Presented by California CASA
In today’s world, stress is not just personal—it’s also collective, constant, and often overwhelming. For youth in foster care, daily stress is compounded by trauma histories, systemic instability, and frequent exposure to difficult topics in the media, from climate change to war and political unrest. This training will help CASA advocates engage with these realities directly and support their youth in navigating them with greater resilience, connection, and understanding. Rather than avoiding hard topics, advocates will learn how to create space for genuine conversations—conversations that can reduce isolation, foster trust, and offer co-regulation in the face of uncertainty. This session will help advocates feel more confident, grounded, and equipped in their role as consistent, supportive adults in their youth’s lives. Advocates will learn: How to recognize and validate the layered stressors youth carry, including personal trauma, placement transitions, and the weight of what’s happening in the world around them Why “disconnecting” activities (like play, humor, movement, or creative engagement) can be powerful regulation tools—and how to intentionally incorporate them into weekly visits How to open space for hard conversations without forcing them, and how to follow a youth’s lead while still offering emotional anchoring Simple, age-appropriate language and conversation starters that help normalize stress, support nervous system regulation, and build emotional literacy What it means to model calm, responsive presence, even when topics feel heavy or emotionally charged The session will also explore the difference between “fixing” and “being with,” giving advocates tools to stay present without needing to have all the answers. CASA volunteers will leave with practical approaches they can use immediately to support connection and regulation during visits, especially in times when the world feels overwhelming.

CE Hours: 1.5