Originially publish by The Alpena News

Registration is open for a free six-week training in Alpena that will provide the National Child Traumatic Stress Network curriculum, “Caring for Children Who have Experienced Trauma.” Classes are Thursdays at 6 p.m. beginning Jan. 24 and will be held at First Presbyterian Church social hall.

The training is appropriate for birth, foster and adoptive parents as well as kinship caregivers, childcare providers, people in ministry, educators, and anyone who works or volunteers with children and families.

The course explores the biological and behavioral impact of trauma on children and suggests ways to use a trauma-informed perspective to care for or work with children who have experienced trauma. The first three classes cover trauma basics and offer a certificate for six contact hours. Topics include Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences, Trauma 101, and Understanding Trauma’s Effects.

The remaining three classes cover putting trauma knowledge into action, and participants will earn a second certificate for six contact hours. Topics include Building a Safe Place; Dealing with Feelings and Behaviors; and Connections, Healing, and Advocacy. The first three sessions are required to attend the last three.

Trainers are Carlene Przykucki and Mary Schalk of Partners In Prevention and Meg Nisbet of Hope Shores Alliance. They are members of the Statewide Children’s Trauma Initiative and have presented the course since 2014. This one is Cohort 11.

“The course is popular and free of charge to area residents because we work to obtain grants and contracts from several sources,” Przykucki said. “Participants have consistently given the highest ratings on feedback criteria for the value of the course and its materials.”

Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health (CMH) is funding the upcoming course, for which registration is required by Jan. 21. Call 989-356-2880 or 1-800-354-2880.