Supporting students who have experienced foster care Professional

Supporting students who have experienced foster care: Professional Identity Development Presented by Jamie Bennett, MSW Training Specialist Center for Fostering Success Western Michigan University

Goals and Introduction • Coaching with the Fostering Success Coach Model • Promoting professional identity development – Cultural humility – Exposure gaps and skill development – Holistic Approach – Belonging and fit • Best Practices from the field

Identity What is identity? How do we develop our identity? What characterizes professional identity?

Fostering Success Coach Model

Support Recommendation #1 Practice Cultural Humility • • • Humility vs. competence Intersectionality of cultural characteristics Removes “knowing” Asks supportive adult to “learn the student” Integration – Foster care experience results in dis-integration of identity

Support Recommendation #1 Practice Cultural Humility • Research suggests that cultural humility is achieved by practicing: • Active Listening • Empathy – Perspective taking – Non-judgement • Curiosity

Exposure Gaps t n e D l l i k d. S n a e g d e l ow Kn Consistent housing Safe environment Consistent parenting Growth opportunities e v e m p lo Opportunity to fail safely Consistent schooling • Problem solving • Critical thinking • Asking for help • Coping strategies • Communication skills • Relationship skills • Identity Dev.

Exposure Gaps Foster Care Experience Failing means danger Multiple school Changes Unsafe environment/ Homelessness trauma Growth seen as dysfunction/ mental illness Multiple placements Disrupted relationships • Problem solving • Critical thinking • Asking for help • Coping strategies • Communication skills • Relationship skills • Identity Dev.

Exposure Gaps Foster Care Experience Failing means danger Multiple school Changes Unsafe environment/ Homelessness trauma Growth seen as dysfunction/ mental illness Multiple placements Disrupted relationships • Problem solving • Critical thinking • Asking for help • Coping strategies • Communication skills • Relationship skills • Identity Dev.

Support Recommendation #2: Telling doesn’t equal doing • Telling a young adult how to do something does not automatically translate to him/her doing that thing. • Creating experiences, demonstrating and observing skill addresses exposure gaps.

Identity: Who am I? Belonging and Fit • Who am I in relation to the world? – Imposter syndrome and tokenism • Who am I in relation to my relationships? – Living in two different worlds • Who am I to myself? – Moving from one socio-economic class to another

Support Recommendation #3: Normalize and Praise • Spread the word! It is NORMAL to feel like you are different, not good enough or being treated differently when transitioning from care to young adulthood • Reinforce strengths and skills – Take opportunities to reinforce strength by using effective praise • Praise statement • Name the strength • Why is this strength important for the youth’s goals?

Seven Life Domains

Support Recommendation #4: Take a Holistic Viewpoint on Professional Development • Professional Identity includes all aspects of a young adults life – Integration of all life domains

Best Practices in the Field • Career mentors – Provide real experiences in the field of interest • Transition Seminars – Target sessions that address topics such as transportation, employer provided health insurance, buying a house and car, professional dress, etc. • Exposure to various professional settings

QUESTIONS? For more information on the Fostering Success Coach Training: Jamie Bennett, MSW Jamie. bennett@wmich. edu 269 -929 -0993 Wmich. edu/fosteringsuccess/outreach/training