“We heard from everyone that they wish they had this information earlier. Others were saying this was one of the most informative conferences they have attended. Nearly every person we talked with said how they treasured this information and wanted to apply it in their classrooms, with their children, or in their youth groups and church ministries.” — Community Director in Bigfork, Montana “The instructors were absolutely fantastic. They are an amazing team and individuals. Best of the best. While all highly trained and credentialed individuals, none were condescending as they introduced and explored many tools so implementation can be deployed. Thank you. Just thank you.” — Adoptive Parent in Fairbanks, Alaska
ABOUT THE EMPOWERED TO CONNECT CONFERENCE
The Empowered to Connect Conference features practical teaching in a safe and supportive
community as we work to equip families, churches, and professionals to better serve children
impacted by adoption and foster care. It features Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI)
methods developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross from the Karyn Purvis Institute of
Child Development, to help bring attachment and connection in families. The content is ideal for
adoptive and foster parents, those considering adoption or foster care, and those who are
serving and supporting others, including social workers, agency professionals, church staff and
ministry leaders, counselors, and therapists.
TICKET PRICES
Early Bird (gets the worm): $25
General Admission (the rest of us): $30 Early bird pricing in effect until January 31. DISCOUNTS & SUBSIDIES If you are an active foster parent, adoptive family or staff member of a Children's Aid Society in the Hamilton area, your registration fee may be covered by your Society. Please contact us or refer to your training calendar for more information. For families involved with Hamilton CAS and Brant CAFS, please register directly through your training center. See the training calendar for more information.
General Admission (the rest of us): $30 Early bird pricing in effect until January 31. DISCOUNTS & SUBSIDIES If you are an active foster parent, adoptive family or staff member of a Children's Aid Society in the Hamilton area, your registration fee may be covered by your Society. Please contact us or refer to your training calendar for more information. For families involved with Hamilton CAS and Brant CAFS, please register directly through your training center. See the training calendar for more information.
CHILDCARE
Limited childcare is available for an additional fee. Child care is available starting at 9:45am until lunch and then re-opens 15 minutes before the afternoon sessions begin. Parents are required to pick up their children for the lunch break and also provide lunch for them. Childcare must be registered for in advance even if your individual ticket is registered through a Children's Aid Society.
AN INTRODUCTION TO TBRI®
Trust-Based Relational Intervention®: TBRI® is a holistic, attachment-based, and
trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children.
Created by Drs. Karyn Purvis and David Cross of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child
Development, TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting
Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors.
While it is based on years of attachment, trauma, and neuroscience research, the intervention
has grown out of hands-on work with children who have experienced trauma. Children from
“hard places” have changes in their bodies, brains, behaviors, and belief systems. While a
variety of parenting strategies may be successful in typical circumstances, children from hard
places need caregiving that meets their unique needs and addresses the whole child. Although
TBRI® was designed for children who have experienced some type of abuse, neglect and/or
trauma, it has proven to be effective with all children. Trust-Based Relational Intervention® can
be used in homes, residential treatment facilities, group homes, schools, courtrooms, camps,
and international orphanages. It is currently taught and utilized across 50 states and 34
countries. It is also listed on the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse Registry for Child
Welfare and is rated as being “Highly” relevant in the child welfare system.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our event team will be ready to welcome you when you arrive and will be running the event in person. The speaking sessions of the conference will be simulcast from the live event.
Registration fee includes free onsite parking, a conference workbook, coffee, tea and morning and afternoon snacks for both days.
Lunch is not provided. An hour and a half has been set aside for lunch with many restaurants available in close proximity. During the lunch break, you are also welcome to bring your lunch and stay onsite and connect with others who serve children from hard places.
CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This event may qualify for 11 hours of professional development and continuing education. The 2017 Conference was approved by the US National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Certification for 2018 is pending.
If you require proof of attendance or certification for professional development purposes, please visit here or contact us for more information and with any questions.
CONFERENCE TOPICS
Day 1
Welcome and What is TBRI
A Paradigm Shift (Parts 1 & 2)
Connecting: Attachment is Developmental
Connecting: Healing Through Relationships
What About You? Day 2 Empowering: Preparing the Body and Environment
Empowering: Meeting Sensory Needs
Correcting: Recognizing the Need Behind Behaviour (Parts 1 & 2)
Advocating for Children
Panel: Where Do I Start?
A Paradigm Shift (Parts 1 & 2)
Connecting: Attachment is Developmental
Connecting: Healing Through Relationships
What About You? Day 2 Empowering: Preparing the Body and Environment
Empowering: Meeting Sensory Needs
Correcting: Recognizing the Need Behind Behaviour (Parts 1 & 2)
Advocating for Children
Panel: Where Do I Start?