Webinar Series: Trauma-Informed Family and Community Engagement

The current pandemic and social and political climate have affected the families and communities we serve in myriad ways – from widespread unemployment and food insecurity to the deaths of loved ones. These types of traumatic experiences can have profound and lasting effects, especially for children.

In this webinar series, we’ll explore trauma and the protective factors that help build resilience and counteract the adverse effects of trauma. We’ll also see how communities, schools, organizations and individuals around the country are using a trauma-informed lens to guide their work.

Webinar 1 – June 24: Join us for an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 101 webinar that will highlight what ACEs are on a personal and community level, the importance of understanding the impacts of ACEs, the science behind adversity and how Fresno, CA has put together a Trauma and Resilience Network focused on engaging and supporting children and families in building resilience and beginning to heal the generational trauma that in the community.

Webinar 2 – July 1: In this webinar, we’ll focus on how two organizations are putting the research into practice. First, the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center will share information and takeaways from their trauma training module for educators. Then, Ready4K, an evidence-based family engagement curriculum delivered via text messages, will share their tips for communicating with and supporting families in a trauma-informed way.

Webinar 3 – July 22: In this webinar, the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement Center, the Statewide Family Engagement Center for Maryland and Pennsylvania, will highlight the work happening around trauma-informed practices in MD and PA. Also, Dr. Seth Shaffer will answer questions from families about how to ensure their child’s social and emotional well-being during this time. He will provide tips and strategies to help families cope and overcome barriers associated with COVID.g and learning opportunities across our original eight strands in the form of virtual plenary sessions, deep dives, and workshops, for 20 days!