Danger Signals
When faced with danger, our brains make split second judgments based on what we hear, see, taste, smell and feel and what we have learned over time about the signals of danger
The Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Justice Resource Institute developed ARC Reflections, a training curriculum to developing foster parents and caregivers’ understanding of traumatic stress, increasing their own emotional regulation and providing tools to support their parenting skills. This guide to Session One helps facilitators introduce participants to the training structure, supports cohesion among group members and introduces important information about the role of trauma in children and teens’ lives.
Every session includes a check-in to increase awareness and engagement of participants; a facilitator checklist of session materials; practice activities and take-home log for participants; a representative case study to follow throughout the sessions; and reflective questions for participant growth and understanding.
For children and youth in foster care, trauma is the norm, not the exception. For children and youth of color— or who identify as LGBTQ — trauma is even more common and complex. That is why it is important for caregivers to acquire the skills to handle trauma and work toward the best outcomes possible for vulnerable kids and teens.