Grief and Loss in Foster Care, It’s Complicated!

Description

(July 2019) Grief and Loss in Foster Care, It’s Complicated!

Emotions of loss and grief are a significant piece of the foster care experience. Youth experience many losses: birth family membership, friends, school and school activities, often culture and identity. Families of origin experience the loss of their child and loss of their perception of being a family. Foster families can experience major changes in their current family dynamics when the child enters their home as well as feelings of loss when the child leaves. These losses require informed and compassionate understanding and responses from family, community and child welfare service providers. This training will specifically focus on foster youth and foster family grief and loss.

Charley Joyce, LICSW, has been a social worker for approximately 40 years.  He is the co-author of the book, “Behavior with a Purpose” and a contributing author of the books “The Kinship Parenting Toolbox” and “Assessing Youth Behavior”.  He began his career as a VISTA volunteer and has worked as the clinical director of a psychiatric facility, as an outpatient therapist, supervisor of outpatient therapists, as a foster care caseworker, clinical director of foster care services and as the owner of his private practice. On a part time basis, he develops training DVDs through the Foster Parent College, Eugene, Oregon.

Watch time: 90 minutes

Eligible Certificate of Completion time: 90 minutes