 2021. Retrieved from https://reports.hrc.org/2021-change-makers-report

Internet Safety & Family Wellbeing
2024-01-09 13:00 - 14:00
Over half of U.S. teenagers (51%) spend at least four hours per day using a variety of social media apps such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), Gallup, 2023. Have you ever wondered if social media was affecting your child’s mental health?
During this session, Dr. Weisenhorn will discuss the scientific findings related to social media and mental health among teens. He will explore some of the relevant news stories that illustrate the scientific findings and share ways for parents and caregivers to protect their children as they learn to navigate social media. Parents that attend this training will:

Learn the facts of the 2023 Surgeon General Advisory;
Discuss content and use-related problems youth face using social media; and
Learn practical ways to protect your child on social media.

About the Speaker:
David Weisenhorn is a Senior Specialist for Parenting and Child Development in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences Extension at the University of Kentucky. David’s extensive research and educational training in human development and family processes paired with his military and professional experience as an individual and family therapist provide him with a unique understanding and expertise of families. With his combined 24 years of training and experience working with families, David’s primary focus is improving the quality of individual and family life through education, research, and outreach in the field of parenting and child development.
David’s research interests focus on the family process, family protective factors, parenting, and healthy communication. His previous work and publications have examined fatherhood in the military, attitudes toward the use of corporal punishment, and protective factors against depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. His other life passions include his wife and two children, fly fishing, running, and growing in communion with others.
This training is approved for 1 credit hour of ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky foster parents. Though the training is delivered virtually, it fulfills the face-to-face, group-setting requirement. A reliable internet connection and computer/ smartphone with webcam are required.
REGISTER NOW
If you have any questions, please contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at Carla.Jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).

Reference:
Rothwell, J. 2023. Teens Spend Average of 4.8 Hours on Social Media Per Day. Retrieved from https://news.gallup.com/poll/512576/teens-spend-average-hours-social-media-per-day.aspx

Introduction And Understanding The Impact Of Trauma On Youth In Foster Care
2024-02-08 18:30 - 20:30
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. Parents that are not trauma-informed may have the best intentions. However, having to encounter disruptive behaviors and other trauma responses may overshadow even the best of intentions. These encounters can create conflict in the parent/child relationship and ultimately can cause more harm than good for all involved.
During this CORE (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Teen Training session #1, parents will learn to nurture and promote the well-being of their youth through trauma-informed parenting. More specifically, parents will:

Define trauma
Describe ways that traumatic stress and adversity impact a youth’s development
Describe the importance of responding to the underlying cause of a youth’s behaviors

REGISTER NOW
This session will help caregivers understand how trauma has impacted the cognitive and emotional development of youth and how youth may respond to those who are in the parental role. To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
2024-02-15 18:30 - 20:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 2

Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma

February 15th, 2024
6:30 PM-8:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Joy Harris Edwards
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky Training Resource Centers, in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
During this CORE (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Teen Training session #2, piloted by the Foster Parent Training Program at the UK College of Social Work, parents will further explore how trauma affects a youth’s behaviors.
The experience of trauma often produces behaviors that often seem out of context and usually include anger, mistrust, or defiance. The experience of trauma can also impact school performance, relationships, and can result in delays in social skills and development. During this session, participants will explore how the interactions and interventions used with youth who have experienced trauma are different than those used with youth who have not experienced trauma. Participants will:
· Understand what traumatic events are and how they affect youth physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
· Recognize emotions and behaviors in your child that are associated to a traumatic event.
· Learn how triggers work and how to respond effectively to a traumatic response
· Gain usable knowledge on how to parent traumatized youth and promote successful behaviors.
Adaptive responses are those behaviors that a child or youth might develop in order to protect themselves when they feel unsafe. During this session, parents will learn more about the impact of trauma and how to meet the behavioral needs of children who have experienced trauma.
REGISTER NOW
To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Developing & Sustaining A Healthy & Supportive Relationship With Your Youth
2024-02-22 18:30 - 20:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 3

Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth
February 22nd, 2024
6:30 PM-8:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Stephanie Spires
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky Training Resource Centers, in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
During this CORE (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Teen Training session #3, piloted by the Foster Parent Training Program at the UK College of Social Work, parents will further explore how ambiguous loss is a feeling of grief or distress combined with confusion about the lost person or relationship.
With ambiguous loss, there is no verification of death or certainty that the person will come back or return to the way they used to be. Ambiguous loss is a loss that occurs without a significant likelihood of reaching emotional closure or a clear understanding. There are two types of ambiguous loss:

When a person is physically present but psychologically unavailable.
When a person is physically absent but psychologically present.
(This type most commonly occurs in foster care and adoption.)

