3rd Annual DCF Resource Parent Symposium

Register Now

Join us for the 3rd Annual DCF Resource Parent Symposium,where we celebrateYOU, invaluable members of our village!

This event is a testament to the power of community and your vital role within it.Throughout the day, we’ll engage in morning and afternoon breakout sessions,offering workshops tailored to enhance your skills and knowledge as resource parents.

Together, we’ll continue to build a supportive environment where everymember is inspired to thrive. Thank you for your unwavering dedicationand partnership in keeping New Jersey families safe, healthy, and connected.

Click the link above to review the schedule for the day and to register.

Date:

Saturday, April 20, 2024

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location:

DCF Professional Center

30 Van Dyke Avenue

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

We hope you can join us! Space is limited,so kindly register by April 5th, 2024.

Includes continental breakfast and lunch.

Childcare activities for 1 year-olds toteens provided byFull SpectrumTherapy Partners, who offer inclusion based behavioral health servicesto both the neurotypical and neurodivergent communities.

OR

$15 per hour provided to you for a babysitter of your choice at home.

Resource caregivers will receivecredit hoursfor attending.

If you have any questions or need to cancel for any reason, pleasereach out to the Office of Resource Families at609-888-7055or emailDCF.cppOfficeofResourceFamilies@dcf.nj.gov.

For more information, to register, or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Tasia at609.250.2249 or emailMUFSA@embrella.org.

In-Person Meeting in Middlesex County

0.5 In-Service Credit Hour

RSVP by Friday, April 19, 2024

Topic:
General Support Meeting: Normalcy

Presenter:
Tasia St. Louis, embrella Family Support Advocate
Middlesex and UnionCounties

Description:
Join us and connect with other resource parents and kinship caregivers from your area. During this meeting, we’ll have a short overview of the DCF Normalcy policy then leave the floor open for conversations and connections.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note:
Raffles and light refreshments will be offered. Pre-registration is required & space is limited. Childcare is not provided.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you!

For more information, to register, or to cancel a previous registration, please call Lazaro at 609-250-6426 or email ABCFSA@embrella.org.

In-Person Meeting in Burlington County

0.5 In-Service Credit Hour

RSVP by Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Topic:
General Support Meeting: Supporting Adolescents in Care

Presenter:
Lazaro Lugo, embrella Family Support Advocate
Atlantic, Burlington, and Cape May Counties

Description:
This meeting will have a focus on adolescents in care, their specific needs, and exploring ways to support caring for an adolescent. Caregivers interested in expanding their age preferences are encouraged to attend and meet caregivers experienced with adolescents.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note:
Light refreshments and bike and gift basket raffles will be provided. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Childcare is available and provided by CP&P staff.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you!

Webinar

Register Now

1 Credit Hour

Topic:
Understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Presenter:
Ebony Lenard, embrella Director of Scholarship Programs

Description:
This training will review the financial aid process in detail and will also include the NJ state aid process, as well as other financial aid opportunities.

Please plan to join 15 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

For more information, or to cancel a previous reservation, please contact us at Support@embrella.org.

embrella’s inaugural Power to End Adverse Childhood Experiences (P.E.A.C.E.) Initiative is a year-long series of educational workshopsand family/community engagement events for foster and adoptivecaregivers, youth, and Department of Children and Families (DCF) staff.These workshops and community events culminate with a day-longhealth and wellness P.E.A.C.E. Summit to be held on June 1, 2024.

Visit our P.E.A.C.E. Initiative page for the latest updates and information!

Topic:

What Happened to You?

Time:

11:00am – 1:00pm

Location:

Red Bank, NJ

Register Now

Description:

A workshop that provides activities and education based upon Dr. Perry and Oprah Winfrey’s book, What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing. Caregivers will participate in mindfulness activities to put into practice techniques that are intended to nourish self-empathy and understanding.

We will also explore the science behind why these techniques work to help end intergenerational adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and promote positive childhood experiences (PCEs). Each participant will receive a copy of the book, What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing, at the event.

Please note: Lunch will be provided.

Unfortunately, childcare is not available.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

For more information or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Diana at 609-250-6443 or email MSPFSA@embrella.org.

