CWA Resource Parent Conference

Welcome/Registration Opens

• Laura Teetermoran, Child Welfare Academy
• Stefany Lang, Maryland Resource Parent Association
• Alger Studstill, Executive Director, SSA

"A Constellation of Caregivers – Understanding KinFirst in Maryland"

Keynote Speakers:

• Becky Rice, Social Services Administration, Director of Out of Home Care
• Jillian Jasper, Resource Homes Specialist, SSA

Breakout Session 1 – (choose one):

Title: Responding to Children in Crisis (Meets Behavior)

This training will equip caregivers with strategies to help children become regulated while de-escalating crises. Participants will become aware of strategies to help children return to a calm state and keep children who are dysregulated safe while also keeping family members safe. Strategies to help children and families feel physically and psychologically safe will also be shared. Caregivers will also understand the importance of partnering with other professionals and entities around a crisis (police, Department of Juvenile Justice, mental health professionals).

Title: What to do If your Child Lies, Steals, or Hoards Food (Meets Behavior)

Speaker: Megan Wills, Path for Families

It is natural that parents feel hurt, angry and frustrated when their child repeatedly lies to their face without feeling guilty, remorseful or taking any responsibility. Stealing from family members, teachers or the child’s classmates and friends is another issue that is very challenging for parents. It is equally hard to understand why a child would hide food in their room when there is plentiful food available. For parents to understand how to help make sense of their child’s behaviors, it is essential to understand what is behind the behavior. When children behave in this way, it is an indication that they are not feeling emotionally safe because they are traumatized and in “blocked trust.” This training will help parents make sense of lying, stealing, and hoarding and will provide strategies that will help their children develop healthier behaviors.

Lunch Break

Breakout Session 2 – (choose one):

Title: Improving Communication with Your Teens  (Meets Behavior)

Speaker: Delois Pearsall, Path for Families

Adolescence is a trying time for both teenagers and their families. While all teens struggle with issues related to identity formation, these concerns are often compounded for teens in foster care or who have been adopted. This can make parenting a foster/adopted teen a challenging and complex endeavor, requiring a unique set of skills and strategies. This interactive workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of typical vs. atypical teen development. Some difficult behaviors that might be encountered such as defiance, lying/stealing, and control battles will be explored, and parents will gain a better understanding of why their teens behave the way they do. Resource and adoptive parents will learn skills to support their teens and establish a more peaceful and cooperative relationship.

Title: Anxiety from a Child’s Perspective

Speaker: Dr. Deidra Sorrell, Synergy Wellness

What is anxiety like from a child's perspective? What are the sneaky causes of childhood anxiety that might be frequently overlooked? From the pandemic to school violence to bullying, our children are facing so much. Because parents are extremely busy these days, they may often overlook the subtle signs of anxiety in children. If anxiety is not treated, it can lead to life-threatening situations including suicidal ideation and drug abuse. This workshop provides the keys to helping parents be empowered in improving their child's mental health. Parents will be educated on the definition of anxiety, the various types of anxiety, and how anxiety can be good in certain situations. This interactive workshop will help parents become empowered in creating a home that can help reduce anxiety and other mental health challenges in their children.