Voices of Lived Expertise Virtual Training Series

Join us for a four-part virtual training series that delves deep into the difficult truths of adoption and the foster care system. Designed to equip professionals and caregivers with essential knowledge and tools, each session is thoughtfully delivered by subject matter experts with lived expertise as adoptees or individuals who spent time in foster or kinship care. All sessions are recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings for 90 days.

--Series takes place on October 16, November 6, 12, and 21--

Register Here:

Registration fees:

• Professionals: $100 (Members), $120 (Non-members)
• Foster, Adoptive, or Kinship Caregivers: $60 (Members), $80 (Non-members)
• Lived Experts (Individuals who were adopted and/or spent time in foster or kinship care): $50

• October 16, 2024
• 1:00-2:30 pm eastern time zone/ 10:00 AM PST
• Learn about the results of the largest study of mental health outcomes of adoptees and former foster youth. This session also covers preliminary findings from the first study on Native American birth mothers and the process of truth, healing, and reconciliation. We will explore how these insights can address gaps in understanding within the workplace and how to create a plan to provide better support.

• November 6, 2024
• 1:00-2:30 pm eastern time zone/ 10:00 AM PST
• This interactive training provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by child welfare staff with lived expertise and is designed to strengthen the collaboration between staff and their supervisors. Backed by the Action Research Project (ARP), we will unearth best practices for both staff and their supervisors focused on wellness, overcoming imposter syndrome, and maintaining professional boundaries. Attendees will receive guidance on effective strategies for supporting staff members, including regular check-ins, advocating for lived expertise, and creating safe workplace environments.

• November 12, 2024
• 1:00-2:30 pm eastern time zone/ 10:00 AM PST
• Gain first hand insight and practical strategies to help children and individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders navigate social boundaries, abstract concepts, and impulsivity so they can discover the driving force within them to enjoy a successful life. Rebecca Tillou will share her journey navigating life with FASD and how she found both professional and personal success.

• November 21, 2024
• 1:00-2:30 pm eastern time zone/ 10:00 AM PST
• Join Families Rising board members as they share their lived expertise as adoptees or individuals who spent time in foster or kinship care. The panel will explore ideas and strategies that caregivers and professionals can use to better support youth as they navigate developing all aspects of their identities including their cultural and racial identities. Panelists—Dr. JaeRan Kim, Jarel Skinner-Melendez, Nathan Ross, and David Simmons—will share personal insights into the strategies that were helpful for them, as well as those they wish had been used during their own journeys. This session is essential for anyone dedicated to understanding and supporting the complex identity development of youth who are adopted or in foster or kinship care.