“More than Physical Safety: Cultivating Connection and Well-Being in MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY”
Physical safety or connection with biological family? Despite instability for young people and high burn-out in families and workers, child welfare systems continually ask this question. But what if it is the wrong question? What if changing the question changes our results?
This workshop explores MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY, a foster care framework that constructs relational support networks, i.e. Constellations, for young people and families navigating foster care. Constellations provide peer support, connection, and a sense of belonging, much like in an extended family. Here, young people and families develop resilience, heal from trauma, and develop lifelong relationships.
We will discuss the ongoing expansion of MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY in Washington State, explore core concepts of change management, and discuss what factors influence individuals’ willingness to make change(s). The workshop will include three small group breakouts to stimulate self-reflection and shared learning.