Steps to Complete Training: 

 

1. Read some helpful tips below to assist you while you are providing childcare.

2. Watch two videos about trauma.

3. Answer all questions on the quiz. 

4. Read the Child Protection Guidelines thoroughly.

A confirmation email will be sent to you once the training is complete with a copy of the Child Protection Guidelines. 

 

Thank you for volunteering your time to work with these wonderful kids!

Many of the children we serve have been through so much in their young lives and they have been affected by trauma, which presents itself in many different ways.

Alicia's Closet team members will always try to provide any necessary context and background, which will help to understand certain behaviors or triggers.  

Below are a few helpful tips to remember when interacting with the children:

-Please engage/connect with the children by playing with them, interacting through games, drawing with them, having conversations, etc. at their comfort level. Relationships are built through connection, please do not be afraid to take the initiative to interact with the children rather than just "supervising". 

- If in separate rooms according to age, keeping siblings together may be necessary to avoid feelings of fear or separation anxiety. This will be especially true for children newly entered into foster care. 

-Using a calm, soothing voice when speaking will be helpful.

-For a child who is having a hard time separating from their caregiver or engaging in activities, oftentimes giving them a task or “job” will help them feel more comfortable.

-Consistently reassuring a child their caregiver is going to return is always helpful. 

-Using any kind of “distraction” can be helpful. For example, “Mary” is becoming increasingly upset during drop-off. Distracting her by decorating her name tag or asking her to help you with a job will take her mind off her anxiety of separating from her caregiver. If staffing allows, taking a child who is struggling on a short walk is a good idea as well.  
 
Please keep in mind that sometimes the children we care for may do things that seem to make no sense or are emotional without an obvious reason. This is all very “normal” within the vulnerable children population. It will be important to remember that this is meant to be a fun, stress-free time for the children, and anything you can do to help them feel comfortable and at ease will be beneficial. 

We appreciate your willingness to care for these children, and in turn, support their caregivers! 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Maya Ward, Alicia's Closet Founder/Executive Director, at maya@aliciascloset.org.

The following videos help to explain trauma, how it affects the brain (and in turn, children's behaviors), and how to help them. This information will assist you in better understanding the needs of the children we serve, and to remind you that the love & care you provide will make an impact.

(**Please watch both videos in their entirety, then answer the quiz questions on the following page**)

TBRI/Toxic Stress on the Brain (3:37)

TBRI - An Overview, Putting the Pieces Together (37:28)

Thank you!

 

Please contact Maya Ward, maya@aliciascloset.org, with questions. 

 

 

Objectives:
 
* To provide a documented safe and secure environment for children           who are entrusted to your care.
 
* To reduce legal risk and liability exposure.
 

Alicia's Closet staff and volunteers will abide by the following Child            Protection Guidelines:

 
1. All adults and youth who work with minors must be screened and undergo a criminal background check prior to beginning work.

(**NOTE: If you already hold a current background check from your place of employment or other volunteer roles, please be sure to inform us of this so that we may verify this information. Otherwise, please contact maya@aliciascloset.org to schedule a background check provided by Alicia's Closet**) 
 
2. Adults who have been convicted of either sexual or physical abuse of children/youth or those who have a history of inappropriate conduct with children shall not volunteer service in any Alicia’s Closet  sponsored activity or program for minors.
 
3. Volunteers who work with children and youth shall observe the “two-person rule” at ALL times. The “two-person rule” requires that volunteers shall make every reasonable effort to avoid situations where a volunteer worker is alone with children or youth without a partner.
 
4. In the event of suspected, reported or discovered child abuse or violation of the child Protection Guidelines of Alicia’s Closet, the volunteer shall immediately notify the Executive Director of Alicia’s Closet. In the event of suspected, reported or discovered child abuse or neglect, an employee or volunteer will also immediately make a report to the local child protection service or law enforcement agency (855-O-H-CHILD).
 
Alicia’s Closet will have the responsibility to implement and enforce these guidelines and procedures, including the training of volunteers, maintaining confidential records, and implementing the screening process.

______________________________
 
Alicia's Closet Child Protection Guidelines Checklist for Volunteers:
 
o   Completed volunteer application.
 
o   Stressed importance of having a witness present when working with children one-on-one (alternative: use open areas, leave doors open).
 
o   Given copy of instructions for handling child abuse cases.
 
o   Completed a criminal background check. 

(** Reminder: If you already hold a current background check completed elsewhere, please be sure to inform us of this so that we may verify. Otherwise, please contact maya@aliciascloset.org to schedule a background check provided by Alicia's Closet **)  

By signing below, I hereby acknowledge that I have completed all required steps (listed below) to complete the Trauma Informed Care Training:

-Read the Childcare Team Tips

-Watched "TBRI/Toxic Stress & The Brain", and "TBRI An Overview, Putting the Pieces Together"

-Completed the quiz 

-Reviewed the Child Protection Guidelines thoroughly