For the Tomahawk Leader
NORTHCENTRAL WISCONSIN – An upcoming free weekly virtual program will shine a light on child trauma.
The Strengthening Families for Caregivers program is an eight-week program that focuses on providing strategies for adults to build positive relationships with children who have experienced trauma, UW-Madison Division of Extension Lincoln County explained in a release.
Extension noted that the strategies shared in the program are also “excellent for anyone who provides support to children.”
“The program uses scenarios to guide discussion, provides tangible tools to use, and provides opportunities to build skills,” Extension stated. “Participants will learn how trauma affects children, how a child’s trauma can affect us as caregivers, how to create a safe environment, help understand and manage feelings and behaviors, develop connections and healing, and learn how to become an advocate for the children you support.”
Each session will on the prior session, so it is important that a participant attends each session if possible, Extension noted. However, Extension will help those who may miss a session catch up on what was missed.
“We believe in creating a safe environment for learning and will never ask participants to speak to their own trauma or their child’s trauma,” Extension said. “We understand that the material we share can evoke strong feelings and emotions and commit to allowing participants to take the space and time they need and will be available for participants after sessions if they need to process.”
The program will be offered free virtually via Zoom on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. from May 5 to June 30. There will not be a session on May 26.
To register for the program, visit www.bit.ly/SFSReg.
For more information, contact Casey Hanson at [email protected]; Renee Krueger at [email protected] or via phone at 715-539-1042; Debbie Moellendorf at [email protected]; Brenda Rasmussen at [email protected]; or Kristine Shorey at [email protected].