Foster and Kinship Care: Cultural Competency and Humility- LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questions, Intersex, Asexual) Exploring the Different Definitions and Understanding how to Parent and Communicate with Children who may Identify with LGBTQIA (4 hours)

This class explores and addresses critical issues that youth who may identify with LGBTQIA issues. The goal of the class is to (RISE), Recognize. Intervene. Support. Empower.” This class is open to resource parents and youth ages 12-up who would like to address their concerns, obtain resources and discuss issues in a safe, welcoming and protective environment. The participants in the class will be provided with information, resources and tools they can use to help them and children in care to feel comfortable, safe, and identify opportunities to render successful permanency outcomes.  This class also help resource parents or biological parents respond to children at the moment when the child discloses their sexual identity. When parents hear the news that their son or daughter is lesbian, gay, or bisexual, they oftentimes freeze and think they don’t know what to do – they stop parenting all together.  But it’s more important than ever that they be a good parent at this time.  In this class we will help the resource parent or biological parent to capitalize on their own strengths to comfort the child, help them feel safe, and keep them in a loving, protective, and healthy environment.   Resource parents will understand how to L.E.A.D. their children and families with love.

Instructor: Rochelle Bard, L.C.S.W.

This class series meets the new State Required Training for all RFA homes