Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) recently hosted its annual Thanks for Giving event for resource and adoptive families. The evening featured dinner, a resource parent training, and a “to-go” pumpkin craft for families to complete at home. The Thanks for Giving event was held in conjunction with National Adoption Month being recognized in November. This year’s event combined family recognition as well as the training, “Creating and Sustaining Healthy Relationships with Biological Families” by Tara Doaty, PhD, CEO & Founder of Sage Wellness Group.
“Our families have been asking for training on this particular topic and it was a perfect opportunity to combine training with our annual appreciation event. Families enjoy the time together to share and learn. Activities were planned for the children as well, which gave parents the time to socialize with one another,” states Chrissy Montague, Coordinator of Option Respite & Parent Education at DCDSS.
The training honored the common emotional experiences among resource and biological families. Participants participated in an interactive session providing practical resources to engage with biological families to create and sustain healthy relationships. They also learned methods of effective communication and reflective listening to utilize in conversations with both biological families and children.
“When supporting biological families, resource parents are adding another layer of safety and protection and strengthening attachments. By the resource parents working with the biological families, children can get reassurance that biological families and reunification is a safe thing to do,” comments Dr. Doaty.
She further explains that “being with” biological families – bringing all six universal emotions to situations – can help to soften the power struggle that sometimes occurs between resource parents and children in foster care and their biological families.
Resource Parents and Adoptive Parents have a huge impact on the lives of young people in our communities. The youth of Talbot County, including infants and older teens, need more Resource Parents and Adoptive Parents to help.
To learn more about becoming an Adoptive or Resource Parent call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit www.midshoreresourceparents.com.
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