Connie Maxwell offers free foster care training series

Connie Maxwell Children’s Home is presenting a series of foster care training sessions for families and caregivers working with children who have experienced trauma. Trauma Academy consists of four monthly “semesters,” to be held at both Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Greenville and Connie Maxwell in Greenwood. The free training is slated to begin in August. 

Trauma Academy semester topics include understanding trauma, cultivating relationships, exercising self-control skills, and learning proactive strategies. The monthly semester topics are identical at each of the two training locations.

Trauma Academy sessions will be led by trained instructors approved by Connie Maxwell, with extensive knowledge of the material. Participants are not required to attend all semesters, but a certificate will be given to those who complete the training.

Rocky Creek Baptist Church, located at 1801 Woodruff Road in Greenville, will host training sessions on Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, and Nov. 8. Connie Maxwell, located at 810 Maxwell Avenue in Greenwood, will host training sessions on Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, and Nov. 15. All training sessions are 6-8 p.m., and light refreshments will be available. Registration for the training is required. Child care is not provided.

Participants attending the Greenville semesters may register online at https://traumaacademygreenville.eventbrite.com. Participants attending the Greenwood semesters may register online at https://traumaacademygreenwood.eventbrite.com.

The educational series is a first for the children’s home, which is a fully accredited foster care licensing agency that works with families throughout the licensing process, and then provides ongoing resources and support. 

“Everyone involved in foster care should be trained in how to deal with trauma. No child that enters foster care does so without some scars, or trauma, attached. It is extremely important for those working with these children to know all the facets of trauma, and how it affects the child’s emotions, behavior, and reactions,” says Paula Reed, director of foster care with Connie Maxwell.

ABOUT  CONNIE MAXWELL

Since being founded in 1892, Connie Maxwell has sought to care for children, while developing and strengthening positive relationships in a Christian environment. Services include residential care, foster care, and family care programs, and its ministries have impacted more than 17,000 lives during its 126-year history. Connie Maxwell currently serves children and families through its five locations across South Carolina. 

For more online information about Connie Maxwell, visit www.conniemaxwell.com.