REACHing Teens (link to article called: REACHing Teens Initiative focuses on trauma sensitivity) and Fostering Resilience, presented in part by nationally-recognized expert Ken Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, informed nearly 300 attendees about trauma-sensitive and strength-based communication strategies that support healthy youth development. The training was a culmination resulting from the Youth Well-Being Workgroup to provide services that address the effects of trauma experienced by many teens in the foster care system.

In addition to Family Support Services (FSS), other local agencies, including Florida’s Guardian ad Litem Program, Daniel,National Youth Advocate Program, Children’s Home Society and Jewish Family & Community Services are also participating in the workgroup.

The program supports the 4C Cycle of Healing Framework, which drives FSS’ core beliefs in creating a trauma-sensitive approach for teens. The Framework’s elements include:

  • Culture: Everyone is a healer
  • Capacity: People not programs heal children
  • Connection: Children thrive in safe relationships
  • Care: There are no bad children, just bad behavior

For more information about the Youth Well-Being Workgroup or the REACHing Teens initiative, call FSS at 904-265-8093.