This training helps professionals who work with children better understand the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how trauma affects the children and families they serve. Participants will explore how experiences such as abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, substance abuse, and family instability can influence a child’s behavior, relationships, emotional regulation, and ability to trust others.

Using a trauma-informed approach, the training shifts the focus from “What is wrong with this child?” to “What happened to this child?” Through discussion and real-world examples, participants will learn practical strategies for building safety, connection, and resilience, while gaining tools to improve communication, strengthen advocacy efforts, and better support children navigating the child welfare and court systems. The goal is to empower CASA volunteers to respond with compassion and understanding to the children they serve.

Presented by Meghan Backofen, LCSW from CU Boulder Center for Resilience and Wellbeing.

Wednesday, July 8th
11:30am – 1:00pm
Virtual: Zoom