FaCES Happenings

The study explores the challenges and supports for foster caregivers in delivering trauma-informed care. Caregivers identified barriers such as insufficient trauma training and inconsistent communication from welfare agencies. They recommended structured, mandatory trauma training, improved communication, and peer support to enhance their ability to provide effective care. The study underscores the critical need for systemic changes to support trauma-informed caregiving in the child welfare system

Dr. Forkey discusses how caregivers can foster resilience in children who have experienced disrupted caregiving. She underlines the importance of creating stable, supportive environments and building strong, positive relationships to help mitigate the effects of trauma. Dr. Forkey also discusses practical strategies for caregivers to support children’s emotional and psychological well-being, highlighting the role of consistent routines and the presence of caring adults in promoting resilience.

Dr. Heather Forkey discusses the importance of understanding trauma’s impact on patients and integrating this awareness into everyday clinical practice. Dr. Forkey provides actionable strategies for healthcare providers to create safe, supportive environments that promote healing and resilience. She emphasizes the need for consistent, compassionate care and the role of healthcare professionals in fostering a trauma-informed approach that is both feasible and effective.

Dr. Griffin and Dr. Forkey addressed the parenting paradox on their new YouTube series “PairADocs.” Dr. Griffin and Dr. Forkey draw from professional and personal experiences. They provide viewers with tools and strategies to support resilience, emotional health and stress management for caregivers and their children.

Dr. Svendsen, Marry Harris LICSW and lead trauma coach Diane Lanni were awarded a grant from the Remillard Family Community Service Fund to address problematic sexualized behavior in children. The grant is awarded to project proposals that work to improve the health of Central Massachusetts residents, that are underrepresented and disadvantaged. Dr. Svendsen and her team plan to provide child health professionals and caregivers with strategies that promote healthy sexual development and healthy relationships. Stay tuned for more updates on this project. You can see the announcement here. 

Trauma Coach Diane Lanni and other authors wrote a resource guide for the NCTSN (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network). This guide provides an overview of the concepts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma, and highlights the gaps that remain in our understanding of the impact of childhood trauma and adversity on mental and physical health. This resource also offers providers, family advocates, and policymakers recommendations for ways in which ACEs and other childhood trauma-related concepts and resources can be combined to advance care for children and families who have experienced trauma. To learn more about ACEs and childhood trauma check this page.

Medical students Caroline Repetti, Madhan Saiprasad, and Kara Banson hosted an online talk with trauma coaches Diane Lanni and Zina Fernandez on mental health crisis and youth mobile crisis intervention (YMCI). They presented their work to a group of foster parents who are also trained trauma coaches. The presentation dispelled common myths about YMCI and provided clear guidelines on when and how to access YMCI. To learn more about YMCI and mental health resources check this page.

Dr. Forkey wrote guidelines for pediatricians for the American Academy of Pediatrics journal on trauma-informed care. These guidelines summarize current, practical advice for rendering trauma-informed care across varied medical settings. To read more click here. 

Dr. Forkey and Dr. Griffin published Childhood Trauma and Resilience with the American Academy of Pediatrics Press. This practical guide provides those who work with children the framework needed to promote resilience and to address childhood trauma. You can find more information on this guidebook here.

Dr. Forkey spoke about trauma informed care with Dr. Berk and Dr. Chiu on the podcast The Cribsiders. In their conversation, Dr. Forkey highlights practical tips that clinicians can use to integrate trauma informed care into their everyday practice. You can listen to the podcast episode here. 

Dr. Griffin and Dr. Forkey discussed the challenges caregivers face during the COVID-19 pandemic on their new YouTube series “PairADocs.” Dr. Griffin and Dr. Forkey draw from professional and personal experiences. They provide viewers with tools and strategies to support resilience, emotional health and stress management for caregivers and their children. You can watch their most recent episode here.

Trauma Coach Diane Lanni spoke with Irene Clements on the National Foster Parent Association’s Coffee with Caregivers. In this segment, Diane and Irene share their experiences of grief and bereavement as foster parents. Diane and her colleagues at The National Traumatic Stress Network developed three parenting resources focused on grief: 1. Impending Death of a Loved One 2. Addressing Fears from Prior Loss 3. Mourning the Death of a Loved One. You can watch a recording of the episode here.

Dr. Forkey spoke with Dr. Hill and Dr. Parga-Belinkie on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ podcast Pediatrics on Call. In this episode, Dr. Forkey discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the children in the foster care system. She addressed how pediatricians can work with foster families to promote safe, stable, and nurturing relationships. You can listen to the podcast episode here.

Dr. Svendsen, Dr. Griffin, and Dr. Forkey published their work on how positive parenting principles support attachment and resilience in the journal Advances in Pediatrics. In their article, the authors introduced a framework of the different components that promote resilience, and what tools caregivers can use to achieve this. Check out the article here.

Dr. Forkey presented virtually on Quality Parenting Initiative’s (QPI) webcast  “COVID-19: The New Normal” series. As a program of The Youth Law Center, QPI calls for excellent parenting for all children in the welfare system. It partners with caregivers and offers workshops and resources. During her presentation, Dr. Forkey provided an overview of what is known about COVID19 and its effects on children. She cited important steps caregivers can take to keep their families safe now and after the pandemic.  She also highlighted how this pandemic may specifically affect the health of kids in foster care, and acknowledged the need to restore safety, routine, and a means for self regulation. To view a recording of Dr. Forkey’s presentation, click here.