This interactive workshop will discuss the All School Parent Empowerment Network (ASPEN) and the collaborative partnership between the Department of Social Services, Probation and the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education in recruiting resource families in schools to increase the ability of foster children to remain in their communities and schools of origin. In addition, the county’s work in providing Trauma Informed Practice in Schools (TIPS) and the development of a multi stakeholder trauma toolbox to support increased empowerment and emotional regulation of children and youth, placement stability, academic and social wellbeing, mitigation of further trauma and increased retention of resource families will be shared.

Recruitment of Resource Homes and Trauma Informed Practice in Schools

• Julie DeFranco, Program Manager II, San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services
• Jessica Thomas, Senior Coordinator, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education
• Kathy Hannemann, Educational Consultant, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education
• Ron Huxley, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist