Caregiver Core Training – Participant Manual Session 5: Growing up with Trauma, and Loss We started off CCT with an overview of the welfare system from intake to permanency. We talked about how and why kids come into care; the decision-making process of a social worker; legal authority; the court timelines; and the possibility of Tribal involvement. We also emphasized concurrent planning and where the foster parent, the relative parents, and the adoptive parents fit into the system. We then focused in on the child welfare team and the role of the caregiver, including team meetings, your report to the court and advocacy. In addition, we focused in on the continuum of caregiver involvement with birth families, with topics like visitation and parenting/mentoring the parent. We concluded with a focus on cultural connections and how to keep these connections for children who are in care connected. For the remainder of CCT, we will primarily focus on the child’s experience in developing attachment and dealing with trauma, grief and loss, and building a basic framework for parenting children in care. This session will cover brain development, exposure to drugs and alcohol in utero, child development, and attachment, ending with an exploration of grief and loss and the essential connections. Session 5: Growing up with Trauma, Grief, and Loss
Placenta abruption Miscarriage Stillbirth Ecstasy Effects not Long-term memory problems Learning problems Heroin Preeclampsia Bleeding in the third trimester Placenta abruption Breech birth Seizures Addiction, withdrawal symptoms birth Breathing problems Small size at birth Physical and mental development problems Inhalants Life-threatening breathing problems Convulsions or seizures Coma Low birth weight Problems with how form Learning problems How Alcohol and Drugs Affect Your Pregnancy, Continued Substance Possible Effect on Mother Possible Effect on Fetus, Newborn, and Child Marijuana Preterm labor Tremors Easily startled Cranky or fussy Learning problems Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Depression Substance abuse Leukemia Certain types of Methamphetamine Stroke Brain damage Miscarriage Placenta abruption Low birth weight and lung problems PCP/LSD Confusion Delusions Withdrawal symptoms after birth
Often hides his/her feelings about the loss, carrying on as if nothing has happened Feels vulnerable and different from others difficulty making friends Problems knowing right from wrong responsibility and/or guilt. Understanding How a Child Responds to Loss, Continued Age How the Child Sees and Reacts to Loss Possible Effects of Loss What You Can Do Adolescence 13-18 years Understands that a permanent loss cannot be reversed Does not himself/herself as much for the loss Learns to understand how this loss will affect his/her in the future Now May feel hopeless, out of control, different from others May have school problems, including choosing friend who are “troublemakers” May show fear, unhappiness, anxiety, denial or trouble getting close to others Later Suicidal behavior Antisocial behavior Be open and honest when the youth asks questions. Encourage him/her to talk about his/her feelings. Be available, but allow the youth time alone. Involve the youth, whenever possible, in making decisions. How to Keep Youth Connected