DeSantises Name Local Mother Florida Hero

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases May 2, 2024October 29, 2024Bailey Hughes, Center for Child Counseling, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida Hero, Governor Ron DeSantis, The Hands and Feet

NEWS RELEASE
May 2, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

DeSantises Name Local Mother Florida Hero:
Bailey Hughes Recognized for Her Selfless Dedication in Delivering Help and Hope to Foster Children and Families

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis honored Bailey Hughes, executive director and co-founder of local nonprofit The Hands and Feet, as a Florida Hero on Friday, April 26. The DeSantises welcomed heroes from across the state of Florida to the Governor’s Residence to recognize them for their selfless contributions and for exhibiting exceptional courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Hughes was one of seventy-five Florida Heroes honored at the ceremony, including first responders, doctors, veterans, law enforcement, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, parents, and innovators who have all exhibited bravery and self-sacrifice. Also honored were members of the community who have dedicated themselves to helping others overcome adversity through nonprofit efforts, adoption and foster care, careers in education, and advocacy.

“This evening it was a privilege to recognize and personally thank each Florida Hero in attendance for their selfless dedication to their communities and our state,” said Governor DeSantis. “In Florida, we want to recognize and extoll the virtues of selflessness and service, and these 75 individuals embodied those virtues through their actions and achievements.”

Hughes is a wife, mother, and former special educator for the Palm Beach County School District. She and her husband fostered 23 children and adopted 4 of those children.

Before becoming a foster parent in 2016, Hughes was a special education elementary teacher at a Title 1 school in a self-contained Emotional Behavioral Disabilities unit. Working with some of the most vulnerable and hurting children, Hughes saw firsthand how the mental health world for children was desperately lacking. She found success in helping these children by educating herself, watching her peers, and listening to parents who found themselves in the depths of their child’s mental health struggles. She successfully was able to advocate for services, change of school or classroom placement, and assist families over her years as a teacher.

After leaving the classroom in 2018 and in the midst of fostering children, Hughes still found herself advocating on a daily basis. Whether supporting a fellow foster or adoptive family in the trenches with their child, or fighting for her own children, Hughes has seen how much just being a voice for someone in a time of need can mean. She has been a part of a child’s healing from the immense trauma that can sometimes take place in a child’s life–through play therapy, psychiatric services, and community help.

Hughes joined Center for Child Counseling’s Board of Directors in 2020 to help move forward the agency’s mission of promoting positive mental health for children and families and preventing and healing the effects of adverse childhood experiences and trauma. She continues to be an integral member of the board today, often sharing her family’s personal story, including the positive, life-changing, and healing effects the Center had on her children.

In addition to witnessing the deep trauma that children within Palm Beach County face on a daily basis, Hughes also experienced the gap in resources for foster and kinship families. For instance, Hughes knows story after story of infants and children being dropped off at foster families’ doors with nothing but a soiled diaper or dirty clothes–no formula, car seat, crib, shoes…no essentials. These repeated circumstances led Hughes and her sister, Makayla Doolin, to co-found The Hands and Feet in 2021–a nonprofit organization that provides essential items to children and families so that they can know the support of a caring, loving community. The impactful agency brings a sense of comfort to a terrifying situation.

“We strive to be the hands and feet that deliver resources to the most vulnerable children and families in our community because every person should know they are loved and supported despite their circumstances. Consider us doordash for foster care–we deliver nearly everything a child entering, or at risk of entering, foster care needs to cover the gap,” stated Hughes.

The Hands and Feet started out serving Palm Beach County. Today, it also serves the Treasure Coast and Broward County–delivering items such as: clothes, shoes, socks, undergarments, school uniforms and supplies, hygiene items, formula, diapers, wipes, car seats, baby items and gear, cribs and toddler beds, beddings, comfort items, and toys. In less than three years, The Hands and Feet has served more than 5,500 children across six counties in Florida.

“We are proud tonight to share the goodness of Floridians,” said First Lady DeSantis. “We were glad to highlight the inspiring stories of first responders, community leaders, foster parents, veterans, doctors, and others.”

Hughes, along with the 74 other Florida Heroes, had her change-making story shared during a recognition ceremony and displayed throughout the Governor’s Residence.

“It was a wild night to be invited to the Governor’s mansion. What an honor!” exclaimed Hughes.

