Toxic stress is a public health problem that affects every sector of society. This is especially true for children in foster care.

To be mentally healthy, our brains acquire skills and knowledge in a sequential way through connections with caregivers. Trauma or stress can interrupt that sequencing. Over time, social, emotional, and cognitive developmental gaps can result in a person being unable to effectively navigate their day. Understanding a person’s stress response system and circumstances that impact their functioning is critical when trying to support their growth and development.

Brain science is a fast-growing area of focus for those working with individuals who have been exposed to childhood adversity. We occasionally provide training sessions that cover brain development, how trauma disrupts the process, and it will set the stage for developing trauma-informed, developmentally sensitive treatment approaches. Our training emphasizes regulation, environmental factors for successful therapeutic experiences and developmentally matched interventions. These sessions will enhance participants’ ability to support families and children affected by trauma. While there are no scheduled trainings at the moment, please contact Leslie Wiss, lwiss@kvc.org, for information on upcoming sessions.

*Must be a resident or employee of Greene County, MO

Trainers: Andrew Farmer and Leslie Wiss

Background: KVC, CASA of Southwest Missouri (CASA), and the Missouri Alliance for Children and Families (MACF) are honored to be the recipient of the Jewell Schweitzer Collective Impact Grant. Through this opportunity, we look forward to expanding knowledge on the impact trauma has on brain development and interventions to ensure children in foster care have the greatest opportunity possible. Over 150 members of Greene County will receive a full day of training and 20 children in care will receive an assessment and recommendations to guide the sequencing and selection of therapeutic interventions.