Foster and adoptive youth feel ambiguous loss when they are removed from their homes, change schools, and have multiple placements. Each incident requires them to lose a friend, a connection, and a sense of familiarity and trust. Dealing with ambiguous loss can create grief, confusion, fear, and uncertainty in foster youth. As a result, foster/adoptive youth who have experienced trauma may struggle with building relationships and behavioral issues. To help children better manage these repeated traumas, foster and adoptive parents, must be sensitive to the role ambiguous loss plays in foster and adopted children’s behavior. During this session caregivers will:

Determine the impact of loss and grief on teens.
Learn how to increase attachment and strengthen their relationship with youth.
Learn how to deepen their connection with their youth or the youth they will parent.

This session will help to mitigate the trauma associated with ambiguous loss and grief. It will help to strengthen the parent/youth relationship and set the foundation for creating other healthy relationships.
REGISTER NOW
To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs And Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
2024-02-29 18:30 - 20:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 4

Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
February 29, 2024
6:30 PM-9:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Carla Jordan, MS
2.5 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It’s even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
For many years the child welfare system has struggled with disproportionate numbers of youth of color involved in the system.

In 2018, Black children represented 14% of the total child population but 23% of all kids in foster care. Latino and Hispanic children represent 25% of kids nationwide yet just 21% of all kids in foster care.
Children that identify as African American, Latino, or any marginalized community are at an increased risk for trauma exposure and subsequent development of PTSD.
These populations face higher rates of psychosocial disparities such as poverty, lack of education, barriers to health and mental health services, and exposure to multiple stressors such as discrimination, racism, community violence exposure, and immigration and acculturation stresses. (Pumariega, A.J., Jo, Y., Beck, B. et al., 2022). Being in foster care is traumatic in itself.

However, an added layer of trauma is present for African American and Latino-American youth that identify as LGBTQ+.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) adolescents contend with violence directed at them in response to suspicion about or declaration of their sexual orientation and gender identity. It is one of the leading causes of homelessness for youth due to familial conflict resulting from coming out (Truecolorsunited.org/our-issue/).
Findings from the GLSSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey demonstrate that Kentucky Schools were not safe for most lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) secondary school students. In addition, many LGBTQ students in Kentucky did not have access to important school resources, such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances/Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or similar student clubs and were not protected by supportive and inclusive school policies. The most recent Climate Survey Report further supports that schools nationwide have negative school climates whereas youth that identify as LGBTQ+ often face discriminatory practices and violence. (GLSEN, 2022). A hostile school climate affects students’ academic success and mental health. LGBTQ+ students who experience victimization and discrimination at school have worse educational outcomes and poorer psychological well-being

Parents with increased knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, awareness and belonging are better able to help foster youth achieve greater outcomes. During this session, parents will help to mitigate the effects of trauma by gaining a sound understanding of how to nurture their youth’s cultural/racial/ethnicity and sexual orientation/gender identity and expression. More specifically participants will be able to:

Identify their personal bias and discover ways to eliminate bias by “unpacking their knapsack” through self-directed coursework.
Identify ways to incorporate the youth’s race, culture, and ethnicity into family life.
Demonstrate two skills in communicating acceptance and support for youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity and/or identify as LGBTQ2S (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning or Queer, 2 Spirit).