About The Hands and Feet
The Hands and Feet was established in 2021 to deliver help and hope to children and families with an open child welfare case. They deliver nearly everything a child entering, or at risk of entering, foster care needs to cover the gap–from tangible goods, like clothes, shoes, and car seats, to the kind of emotional support only people who have experienced the process can offer. The Hands and Feet acts as an immediate resource for foster families, biological parents, relative caregivers, and aged-out foster youth. For more information, visit: thehandsandfeet.org.

About Center for Child Counseling
Center for Child Counseling has been building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County since 1999. Its services focus on preventing and healing the effects of adverse experiences and toxic stress on children, promoting resiliency and healthy family, school, and community relationships. www.centerforchildcounseling.org Twitter: @ChildCounselPBC Facebook: @CenterforChildCounseling Instagram: @childcounselpbc

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GL Homes Helps Center for Child Counseling Honor Donors and Community Partners at Palm Beach Yacht Club

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases April 30, 2024October 29, 2024Center for Child Counseling, GL Homes, Palm Beach Yacht Club

April 30, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

GL Homes Helps Center for Child Counseling Honor Donors and Community Partners at Palm Beach Yacht Club

GL Homes, a community partner of Center for Child Counseling, hosted an evening celebrating the generosity of other community partners and supporters of the Palm Beach Gardens-based nonprofit on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Palm Beach Yacht Club.

Since 1999, Center for Child Counseling has been providing care for children in Palm Beach County. Chief Executive Officer Renée Layman celebrated this milestone 25th anniversary year with friends, partners, and strong advocates for children and families in the county.

“The Center for Child Counseling provides an invaluable mental health service, one that isn’t duplicated. Through play therapy, the caring team of therapists allow children to feel safe, loved, and protected. GL Homes applauds the care and compassion our most vulnerable youth receive from these dedicated professionals,” stated GL Homes Vice President of Community Relations Sarah Alsofrom.

50 guests enjoyed cocktails and food and were the first to hear about the Center’s impact on children and families in 2023 with the reveal of the agency’s annual community impact report.

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Pediatric Society Reconvenes for the First Time Since COVID to Discuss How to Integrate Mental Health into Primary Care

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases April 25, 2024October 29, 2024Center for Child Counseling, pediatric healthcare providers, pediatric integration, Renee Layman, Shannon Fox-Levine, The trauma-informed pediatric practice, trauma-informed

April 25, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Pediatric Society Reconvenes for the First Time Since COVID to Discuss How to Integrate Mental Health into Primary Care

Palm Beach Pediatric Society joins Center for Child Counseling in leading the fight in children’s mental health.

In partnership with the Palm Beach Pediatric Society, the Center for Child Counseling continued its Lead the Fight series to move forward its efforts addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma with the healthcare providers who are on the frontlines of seeing children and families. Part one of a three-part series, The Trauma-Informed Pediatric Practice: We Are the Boots on the Ground, took place April 17, 2024, at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.

Led by Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine, president of the Palm Beach Pediatric Society and medical director of Center for Child Counseling, this initial part of the series focused on how pediatric medical professionals can provide pediatric mental health integration by being trauma-informed in their primary care and subspecialty offices.

“When we look at our systems–whether it’s our schools, our legal systems, our department of juvenile justice, our medical system with our pediatricians–you are often the most trusted person in a child’s life, in a family’s life,” stated Renée Layman, president and CEO of Center for Child Counseling, in her opening address to the more than 80 pediatric healthcare providers and community partners in attendance.

Fox-Levine emphasized that as often the person a parent or family turns to when in crisis, the primary care and subspecialty pediatric providers should be armed with the tools to identify mental health risks. Since physical health and mental health cannot be separated, pediatric medical professionals are at the forefront of the youth mental health crisis. She discussed the impact of childhood trauma into adulthood: from depression, higher risk of suicide, incarceration to the risks of cancer, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases.

“We protect kids, that’s our mission, preventative care to keep them healthy, to keep them from getting those illnesses, like polio. So, we really need to think of that as we leave here tonight…setting that mission for all of us is to think of it more of those effects of trauma on children, what that looks like for that adult. And what the impact of finding those kids now through our recommended screening processes will do for those same adults in the future,” said Fox-Levine.

The presentation provided the practical strategies and toolkit of resources necessary for the healthcare providers to address children’s mental health needs–screening early and connecting children and families to the appropriate care and support offered in Palm Beach County.