In-Person Meeting in Morris County

2 In-Service Credit Hours

RSVP by Friday, April 26, 2024

Topic:
Normalcy: Letting Kids Be Kids

Presenter:
Diana Burgos, embrella Family Support Advocate
Morris, Sussex, and Passaic Counties

Description:
Comprehend updated laws and policies which shift more decision-making to resource caregivers about children and youth in their care, in order to provide them with the opportunities and experiences all young people should have.

CP&P staff will be present to connect with you and answer questions related to Normalcy or any other questions you may have. Also, an Adoption Operations Child Specific Recruiter will be available at the meeting to go over their role of searching for forever families for the legally free children on their case load.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note: Light refreshments will be provided. Childcare will be available by CP&P staff. Pre-registration is required & space is limited.

Caregivers in attendance will be entered into raffles so you don’t want to miss this opportunity!

Please plan to join our meetings 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you!

Virtual Meeting

2.5 In-Service Credit Hours

Register Now

Topic:
Strengthening Families™: 5 Ways to Thrive

Presenter:
Travis Fuchs, embrella Family Support Advocate
Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties

Description:
Help children and their families thrive through this program by learning the five protective factors and how they help build important social and emotional life skills and buffer the effects of trauma.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note:
Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please plan to join 15 minutes prior to the meeting

For more information, or to cancel a previous reservation, please contact Travis at609.250.6421 orHMSWFSA@embrella.org.

Virtual Meeting

Register Now

Topic:
Community Resource Sharing

Presenter:
Erika Retamar, embrella Family Support Advocate
Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties

Description:
During this meeting, caregivers will have the opportunity to meet local community resource providers, connect with other caregivers, and share any services in their area they have found helpful. embrella and community providers will be available for any questions during the meeting.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note:
Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please plan to join 15 minutes prior to the meeting.

For more information, or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Erika at 609.436.0618 or email CGSFSA@embrella.org.

Virtual Meeting

Topic:Statewide 1-hour General Support Connecting Families Meeting

This meeting occurs every 2nd Thursday of the month.

Register Now

Description:This one-hour Statewide Connecting Families meeting is intended to create a space where caregivers can come share, connect, and explore experiences unique to resource and kinship caregivers. Join us for an open discussion about the topics that are most important to you, such as navigating visitation, raising teens, implementing NHA techniques, and other areas that interest you.

Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please join us at 6:45 pm as the meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.

We look forward to seeing you!

SAVE THE DATE

Virtual Meeting

Please note that dates, times, topics, and locations are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and unforeseen circumstances.The embrella calendar will be updated and registration emails with the mostup to date information will be sent closer to the event dates.

For more information, to register, or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Travis at609.250.6421 or HMSWFSA@embrella.org.

In-Person Meeting in Warren County

2 In-Service Credit Hours

RSVP by Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Topic:
Teaming with Birth Families for Success

Presenter:
Travis Fuchs, embrella Family Support Advocate
Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties

Description:
Gain skills in building positive working relationships with families and learn tips for working with reluctant families and helping children transition home.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note:
Raffles and light refreshments will be offered. Pre-registration is required & space is limited. Childcare is not provided however, for caregivers who need childcare to attend this meeting, Babysitting Reimbursement is available to you at a flat rate of $15.00 per hour per household (not per child). In order to be considered for reimbursement, please contact your Resource Worker at CP&P and let them know your need for babysitting with an explanation.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you!

For more information, to register, or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Courtney at609.250.6411 or email CFSA@embrella.org.

In-Person Meeting in Camden County

1.5 In-Service Credit Hours

RSVP by Monday, May 13, 2024

Topic:
Braid & Bond: An African American and Biracial Haircare Workshop

Presenter:
Courtney Brown, embrella Family Support Advocate
Camden County

Description:
Join us for this hands-on session with African American and natural hair care specialist Gayle Bruney. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice braiding styles while receiving guidance and tips from an expert.

This workshop is limited to one caregiver and child pair per household.Caregivers are welcome to register for 1 child or youth ages 6 and up for braiding. Please be mindful children or youth attending with their caregiver may be seated for braiding for up to an hour and a half. Caregivers that are unable to bring a child or youth are welcome to register for this workshop.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note: Raffles and light refreshments will be offered. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Childcare is not provided.

Please plan to join our meetings 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you!

embrella’s inaugural Power to End Adverse Childhood Experiences (P.E.A.C.E.) Initiative is a year-long series of educational workshopsand family/community engagement events for foster and adoptivecaregivers, youth, and Department of Children and Families (DCF) staff.These workshops and community events culminate with a day-longhealth and wellness P.E.A.C.E. Summit to be held on June 1, 2024.

