Compassionate Communication: Turning Conflict into Connection
Presented By: FKCE
Trainer: Anne Rodriguez
Conflict is a normal part of caregiving, but it can become especially difficult when a child or youth has experienced trauma, loss, or disrupted relationships. This training introduces practical communication strategies that help adults respond to conflict with steadiness, curiosity, and compassion.
Participants will learn to recognize signs of escalation, listen and validate without abandoning boundaries, and repair relationships after difficult interactions. Examples and guided practice will focus on common situations in foster and resource families. This training recognizes that trust takes time and a young person may not be ready to reconnect right away, so with the tools to listen and respond while maintaining clear, respectful boundaries, and tips for repair conversation after conflict, participants will learn to rebuild trust and identify next steps with their child or youth in care.
Your Instructor: Anne Rodriguez is a seasoned trainer and former Child Welfare Services social worker with over two decades of experience supporting foster youth, caregivers, and professionals. She trains statewide for agencies like California Community College Chancellor’s Office and facilitates Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE), ILP, and YESS programs. Anne’s trauma-informed approach blends professional expertise with lived understanding, empowering youth and caregivers to build healing, resilience, and connection.
CE Hours: 2