Center for Child Counseling team members–Mackenzie Halley, director of the pediatric integration program, and Jibby Ciric, senior director of strategic impact–provided an overview of adverse childhood experiences and adverse community experiences and how to create a trauma-informed community to support a child’s development and to recognize and stop childhood trauma.

This event marked the first time in more than four years that the Palm Beach Pediatric society convened. The primary pediatric providers had the opportunity to talk to each other about the mental health crisis that all pediatricians are seeing and offer each other peer support.

In 2015, Center for Child Counseling launched Fighting ACEs to build awareness and action to mitigate the impact of ACEs and build well-being through Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). In conjunction with Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2017, the Center developed ‘Lead the Fight’ in 2016 to bring awareness to system leaders around fighting childhood adversity with advocacy and action. Since that time, the agency has educated tens of thousands of parents, professionals, and systems leaders.

Partnership sponsors who are leading the fight in making these important conversations and educational series possible include: BeWellPBC, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County; Florida Association for Infant Mental Health; Hanley Foundation, Palm Beach Pediatrics, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County, Mead Johnson/Enfamil, and Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley.

CFCC’s Fighting ACEs initiative to build trauma-informed communities is made possible with the generous support of Quantum Foundation, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and private donors.

CFCC’s pediatric integration program is made possible thanks to the support of Quantum Foundation, The Frederick DeLuca Foundation, and Palm Beach County Community Services Department.

Part 2 of the Lead the Fight 2024 series, The Superheroes Have Arrived, will take place on August 28. The event focus will be on how Palm Beach County Schools are helping students in mental health crisis with the CAPE Team and other mental health services.

Part 3, Positivity Will Give HOPE for Our Future, is scheduled for December 4, and will feature understanding the effect of Positive Childhood Experiences on countering the long-term possible effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences.

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Strengthen Families and Prevent Child Abuse

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases April 1, 2024October 29, 2024ACEs, Center for Child Counseling, child abuse prevention, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, PCEs

April 1, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Strengthen Families and Prevent Child Abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This initiative is rooted in communities working together to serve children and their families in meaningful, impactful ways that provide families with the support they need, especially during challenging times.

According to the latest national data, an estimated 1,990 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States in 2022. Approximately 3.1 million children across the country received either an investigation or an alternative response by child protective services, and 558,899 children were found to be victims of child maltreatment.

Local nonprofit Center for Child Counseling supports thousands of children each year in preventing and healing the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. In 2023, 80% of the Center’s clients reported having at least one ACE and 34% of clients had four or more ACEs. Adults with four or more ACEs: have a 1200% increased risk of suicide; are two times more likely to smoke, develop heart disease, or cancer; are seven times more likely to abuse alcohol. Early intervention is imperative because childhood trauma is not something a child simply outgrows; it must be addressed with positive factors such as buffering relationships, resiliency building experiences, and positive community environments.

This month and throughout the year, Center for Child Counseling encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Palm Beach County a better place for children and families. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can significantly mitigate the impact of ACEs and childhood trauma. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities.

Last year, 92% of the Center’s clients reported cultivating eight or more protective factors. Protective factors are the strengths and resources families draw on during difficult times to shield them from life’s stresses. Research shows that when parents possess protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete supports.

“Preventing child abuse necessitates reframing childhood adversity as a public issue, a preventable issue, and a solvable issue. It beckons us to recognize that we all have a stake in the well-being of our children–that their future is our collective responsibility. To make it a public issue is to underscore that child abuse knows no boundaries, affecting families from all walks of life. It demands that we advocate for policies that foster family well-being–policies that ensure access to good jobs, safe neighborhoods, consistent healthcare, and quality education for every family,” stated Renée Layman, CEO of Center for Child Counseling.

The Center provides a safe space for children and families to receive counseling and support for mental health concerns. The organization also has six clinical programs, developed to fill critical gaps in Palm Beach County’s system of care, and is recognized as South Florida’s premier organization tackling the impact of ACEs and childhood trauma. Using a public health framework, the Center mitigates mental health concerns through prevention and early intervention–including providing education around the state, nation, and world about ACEs.

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and resources, visit centerforchildcounseling.org.

