Strategic Sharing

Credit hours:

1.50

Course Summary

Children and youth who have experienced foster care have powerful stories. Knowing how to share those stories to maximize impact is essential. For the young person in care, knowing how to strategically navigate through tough topics surrounding foster care can influence others in a positive way, without making themselves or others feel uncomfortable. In this course learn how you, as a supportive adult, can help ensure the safety of a young person and gain access to tools developed to help prepare and support a young person sharing their personal story.

In this course, you can expect to learn:

How to help reframe foster care experience as expertise
How to support and guide youth to safely tell stories by retaining boundaries
Possible reasons one might decide to share a personal story

Step 1

Review this Strategic Sharing Guide developed by Casey Family Programs and Foster Care Alumni of America, and learn why strategic sharing is important, the reasons for sharing personal experiences, and gain skills you can use to develop and nurture the strategic sharing philosophy for yourself and those in your care.

Step 2

Review this Strategic Sharing Tool developed by The National Resource Center for Youth Development in collaboration with FosterClub, and discuss it with youth in your care. This tool will help begin a discussion regarding their story, recognizing that it is precious and hard earned and the importance of protecting themselves.

Step 3

Review this blog ”Why is Strategic Sharing Important to Me?” written by Royce Markley. This Oregon FosterClub Lived Experience Leader writes how learning about strategic sharing has helped develop his skills as a professional and how it impacts the work he is doing today.

Step 4

Join the discussion in the comments below to answer the following question:

How will you talk to young people entering your home about strategic sharing?

Step 5

Finished the module? If you are logged in as a subscribed user, take the quiz to earn your Continuing Education Credit hours and certificate!

Course Discussion

3 days 12 hours ago

justinandjenn100 said:

I always like to remember I have 2 ears and one mouth.

3 months 2 days ago

George Jackson said:

A child should never feel pressure in sharing their experiences

4 months 2 weeks ago

kateem02 said:

It is important to allow the child to share his story with you (the foster family) as s/he feels comfortable. As the foster parent, don't ask direct questions, but listen respectfully when the child brings up their story. As the child becomes comfortable with you (foster family) start to teach the concepts of the sharing circle and who, why they are being asked to tell their story. Always honor the child's decision about not telling their story. The story is theirs and not meant to be shared by anyone other than the child.

4 months 3 weeks ago

kmccullough77 said:

I would guide them on all the aspects of sharing their story so they will be comfortable with what and how much to share.

7 months 2 weeks ago

Katchick said:

Just listen nd show the child you care and dont judge them. They will open up sometimes fast sometimes slowly, but if you give them the chance they will be able to heal

9 months 1 week ago

stapppj said:

Letting them know you're hear to listen when they're ready.

11 months 4 days ago

BEnove said:

Let them know that they are in a safe place and are welcome to share but they don't have to.

1 year 3 months ago

tface said:

By not forcing the child to share but rather assuring them that when they are ready, I will listen without judgment and by letting them know the other people they can trust to share with.

1 year 4 months ago

G.Brown said:

By allowing them to share when they feel comfortable

TrishWhite13 said:

We explain and give examples of who safe people are to share your story. We also practice how to share their story.

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