Kinship 101 Panel (4/9/2022)

In this class, taught by Shari Simmons, we delve into the complex dynamics of children who, due to trauma, have taken on parental responsibilities for themselves, their siblings, and even their parents. This phenomenon, known as parentification, can have profound effects on a child's development and well-being. Participants will gain insight into the underlying causes and manifestations of parentification. We'll explore the psychological, emotional, and social implications for children who find themselves in this role, as well as its impact on familial dynamics and relationships. Drawing from trauma-informed approaches and attachment theory, we'll discuss compassionate ways to support children who are navigating the challenges of premature caregiving. Participants will learn techniques for promoting healthy boundaries, fostering resilience, and restoring a sense of childhood for these young caregivers.

Join us as we welcome biological, foster and kinship caregivers who will share their journeys, as well as what they learned from interacting with the system and with each other. We'll hear what worked, what didn't, and how we can all move forward together.

Join Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker for an insightful and enlightening discussion addressing the complex dynamics of parenting transracial adoptees of color. Through the lens of the seven core issues in adoption combined with her groundbreaking model of the racial and cultural identity needs of transracial adoptees, she will unpack and explain the intricacies of navigating transracial parenting. Grow your awareness of the internal and external experiences of adoptees of color as they strive to build a positive racial and cultural identity, enhance your understanding of the role race plays in your own relationships and attachment patterns, and learn language and concepts to deepen your family's dialogue around racial and cultural needs in a manner that promotes safety, empowerment, and connection.

As foster and kinship caregivers, there are a lot of legal questions that arise. Everyone involved in a child welfare case has legal representation appointed, except for the caregiver. Oftentimes, navigating the legal side of a case is confusing, challenging, and downright overwhelming. This class will explore the rights of kinship and foster parents in light of new legislation that has changed the when and how of advocating for children in care as well as updated expectations on caregivers. Tim Eirich is one of the most sought after family lawyers in the state of Colorado. He is known for representing foster and kinship parents in a D&N case. Tim will help us make sense of all these questions and will explore other legal topics such as:  Law changes after the 2023 legislative sessionSelf-representation vs. hiring an attorneyThe right to be heardParenting timeNew intervention rules

Legal Training & Panel: El Paso County

Navigating benefits is a tricky thing. It's even more challenging when you become a kinship provider. Join us to learn about our new partnership with Benefits In Action and learn about the ways they can help you find food, health, and financial benefits that you may qualify for! Benefits in Action is a nonprofit organization located in Lakewood, Colorado that serves individuals throughout the state. They strive to increase understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare resources. Their team of navigators works with individuals to help them recognize the health-related benefits they qualify for, apply to those benefits, and utilize them as effectively as possible. They are passionate about the importance of increasing healthcare benefit literacy among the public. Accordingly, they organize and hold educational sessions in public facilities aimed to increase individual understanding and self-efficacy in navigating the healthcare system.

Let's talk about money! Raising children costs money and often kinship families are unprepared for the financial impact. Better Pockets Financial desires to assist families with short and long-term financial planning. This class will explore some  fundamentals about budgeting for kin caregivers. (Foster parents are welcome too!) 

RAD Advocates will be sharing personal experiences that highlight what living with a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder looks like in the home. They will discuss what families can do to make a difference in the life of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. These experiences will be contrasted against some of the definitions and explanations that professionals tend to use when discussing children with attachment issues. Parenting any child who has a traumatic background is difficult. That difficulty is compounded when a child is unable to attach to a parent. Diagnosing R.A.D. can be difficult because children with attachment issues can exhibit a wide range of behaviors. Having an accurate diagnosis and receiving proper treatment is critical. If a child remains undiagnosed or receives ineffective treatment, their disorder can become increasingly worse. R.A.D. Advocates hopes to provide foster/adoptive parents with more knowledge on identifying R.A.D and finding support.

Child Welfare just placed a child in your care. You are somehow a part of this child’s life already - Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, Neighbor, Family Friend, School acquaintance, sibling, etc.). NOW WHAT?!?!?! This class will give you the information you need to know as you begin your kinship journey. Learn the basics about resources available, expectations, key players involved in the child’s case, and more.

Protección de menores acaba de poner a un niño a su cuidado. Y, de alguna manera, usted ya es parte de la vida de este niño. Ya sea abuelo, tío, tía, primo, vecino, amigo familiar, compañero de clase, conocido, hermano, etc. ¡¿AHORA QUÉ?! Esta clase le dará la información necesaria para comenzar su trayectoria como familiar de parentesco. Aprenda lo básico de este proceso, así como los recursos disponibles, expectativas, los agentes clave involucrados en el caso del niño y mucho más.