Interview availability:
Renée Layman, LMHC, Chief Executive Officer of Center for Child Counseling

Resources:

Resources to support families’ well-being: centerforchildcounseling.org/parentresources
Sexual abuse prevention education for schools and camps: bekidsafe.org
ACEs White Paper

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Mix & Mingle Drives Change for Kids

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases March 26, 2024October 29, 2024Center for Child Counseling, children's mental health, Circle of Giving, data dashboard, data-to-action framework, Jeff Petrone, Jodie Petrone, Renee Layman

March 26, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Mix & Mingle Drives Change for Kids
Community members gather to learn how Center for Child Counseling is using data to drive action for kids’ mental health and safety.

Founding members of Center for Child Counseling (CFCC)’s Circle of Giving, Jeff and Jodie Petrone, hosted a mix and mingle event at their Jupiter home on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Around 40 attendees, community members and founding members of the Circle of Giving, gathered to hear about the innovative ways CFCC is meeting the needs of children’s mental health and safety in Palm Beach County.

Mr. Petrone, treasurer and secretary of the board of directors and a founding member of the Circle, and Renée Layman, president and CEO of CFCC, spoke about the public health approach that the Palm Beach Gardens-nonprofit is taking to fighting adverse childhood experiences and explained the agency’s vision for the near future of how to better serve children.

Attendees heard about the change-making data dashboard that CFCC has recently built. Populated with data from the 7,000 children served every year by the agency, the system shows exactly where children are located within the county with the various issues they are facing. This geo mapping is driving their vision to: create a mobile unit–built with an education center and therapy center–to take directly to the areas in the community where children are most affected by trauma and need services; and develop an emergency fund to ensure all children receive the help they need.

“If we can save people when they’re young, we can build resilience in their brains…It’s amazing to see how brains look who have been subjected to trauma versus those who have had resilience and positive influences in their life, and it literally changes the chemistry inside the brain. It’s phenomenal and that’s how we heal,” stated Petrone.

Layman explained that CFCC’s public health approach is a framework of prevention, early intervention, and treatment. Typically the mental health model is one of treatment which includes an assessment, diagnosis, and then treatment plan.

“But we know that you don’t have to diagnose a child with a mental health disorder before you do something,” Layman passionately stated.

Thanks to the support of the founding members of the Circle of Giving, CFCC took their vision of the data dashboard to encompass their public health approach and tackle the issue. Through data mapping, they can now look at what the presenting issues are, look at where the need is, and can design services to target the need.

“Being able to design services based on the need rather than guessing what the need may be is so powerful,” added Layman.

Prior to implementing this public health approach with the data dashboard, Center for Child Counseling had 865 kids on the waitlist. Within two weeks, the waitlist dropped dramatically to 350 kids.

Using this data-to-action framework, they are looking at data in real time and immediately triaging kids to care based on what each child needs. Layman gave the example of being able to reach out to parents via email or text and say, “we see your six year old along with 35 other six year olds in your zip code are presenting this issue. We’ve designed this service for you. Are you interested in engaging in it?”

To ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, she also shared her vision for an emergency fund: “No funder will ever tell us ‘no’ and that because of these guidelines you can not treat a child. We want an emergency fund so that we are never told no.”

And with respect to the mobile unit, Layman added, “We want to be integrated in the communities we serve. When parents can’t come to us, we want to be able to go to them. We want to build communities’ capacity.”

Jodie Petrone finished the presentation by sharing their personal story as adoptive and foster parents and how Center for Child Counseling and its services has carried their family through the challenges. She called on attendees to join her and her husband in making an impact in the lives of children by joining the Circle of Giving.

CFCC launched its Circle of Giving, chaired by Melissa Haley, in November 2023 to drive action and change. The goal is to make lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities impacted by adverse childhood experiences and trauma. It aims to take action and drive advocacy toward a brighter future by forming a circle of love, protection, and healing around our community’s children.

The founding members of the Circle of Giving include: The Abby and Matt Baker Family, Laura Bessinger-Morse, Nancy Feiwel, Melissa Haley, Bailey Hughes, Sharika Kellogg, Lisa LaFrance, Sam and Karry Meshberg, Ann Polya, Jeff and Jodie Petrone, Vicki Price, Lisa Russo, Jacquie Stephens, Karen Young.

