Tuesday September 12, at 6: 00 pm
Wednesday September 13, at 6:30 pm
Thursday September 21, at 12:00 pm
Thursday September 28 at 6:00 pm

Cost: Free
Registration: https://familysmart.ca/monthly-events/

Dawn Schell from the University of Victoria,

Melissa Feddersen from the University of British Columbia Okanagan

Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience; as they discuss strategies and points to consider as your youth embarks on this transition.

Here to Help BC

Wellbeing

Lifeguard App for overdose monitoring

Brave app for overdose detection

Drug Cocktails 

Government of BC - Youth substance use beds in B.C.

Gone too Soon: Navigating grief and loss as a result of substance use (PDF). 
Note: This resource is best suited for older youth and adults

Learning through Loss: Resources for Grieving for Youth and Community

BC Bereavement Helpline

BC Children’s Hospital - Grief and Loss

Lastly, both injectable and intranasal formulations of naloxone are available for purchase. BC schools may be eligible to purchase injectable naloxone kits through the Production Distribution Centre Customer Service Department: pdccustomerser@gov.bc.ca or 604-927-2000. Intranasal naloxone kits can be purchased from a local community pharmacy.

1.  Understanding (September 28  3:15-5:00)

This workshop focuses on understanding through accessible, foundation information on the potential impact of early adverse events including interpersonal neurobiology. The links to affect regulation, learning and social engagement will also be featured in order for educators to intervene and support children effectively. The need for flexibility in accommodating students in compassionate learning environments through understanding of students‘ specific environments and contexts will be emphasized. Local knowledge is incorporated in the broader understanding of the effects of adversity on child development and possible interventions.

2.  Relationship   (October 12  3:15-5:00)

This workshop presentation focuses on the importance of relationship in motivating, developing and sustaining students‘ engagement in learning, no matter what the adversity is or has been. Relationship is a foundational element to the Framework. In order to form and then maintain supportive relationships and help co-regulate students from adversity who may be struggling with regulation, educator and staff wellness becomes an essential component to the framework. Within this Framework, ideas for increasing well-being for students and educators in sustaining practice are included as components to trauma-informed practice.

3.  Connection (October 26 3:15-5:00)

The need for connection is another element of the Framework, with schools and educators supported in finding ways to engage with families in meaningful ways through knowledge and resource sharing. This workshop presentation highlights that local resources found through community connection are required to broaden the positive experiences of students who have experienced adverse events. Educators‘ facilitation of community-based mentorships often brings positive, life-altering implications for students. Cultural connection through family and community involvement with schools is of critical importance in working with a trauma-informed lens, emphasizing identity and the power of healing found in various worldviews. (Note that when talking about family, children and youth in care may refer to “family privilege” perpetuated by those who don‘t share or understand their precarious or absent family experience.) The connection between educators and districts through interactive trauma-informed resource sharing increases understanding and capacity in supporting students who have experienced adverse events.

4.  Capacity (November 16 3:15-5:00)

This presentation on increasing capacity envisions a strength-based approach. Behaviours are reframed into understanding coping, providing educators with the opportunity to help students develop alternative coping to increase safety so students can learn. The element of capacity guides the compilation of resources intended to help educators better support students who experience adverse events, and in supporting these students, educators may better support all students.