REGISTER NOW
To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST)
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Understanding And Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
2024-03-07 18:30 - 20:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 5

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
March 7th, 2024
6:30 PM-8:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Stephanie Spires
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
During Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1, parents will focus on high-risk behaviors and the vulnerabilities of youth with challenging behaviors who have experienced trauma. More specifically, this session will focus on challenging behaviors such as rejection, testing, disrespect, anger, and withdrawal. These behaviors were at one time needed to survive and are common in youth who have experienced early trauma. They may bring these same behaviors into your family, even though they are no longer needed for survival.
In order to help teens manage their range of emotions, which are often triggered by past experiences, parents and caregivers must be able to regulate themselves as well during high intensity moments. During this session parent will:

Learn the important components to parental regulation.
Understand how to regulate themselves through a variety of techniques.
Understand the importance of self-regulation and modeling those behaviors for the youth.

This session will help parents understand their youth’s challenging behaviors and develop strategies to manage them safely and effectively. To learn more about this program, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
REGISTER NOW
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Understanding And Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
2024-03-14 18:30 - 20:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 6

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
March 14th, 2024
6:30 PM-9:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Joy Harris Edwards
2.5 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
There are many reasons that foster and adoptive youth display challenging behaviors. For some youth, living in a family and accepting parental guidance and support is exceedingly difficult. Behaviors that have been useful in the past for survival and self-protection, can become instinctive, automatic reactions. Intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as dealing with grief are also contributing factors for challenging behaviors. Whatever the case, having sufficient trauma informed parenting skills are required to help navigate the teen years for youth who have experienced trauma.
During this session parents will gain a better understanding on the vulnerabilities and high-risk behaviors that foster and adoptive youth that have experienced trauma are challenged by. By the end of the session parents will:

Learn and demonstrate skills needed to assist their youth during a crisis situation.
Parents will learn how to respond appropriately when teens display high-risk behaviors like:

Risky sexual behaviors
Aggressive behaviors towards others
Using the internet and social media appropriately
Self-injurious behaviors and suicidal ideation

Parents will learn strategies to keep their youth and others safe.
Parents will learn crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
Learn how to access and be actively involved in professional supports that their foster/adoptive youth may need to access.

This session will teach foster/adoptive parents learn skills needed to address, intense, frequent, or long-lasting high-risk behaviors that they threaten the quality of life and/or the physical safety of the teen or others. For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
REGISTER NOW
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

A New Suitcase Of Parenting Knowledge And Skills
2024-03-21 18:30 - 20:30
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 7

A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
March 21, 2024
6:30 PM-8:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Stephanie Spires
2 credit hours
Navigating the teen years can be challenging. It is even more difficult for youth that have experienced trauma. The University of Kentucky in collaboration with DCBS, will offer training to equip foster and adoptive parents to meet the needs of older youth who have moderate to serious emotional and behavioral health challenges.
Session 7 wraps up the CORE Teen Training Program. During this final session parents will continue to add to their “trauma- informed parenting suitcase.” Participants will:

Create healthy relationships with birth family members and other key individuals
Review the impact of trauma and trauma informed parenting
Define secondary traumatic stress
Identify strategies for dealing with secondary traumatic stress

This session will teach parents how to nurture and promote the well-being of their youth through trauma-informed parenting. For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Carla Jordan, TRC Training Specialist, at carla.jordan@uky.edu or 1-833-859-3278 (1-833-UKY-FAST).
REGISTER NOW
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. This program also meets the requirements for CarePlus Training. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Trauma and Sensory Processing Training
2025-07-24 18:00 - 19:30
The Foster Parent Training Program is holding a 90-minute training to help foster parents understand how sensory processing and trauma intersect—and how this affects behaviors, meltdowns, and relationships. We’ll break down the 8 sensory systems in easy-to-understand ways, explore how trauma can heighten sensory sensitivities, and share practical strategies to support regulation and connection.
Participants will take a short self-assessment to reflect on their own sensory styles and leave with actionable tools to use at home.
This training is approved for Foster Parent Training credits up to 1.5 hours of elective foster parent training credit.
Training Objectives:
By the end of this session, foster parents will be able to:

Identify and describe the 8 sensory systems and how they impact behavior.
Recognize sensory thresholds and patterns in children.
Recognize the difference between sensory preferences vs a potential sensory processing disorder
Understand how trauma can influence sensory processing and regulation.
Apply simple, trauma-informed sensory strategies to prevent and respond to dysregulation in the home, while maintaining connection.

