A13

BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

Presenters: Diane Ehrensaft, Toni Heineman

Abstract Category: Diversity

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Click Here

Description:

Children who go against the grain of cultural gender norms have suffered maltreatment from families, from the mental health system, and from their communities.  This workshop addresses an alternative model of healthy gender variant development and the associated mental health needs for the children and for their families.

Abstract:

Children in foster care suffer multiple disruptions in their attachments, disruptions that are replicated in  mental health services, with a child getting a new therapist every year, if at all.  This workshop provides a treatment model for building lasting relationships and healing attachment injuries incurred by foster children and youth.