Training Summary: Provide a couple sentences summary (content themes/training techniques, and how this training is relevant to working with children who live in out of home care.):

 

The purpose of this training is to create a renewed and heightened awareness of boundary issues in work with foster youth.  Having boundaries is not just a matter of being professional. Appropriate boundaries are a key ingredient in providing the children in our care with the highest quality of care, which often times requires us to build trusting and healing relationships with them.  Frequently the relationships we build with clients can have ambiguous boundaries, making it important to develop an awareness of possible danger signs for boundary issues that might result in poor practice or which might be red flags for potential exploitation of clients.

 

Class Objectives: (what knowledge, ideas or skills will participants explore, learn, practice, etc. during the training)

• To understand that boundaries in work with youth can sometimes be too loose but can also be too rigid and prevent engagement and relationship.
• To help participants become alert to boundary crossings/violations and to feel safe to raise concerns and questions.
• To increase awareness of the importance of boundaries in child and adolescent development. 

How can participants utilize their new skills and knowledge after the training to reinforce their learning?

• Participants will practice specific strategies to reinforce strong boundaries in work with children, youth, and families.

• Participants will reflect on their own boundaries and talk with supervisor how their boundaries affect their work with the clients.

• Participants will talk with clients about appropriate boundaries and personal vs. professional relationships.