REGISTER HERE
Trainer Bio
Lora Buth, MS, OT/L is a licensed occupational therapist with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming an OT, she worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home supporting children in residential care, which led she and her husband to later becoming foster parents. As a traditional OT, her work focused on the pediatric population through early intervention, home health, and outpatient therapy. Today, Lora’s focus is on parent education and consultations. Through her company Connected Littles Co., she consults with adoptive and foster families to help them better understand behaviors and build secure connections. She specializes in translating sensory and trauma-informed strategies into simple, relational parenting practices.

Advocating for your Child in School
2025-09-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
Children in foster care often face school disruptions, trauma, and sensory/behavioral challenges. This training will help foster parents to recognize the signs that their child may need extra support in school and learn how to navigate the educational process in their role as a foster parent. Parents will learn key educational terms, types of accommodations, and the parts of an IEP and 504 plan. An emphasis is placed on effective advocacy and building collaborative relationships with school staff.
About the Speaker:
Lora is a licensed occupational therapist with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming an OT, she worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home supporting children in residential care, which led to she and her husband to later becoming foster parents. As a traditional OT, her work focused on the pediatric population through early intervention, home health, and outpatient therapy.
Today, Lora’s focus is on parent education and consultations. Through her company Connected Littles Co.. Lora has partnered closely with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to assess children’s needs and support their development. In addition to her clinical work, she provides training for foster and adoptive parents on trauma-informed care, sensory strategies, and attachment.
This includes guiding parents through the process of requesting evaluations for IEPs and 504s, understanding legal rights, and collaborating effectively with educators to ensure their child receives appropriate support.
This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.

Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care
2025-09-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. In Session 1, caregivers will define trauma, describe ways that traumatic stress and adversity impact a youth’s development and describe the importance of responding to the underlying cause of a youth’s behaviors.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Regulating Emotions & Coping Skills
2025-09-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
Help your child effectively identify and learn how to regulate their emotions. This training will teach developmentally appropriate activities and coping skills parents can use to help their children feel more in control, form better relationships, normalize feelings, and learn how negative thoughts lead to negative emotions.
About the Speakers:
Stephanie Caudill & Cara Kriebel are part of the team at Hope’s Place. Hope’s Place is one of the 15 Child Advocacy Centers in Kentucky. Stephanie is an LPCC-S RPT and has been actively practicing since 2015. Cara is an LPCC and has been practicing since 2018. Each provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Hope’s Place served 627 children in their Ashland office in 2024.
This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.

Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
2025-10-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 2 – Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma
October 6th, 2025 – 6:00 PM-8:00 PM EST – Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 2 will help caregivers describe the two major adaptive responses to threats, describe how fear changes the way you think, feel and action, and describe three trauma-informed techniques to effectively parent youth, based on their emotional age and developmental state.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Child Wellbeing & Social Media
2025-10-09 16:00 - 17:30 | Virtual through LMS
This training will educate foster parents on the parts of the brain and the potential benefits and harms of social media for their children. It will explore ways parents can protect their children on social media and provide valuable resources.

About the Speaker:
Dr. David Weisenhorn is a Family Scientist and Senior Specialist for Parenting and Child Development at the University of Kentucky. He is a Certified Family Life Educator, Researcher and Therapist with 30 years of training and experience working with families. His primary focus is improving the quality of individual and family life through education, research, and outreach in the field of parenting and child development.
This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.

Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth
2025-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 3 — Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth
October 13th, 2025 — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 3 will describe the impact of loss and grief on teens, describe two actions that parents can take to enhance attachment and strengthen their relationship with youth, and describe two ways that parents can deepen attunement with their youth.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
2025-10-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 4 — Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
October 27, 2025 — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 4 will identify ways to incorporate the youth’s race, culture and ethnicity into family life, and demonstrate two skills in communicating acceptance and support for youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
2025-10-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 5 — Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1
November 3rd, 2025 — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 5 will demonstrate two skills parents use in coping and managing their own emotions in the face of their youth’s challenging behaviors. It will also demonstrate two ways that parents can effectively respond to their youth’s rejection, testing and maladaptive behaviors. Plus, it will describe at least two signs that their relationship with the youth is under stress.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences: Trials & Triumphs
2025-10-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual through LMS
Angela Jamison, MSW, CSW, LCW
1.5 credit hours
This training will provide foster parents with information about adverse and positive childhood experiences and how each affect the developing child. Information will be provided about how to identify and encourage the use of positive childhood experiences with their children.

