Vol. 18, No. 1 • November 2013

Videos Explore Shared Parenting,
Trauma and Behavior

There's an exciting, free, and helpful new resource for child-placing agencies and foster/adoptive parents--a series of short, down-to-earth interviews on topics related to children and families involved with the child welfare system. Parts of the series of particular interest to foster parents, relative caregivers, and child welfare professionals include:

Trauma and Child Behavior. UNC-CH faculty member Laura Phipps, a behavior coach and an expert in behavior management, describes the effect of trauma on the brain, explores why traditional parenting approaches often don't solve the behavior problems of children with a history of trauma, and offers suggestions and encouragement for parents and caregivers.

Part 1: How Trauma Affects the Brain
Part 2: Why a "Cookbook Approach" Doesn't Work
Part 3: The Importance of Relationship
Part 4: Advice for Struggling Caregivers

There is also a study/discussion guide to help groups and individuals get the most out of these videos.

Shared Parenting. Donna Foster, a trainer and former foster parent, defines shared parenting, suggests ways to overcome common barriers, and offers shared parenting advice for foster parents.

Part 1: What is Shared Parenting?
Part 2: Overcoming Common Barriers
Part 3: Advice for Foster Parents

This interview series is produced by the Family and Children's Resource Program, part of the Jordan Institute for Families at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work. It can be found at: http://fcrp.unc.edu/videos.asp.