Workshop attendees will be introduced to essential concepts and culture of LGBTQIA people; how to be a resource parent to an LGBTQIA youth if your religious beliefs are in conflict; how the idea of being a public servant can guide you to provide a loving and safe home to LGBTQIA youth.

Content includes: Understanding and defining what LGBTQIA stands for and what it means to the LGBTQ population; the number of the LGBTQIA population and how that compares to genetic anomalies in the mainstream population; Identifying the overlap between typical male and female physical, emotional and sexual traits.

This class is necessary because while the general population sees 1 in 10 people are LGBTQIA, in foster care it is 1 in 5! We have twice the population, and therefore need twice the compassion and understanding. This training is full of science, vocabulary, primary and secondary sex characteristics, an in-depth look at intersex, helpful educational videos; we spend time on pronouns and transgender issues in particular.

This training fulfils: Section 8-01 (f) (1) (B) of the Written Directives for Resource Parents. Certificates will be provided to those that complete the class and registration materials.

Your Instructor:
Nick Lawrence, MA is the Director of Tools for Life, Inc a Non-Profit dedicated to helping people thrive. He is Professional Educator, Certified Life Coach, and former FKCE Program Director at Santa Rosa Junior College. He is an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Practitioner with over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood, Parent and Trauma Education. He also brings a wealth of lived experience as a Resource Parent.