Description
Research and publications from several sources will bring together key understandings that will address topics such as stigma, grief and loss, trauma, and aggression toward caregivers. This includes research completed by Dr. Dorothy Badry on grief and loss associated with caring for individuals with FASD which can be generalized to other disabilities and mental health disorders. In addition, a recent report from the National Consortium on aggression toward family/caregivers in childhood & adolescence (AFCCA) will lend further insight. Understanding these concepts may allow clinicians to better recognize stress responses and the unique needs of caregivers. These may include resistance to following treatment plans, anger and frustration, lethargy, etc.
This training will explore how adjusting expectations, peer support, grief and loss work and being trauma informed can build up caregivers so they in turn can care for their loved ones. Taking stress and trauma into consideration and addressing it can increase better outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma will be explored using neuroscience research to better understand the impact on caregiver well-being and how trauma-informed care can support families using the philosophical underpinnings and 6 principles and 10 standards of trauma-informed care.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize how stress, trauma, and grief and loss effect those caring for children and youth with complex needs.
- Examine issues of child on parent aggression, grieving a diagnosis, vicarious trauma, and how these negative experiences shape caregiver perspectives.
- Explore interventions that are helpful for caregivers (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Peer Support, etc.)
- Discuss how adjusting expectations and specific interventions can decrease stress for caregivers.
Who Should Attend
This training is recommended for individuals working with families, direct care staff, supervisors, clinicians, and caregivers and those that support caregivers.
Course Dates & Format
February 12 & 13, 2026
1:00pm – 3:00pm ET
This is a 4-hour training. This course consists of one 4-hour interactive virtual session using Zoom.
Instructors:
Karen Huber, CYC, B.A.
Karen has been walking alongside children, youth, and families in children’s mental health and developmental supports for the past 27 years. For the past 13 years she has been working to build supports and understanding for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Besides supporting individuals and families living with the disability, her experience includes; coordinating the Waterloo Region FASD Diagnostic Clinic, creating an Integrated Approach for FASD for her community, advising MCCSS and Health Nexus provincial initiatives, membership on FASD ONE Diagnostic Working Group and sits with many community groups to ensure the FASD voice is heard. She is the FASD Coordinator at Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre in Waterloo Region. She also provides support to communities, groups, and families through private practice.
Michelle Hughes
Michelle has been immersed the FASD Community for over 10 years. Starting as a volunteer supporting caregivers and a co-founder/facilitator of a progressive caregiver support group. After over 15 years in health and human services settings, creating inclusive programming and communities, made the transition to FASD Coordinator. Michelle is the parent of a teen living with FASD and believes strongly in the voices of lived in experience of FASD, Trauma, Attachment, Mental Health and Disability. As a passionate advocate, Michelle is a speaker and published author, sharing the strengths and challenges of the FASD and The Caregiver Experience.
Training Fee
Member Fee: $145.00 + $18.85 (HST) = $163.85
Non-Member Fee: $175.00 + $22.75 (HST) = $197.75
Group Registration: Save 20% off individual fees with a group registration of 4 or more participants. Download the group registration form HERE.
Continuing Education Information
Licensing boards and professional organizations will grant Continuing Education credits for attendance at their discretion when participants submit the course outline and certificate.
In-Service
This is available as an in-person or virtual in-service training and customized to suit your needs.
