Trauma Competent Children's Ministry
Deepen your ability to create safe and loving environments for ALL kids
Why do some kids have the behavioral and emotional challenges they do? How can we ensure our ministries are structured to be inclusive of all kids - including those who come from a background of trauma? What do our teams need to be developed in so that kids don’t only feel safe and loved, but KNOW they are safe and loved?
It’s one thing for us to be attentive and compassionate, but it’s another thing entirely for us to be competently compassionate.
The purpose of the Trauma Competent Children's Ministry Leadership course is to equip children's and family ministry leaders in key areas of trauma competency for children’s ministry. This course is designed to deepen the leader’s understanding of trauma, the impact it has on the child, family dynamics, behavioral manifestation of trauma, and creating environments that lead children toward health.
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Dr. Chris Corbett
Dr. Chris Corbett leads the Children, Youth and Family Ministries degree at Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. She is passionate about training leaders and equipping others to minister to kids and their families. Chris travels, speaking at conferences and retreats, and serves as a writer for the My Healthy Church Kids’ blog. In her spare time, she loves running, reading, and hanging out at Disney.
Kim Botto
Kim is a Trauma Competent Caregiving Trainer and Certified Trauma Practitioner-Education, has a Masters in Family Ministry and has served in and led kids ministry in the local church for many many years. Kim leads the kids and student teams and the adoption and foster care ministry at Crossroads Church, with sites in Ohio and Kentucky. As an adoptive mom, she knows the joys and challenges from a parent's perspective, as well as from those supporting families caring for vulnerable kids. Kim's passion is helping others build teams who create fun, safe and welcoming environments for all kids (especially the challenging ones), families and volunteers to experience God and grow in their faith.
Ryan and Kayla North
Ryan and Kayla North have 6 children, 4 adopted from foster care. They are co-founders of One Big Happy Home and are considered experts on childhood trauma. Kayla is a Trauma-Competent Caregiver and the Executive Directory of Tapestry, a non-profit that supports and equips local churches and families with the tools and resources needed to help the families they serve. Ryan leads One Big Happy Home and serves as the President of Tapestry. The Norths have trained and mentored hundreds of ministry leaders and trainers in the United States and Canada. They are both TBRI Practitioners and speak at churches, conferences, and retreats nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
COURSE OUTLINE AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES
MODULE #1: Introduction to Understanding Trauma
- Learning Objectives:
- Students will understand how trauma is defined and the various categories of experiences that fall under the umbrella of a traumatic experience
- Students will comprehend the current terms and data related to trauma and its prevalence in the world today.
MODULE #2: Effects of Trauma on the Child
- Learning Objectives:
- Students will comprehend the neurological impact of trauma on the developing brain.
- Students will grasp the interaction of ages/stages and trauma in the life of the child.
- Students will discover how grief manifests in children over time.
- Students will understand the impact of major trauma on children’s current relationships.
MODULE #3: Family Dynamics in Trauma Situations
- Learning Objectives:
- Students will gain a high level understanding of the various ways family dynamics can influence trauma situations for the child.
- Students will be equipped with an understanding of how to navigate tough family situations with wisdom.
MODULE #4: Trauma and Behavior: Common Responses and Helpful Tools [PART 1]
MODULE #5: Trauma and Behavior: Common Responses and Helpful Tools [PART 2]
- Learning Objectives:
- Students will grasp the common behavioral responses of children who have been impacted by trauma.
- Students will be equipped with methods that help the leader to diffuse and redirect tough behaviors toward healthy ones.
MODULE #6: Trauma Competent Children’s Ministry: Your Environment
- Learning Objectives
- Students will be equipped to evaluate their current environment for the way it helpfully includes (or does not include) children who have experienced trauma.
- Students will be given many achievable ways to create a more inclusive and helpful environment for kids who have experienced trauma.
MODULE #7: Trauma Competent Children’s Ministry: Your Team
- Learning Objectives
- Students will be equipped with strategies for how they can develop trauma competency in their volunteer team.
- Students will gain an understanding for how to recruit volunteers who will contribute to an inclusive and supportive environment for kids who have experienced trauma.
MODULE #8: Trauma Competent Children’s Ministry: Your Impact!
- Learning Objectives
- Students will be encouraged about their role in creating spaces where children who have experienced trauma can find healing and renewal through Jesus.
- Students will be given thoughtful next steps for how to continue to develop safe and supportive children’s ministries for all kids.