TBRI® 5-Week Class Overview
This 5-week class, hosted by Fostering Hope, offers a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach to caring for youth in foster and adoptive families using Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®). Each session builds on the previous one, providing practical tools and strategies to help caregivers connect, empower, and correct in ways that promote healing, trust, and positive relationships.
Week 1: Introduction & Overview
The first week introduces the core principles of TBRI®, explaining how trauma affects the brain and behavior. Participants will learn the foundational philosophy behind TBRI® and how understanding a child’s past experiences can shape the way caregivers respond. This session sets the stage for the rest of the course, ensuring participants are equipped with a clear understanding of how TBRI® can transform their caregiving approach.
Week 2: Connecting
In this session, we focus on the importance of building trust and connection with children and teens who have experienced trauma. Participants will learn the significance of relational strategies that promote safety, empathy, and understanding. Techniques such as non-verbal communication, attunement, and consistency will be explored to help caregivers foster stronger bonds with their youth.
Week 3: Empowering
Empowerment is key to helping children feel safe, valued, and capable. This week, we explore strategies for meeting the physiological, emotional, and relational needs of youth. Participants will learn how to help children regulate their emotions and behavior through structure, predictability, and autonomy-building techniques. Empowerment encourages children to feel competent and in control, contributing to healthier behaviors and self-esteem.
Week 4: Correcting
This week addresses discipline and correction within a trauma-informed framework. Traditional methods of punishment are replaced with corrective strategies that promote learning and growth rather than shame or fear. We will dive into ways to guide children through mistakes while maintaining empathy, respect, and consistency. Effective correction techniques that support behavior change and emotional healing will be emphasized.
Week 5: Application/Teens
The final week focuses on applying the principles learned to real-life scenarios, with a specific focus on teens. Participants will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working with adolescents in foster and adoptive settings. This session will give caregivers tools to build deeper connections with teens, address common issues, and encourage positive outcomes during the transition into adulthood. We will discuss how TBRI® can be integrated into everyday life for sustainable, long-term success.
Conclusion
By the end of the 5-week course, participants will be equipped with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to implement TBRI® principles in their homes and relationships with youth. This class will empower caregivers to create healing environments that support both emotional and behavioral growth in foster and adopted youth.