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Jibby Ciric Appointed as Senior Director, Strategic Impact of Center for Child Counseling

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases March 25, 2024October 29, 2024Center for Child Counseling, Child and family mental health services, community partners of south florida, Jibby Ciric, Senior Director Strategic Impact

March 25, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Jibby Ciric Appointed as Senior Director, Strategic Impact of Center for Child Counseling

Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) announces Ljubica “Jibby” Ciric, PsyD. joins as senior director, strategic impact to play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic direction of the Palm Beach County-based nonprofit, including a focus on organizational and program development, expansion, and funding.

“We are thrilled to have Jibby join our dynamic staff as a member of our senior leadership team. Jibby is a visionary thinker who will be instrumental in helping us identify, plan, and oversee key initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and long-term success. She will help further our important work in supporting children and families with the prevention and healing of adverse childhood experiences and trauma,” stated Renée Layman, chief executive officer of Center for Child Counseling.

In her new role, Ciric oversees internal and external initiatives to achieve the goal of increasing CFCC’s sphere of influence and impact in the communities served, including enhancing the public health approach and trauma-informed equity lens.

“With CFCC’s long-standing reputation and passion for the community, I feel fortunate to be part of the mission and vision of such an amazing group of individuals. Working alongside professionals I admire and aspire to be, along with my own experience and skill set, I believe that together we can make a significant impact on children and families in our community,” commented Ciric.

Ciric’s work and educational background reflect her passion to bring healing to others and promote both individual health and community welfare. Ciric most recently served as vice president of Child and Family Mental Health Services where she oversaw Community Partners of South Florida clinical programs. Previously, she was a mental health professional at a correctional facility and an intervention therapist for victims of natural disasters. Ciric also educated and trained mental health professionals entering the field and created and managed innovative programs related to inclusion of the most at-risk communities in Palm Beach County. Ciric has completed her bachelors in public health, masters in mental health counseling, and doctorate in psychology.

Her work extends beyond the local community and country. Ciric spent time in Europe working on after-war relief in former Yugoslavia. She also held seminars in Europe, including education on the effects of trauma on socio-emotional, neurological, and physical development.

“I believe that my past experience combined with my education in public health and mental health, along with my passion for community stability, will allow me to contribute to what has already admirably been created by CFCC’s leadership. I look forward to leaving a meaningful footprint by supporting our community through education, prevention, intervention, and increased partnerships,” added Ciric.

Identifying & Addressing Suicide: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org March 23, 2024June 17, 2025awayofbeing, Center for Child Counseling, resilience, trauma, trauma-informed

FREE Online, On-Demand Workshop

Suicide is an emotional, overwhelming, and most times scary topic to discuss with anyone, let alone a child.

You, as a parent or caregiver, may be worried about what to do, what to say and whether your efforts are improving the situation or not. It may also seem overwhelming as to how to address the situation, helpful responses and where to look for support and resources. Suicidal ideation or suicide attempts are serious and should never be taken lightly – especially considering there may be a life at risk.

Join us for this free, 45-minute training as we review information that can assist you in early detection, prevention, and intervention as well as ways to be involved and buffer the risk factors against suicide.

Workshop Objectives:

Know and understand the risk factors and warning signs of suicidal ideation and/or a suicide crisis
Learn easy to implement action steps and techniques to respond to a child expressing suicidal ideation
Review a script for responding to a child experiencing a suicidal crisis
Learn how to utilize a suicide safety plan (downloadable/printable plan sheet)
Receive information regarding local and nationwide crisis resources and support

January 1 @ 8:00 am – December 31 @ 5:00 pm

In the Aftermath of a School Shooting: Ways to Help Children Cope

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org March 23, 2024June 17, 2025awayofbeing, Center for Child Counseling, resilience, trauma

FREE Online, On-Demand Workshop

Trying to make sense of the horror that is a school shooting feels difficult to comprehend or put into words.

Take this 65-minute workshop to learn how to cope and address this topic with children.

Attempting to explain it to young children and provide the assurances that they need, seems overwhelming and challenging. Moreover, how can you explain such a horrific event to your children and provide them with the reassurances and support that they need, when you are having a difficult time understanding and making sense of the event yourself?

Workshop Objectives:

Reasons for and how to initiate conversations with children about school shootings.
Helping children process the information and cope.
Managing our own worries and fears as parents/caregivers.

