Presented by Dr. Judy Osterhage, FKCE Program Director
Friday, January 16th 6:00-8:00 pm via Zoom
Register in advance for this workshop. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Substance use is a growing concern for children and teens, and youth in foster, kinship, and resource care may face additional risk factors due to trauma, stress, peer influences, and environmental exposure. Caregivers often want to help but may feel unsure about what to say, when to say it, or how to respond when a young person is experimenting or asking difficult questions. Courageous Conversations is a supportive, skill-building training designed to equip caregivers with the language, confidence, and strategies needed to have open, non-judgmental, and effective conversations about drugs, alcohol, and vaping. The focus is on strengthening connection, reducing stigma, and promoting safety and resilience.
Participants will explore:
- Current trends in youth substance use, including vaping, marijuana, alcohol, and prescription misuse
- How trauma, mental health, and social pressures influence a young person’s choices
- The importance of early, ongoing conversations—what to say at different developmental stages
- Strategies for creating safe, judgment-free dialogue that strengthens trust
- How to respond when a youth discloses experimentation or concern about peers
- Practical prevention tools, harm-reduction approaches, and safety planning
- Community resources and supports for caregivers and youth