This training has been approved for ongoing, elective foster parent training credit. 1.5 hours is available for Kentucky’s foster parents. Foster parent training credit is administered based on the duration of the training and each attendee’s participation. A reliable internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with web camera is required to participate. Note that this training will address sensitive subject matter. Please ensure that you are using techniques (such as headphones, a different room, or a lower volume level) to ensure privacy.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
If you have any questions about this training, please email Melanie Parsons, Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Training Specialist, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.

Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
2025-11-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 6 — Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2
November 10th, 2025 — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hour
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 6 will demonstrate at least two skills in addressing crisis/severe behaviors challenges. It will demonstrate two skills in teaching your youth how to remain safe and recognize vulnerabilities of youth with challenging behaviors who have experienced trauma. It will also describe how to access and be actively involved in professional support that your youth may need to access.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
2025-11-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 7 — A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills
November 17, 2025 — 6:00 PM-8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom)
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. Session 7 will describe two ways that parents can support youth’s important connections and a sense of connectedness. It will demonstrate the impact of secondary trauma on parenting as well as identify the important elements to developing a self-care plan.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Attachment: Connecting Littles (& Bigs) in Foster Care
2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
Attachment: Connecting Littles (& Bigs) in Foster Care
November 17, 2025
6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Lora Buth, MS, OT/L
1.5 credit hours
Attachment is a lasting emotional bond that provides safety, comfort, and a secure base to explore from. This training will teach foster parents:

How to recognize the four attachment types and their signs
To reflect on how their own attachment style affects parenting
Principles to build secure attachments
Strategies to promote healthy attachment with their children

Lora Buth is a former foster (now adoptive) mom. She is a licensed occupational therapist with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming an OT, she worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Home supporting children in residential care, which led she and her husband to later becoming foster parents. As a traditional OT, her work focused on the pediatric population through early intervention, home health, and outpatient therapy.
Today, Lora’s focus is on parent education and consultations. Through her company Connected Littles Co., she consults with adoptive and foster families to help them better understand behaviors and build secure connections. She specializes in translating sensory and trauma-informed strategies into simple, relational parenting practices.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

The Basics of Play Therapy: Helping Children Heal, Grow, and Express Through Play
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual through LMS
The Basics of Play Therapy: Helping Children Heal, Grow, and Express Through Play
November 18, 2025
6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST
Via Zoom
Becky Host, LPCC-S, NBCC, RPT, LFTP, TBRI Practitioner
1.5 credit hours
In this training, parents will learn:

The benefits and goals of play therapy
Types of play therapy
Common play materials
The power of symbolism in play
How to encourage and support emotional expression and build self-regulation skills through play in the home

Becky Host is the Director of Willow Creek Counseling Center in Lexington, KY. Her work centers on helping children and families feel safe, seen, and empowered — especially those navigating trauma, attachment challenges, or life transitions. A mother of five through both birth and adoption, Becky brings deep empathy and lived experience to her work. She believes healing begins with connection, and that every child deserves a space where their story can unfold through play.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.

Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care
2025-12-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Virtual through LMS
CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education)
Session 1
Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care
December 1st, 2025
5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST
Via Zoom
Melanie Parsons, M.A.
2 credit hours
CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s needs, rather than just focusing on behaviors. In Session 1, caregivers will define trauma, describe ways that traumatic stress and adversity impact a youth’s development and describe the importance of responding to the underlying cause of a youth’s behaviors.
For additional information about this session, please feel free to contact Melanie Parsons, the Foster Parent Training Program (FPTP) Program Coordinator, at Melanie.Parsons@uky.edu.
Click Here to go to the registration page.
Please note each session is approved for ongoing, elective training credit for Kentucky Foster Parents. Basic & Advanced Foster Parents, Fictive Kin Foster Parents, Care Plus, or Therapeutic Foster Parents can all take advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their training hours. A reliable internet connection and computer/smartphone with webcam are required.