January 1 @ 8:00 am – December 31 @ 5:00 pm

A Way of Being with Children: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Building Resilience

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org March 23, 2024June 17, 2025awayofbeing, Center for Child Counseling, earlychildhood, resilience, trauma, trauma-informed

Virtual, On-Demand Workshop

A Way of Being with Children: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Building Resilience is based on Center for Child Counseling’s manual and reflects over twenty years of experience working with children, combining the science of brain development, child development, and actual practice to enhance positive child-caregiver relationships and resilience.

Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or a caregiver, this approach is an effective way to interact with the children in your life, providing information and skills to promote positive behaviors and relationships.

If you are a parent, teacher, or professional in Palm Beach County, A Way of Being with Children is FREE for you! Use the promo code: AWOBPBC. Your registration for this 5.5 hour online, on-demand training includes a copy of the 86-page manual!

$250

January 1 @ 8:00 am – December 31 @ 5:00 pm

What is the “A Way of Being with Children” Training?

This training is based on our manual: A Way of Being with Children: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Building Resilience.
Published over sixteen years ago, the manual is based on over twenty years of experience working with children, incorporating the expertise of dozens of mental health and early childhood professionals..
The training contains vital information about childhood development, how children think and grow, and skills to promote positive behaviors and resilience. A Way of Being with Children forms the basis of all our work at Center for Child Counseling. It is a research-based, trauma-informed approach to ‘being’ with children.

What Teachers, Parents, and Caregivers Will Gain From this Training

Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or other adult caregiver, A Way of Being is an effective approach that will give you essential information, strategies, and skills to enhance your interactions with children.
It’s full of practical advice and it’s an approach that works.
A Way of Being with Children is going to help you build better, deeper connections with the children in your life!

Learning Objectives Include:

Understanding the importance of attitude in relationships,
Understanding the impact of suspending judgement,
Understanding the importance of a positive caregiver-child relationship,
Increased ability to recognize trauma’s impact on development,
Increased knowledge of stages of development,
Increased knowledge in the importance of adult-child relationship and brain development,
The importance of play in children’s development,
The impact of racism and discrimination on children,
Understanding of skills and themes in play therapy,
How to effectively use reflective listening with children,
The difference between encouragement and praise, and
Strategies in managing problematic behaviors in children.

A special thank you to the Florida Blue Foundation, Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, and Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County for supporting this training for parents, teachers, and caregivers in Palm Beach County.

Center for Child Counseling is approved through the Florida Board of Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists, and Licensed Mental Health Providers #50-11511.

Ways to Talk to Children about Grief

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org March 20, 2024June 17, 2025awayofbeing, Center for Child Counseling, earlychildhood, resilience, trauma-informed

FREE Online, On-Demand Workshop

Grief is the intense emotional reaction and distress in response to loss, usually associated with death.

However, grief can encompass significantly more experiences than just death – separation or the ending of a close relationship, can also bring about elements of grief.

A very natural process, and often a significant part of processing and moving beyond the pain and suffering to create new direction and a shift in daily life.

Grief, however, often brings many uncomfortable emotions which most of us find difficult to experience and express.

The thought of having to explain grief to a child, can leave us feeling us feeling uncertain as to how to approach the subject and ways to do so in a sensitive manner to avoid causing unnecessary distress for the child.

This 80-minute workshop is FREE. Take this online, on-demand workshop to learn how to address grief with children and ways to help them cope.

Ways to Talk to Child about Grief offers practical advice and strategies to approach this difficult conversation. In this workshop, you will learn:

- * What grief is and how children grieve,

- * Developmental stages and the impact on grief,

- * Parent regulation and ways to encourage self-expression, and

- * How to prepare for the conversation about grief.

Visit our Ways to Talk to Children page for resources and information on addressing other tough topics with children and teens, including sexual abuse, school shootings, war, and divorce.

Please note: This is an online workshop that can be taken at your convenience. Once registered, you will have 24/7 on-demand access for 30 days.

DeSantises Name Local Mother Florida Hero: Bailey Hughes Recognized for Her Selfless Dedication in Delivering Help and Hope to Foster Children and Families

January 1 @ 8:00 am – December 31 @ 5:00 pm

January 1 @ 8:00 am – December 31 @ 5:00 pm

January 1 @ 8:00 am – December 31 @ 5:00 pm

January 1 @ 8:00 am – December 31 @ 5:00 pm

DeSantises Name Local Mother Florida Hero:
Bailey Hughes Recognized for Her Selfless Dedication in Delivering Help and Hope to Foster Children and Families