Every month Foster & Kinship Care Education (FKCE) through VCCCD offers free training opportunities throughout the County.  From workshops discussing specific topics (like picky eaters) to Foster Parent Networking;  all are welcome to attend.   However, first priority is given to Foster Parents and Kinship Providers.   You can visit our Calendar for descriptions, times and locations of upcoming workshops.  Or you can download the PDF here.  Pre-registration is required.  To enroll, fax or mail the pre-registration form to your local FKCE office.  For more information, contact your local program office:

My name is “Tina” and I am now a forty year old adult who lived in an abusive home until I was 16 and finally managed to get into a caring foster family.  I know you write a monthly column to help kinship, foster and adoptive caregivers better support the children in their care.  Many children become more excited with the approach of Christmas but you might notice other reactions in an abused or otherwise traumatized child. The child might appear to be depressed, short tempered, or both. The child might struggle with insomnia at night and then have little or no energy during the day.  All of this is a normal reaction to having experienced trauma. Below I have written my own story and why this continues to be true for me.

-Tina