Visit our P.E.A.C.E. Initiative page for the latest updates and information!

Topic: ACE Interface and Be the Change

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Location:Atlantic City, NJ

Register Now

Description:Join us for an all-day workshop that begins with a light breakfast and a three-hour ACE Interface training that will provide education on childhood adversity and the neurological, epigenetic, intergenerational, and cultural implications childhood adversity can have on adulthood.

Participants will then break for lunch before beginning a two-hour Be the Change workshop that builds on the 3-hour educational training and explains how to become a changemaker in your community using the Self-Healing Communities Capacity Building Model.

Please note: Light Breakfast and Lunch Provided. Unfortunately, childcare is not available. Pre-registration is required & space is limited.

SAVE THE DATE

In-Person Meeting in Passaic County

Topic: DCF Policies for Everyday Situations

Please note that dates, times, topics, and locations are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and unforeseen circumstances.The embrella calendar will be updated and registration emails with the mostup to date information will be sent closer to the event dates.

Virtual Meeting

Register Now

Topic:
Under One Roof: Working to Keep Siblings Together

Presenter:
Lazaro Lugo, Family Support Advocate
Atlantic, Burlington, and Cape May Counties

Description:
During this meeting, caregivers will discover the importance of sibling relationships through studying the dynamics of siblings and the additional trauma sibling separations can cause while also learning about New Jersey Siblings’ Bill of Rights legislation that was created by youth who were and are in care.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note: Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please plan to join 15 minutes prior to the meeting.

For more information, or to cancel a previous registration, please call Lazaro at 609-250-6426 or email ABCFSA@embrella.org.

Please note that dates, times, topics, and locations are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and unforeseen circumstances.The embrella calendar will be updated and registration emails with the mostup to date information will be sent closer to the event dates.

embrella’s inaugural Power to End Adverse Childhood Experiences (P.E.A.C.E.) Initiative is a year-long series of educational workshopsand family/community engagement events for foster and adoptivecaregivers, youth, and Department of Children and Families (DCF) staff.

These workshops and community events culminate with a day-longhealth and wellness P.E.A.C.E. Summit to be held on June 1, 2024.

Visit our P.E.A.C.E. Initiative page for the latest updates and information!

The P.E.A.C.E. Summit brings together children, youth, families, providers, and caregivers to create healers, leaders, and future changemakers. It is a day of trainings and hands-on workshops learning about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and creating Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) to help impact all in attendance.

Join embrella for a day of fun, food, and self-exploration! Access the most creative and innovative providers throughout New Jersey that are vested in prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences and providing Positive Childhood Experiences.

Location:

New Brunswick, NJ

Registration coming soon!

Virtual Meeting

Topic:Statewide 1-hour General Support Connecting Families Meeting

This meeting occurs every 2nd Thursday of the month.

Register Now

Description:This one-hour Statewide Connecting Families meeting is intended to create a space where caregivers can come share, connect, and explore experiences unique to resource and kinship caregivers. Join us for an open discussion about the topics that are most important to you, such as navigating visitation, raising teens, implementing NHA techniques, and other areas that interest you.

Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please join us at 6:45 pm as the meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.

We look forward to seeing you!

Virtual Meeting

1.5 In-Service Credit Hours

Register Now

Topic:
Stress Management: Don’t Let the Stress Bubble Up!

Presenter: Courtney Brown, Family Support Advocate
Camden County

Description:
Understand how too much stress can negatively affect health and gain tips on healthy stress management techniques to help you cope positively and be resilient during stressful times.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note: Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please plan to join 15 minutes prior to the meeting.

For more information or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Courtney at 609.250.6411 or email CFSA@embrella.org.

Please note that dates, times, topics, and locations are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and unforeseen circumstances.The embrella calendar will be updated and registration emails with the mostup to date information will be sent closer to the event dates.

Virtual Meeting

3 In-Service Credit Hours

Register Now
Topic:
Juvenile Addiction: What are the Odds?

Presenter:
Erika Retamar, embrella Family Support Advocate
Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties

Description:
Recognize the signs of teenage gambling, the fastest rising addiction today, and learn what you can do about it.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note:
Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please plan to join 15 minutes prior to the meeting.

For more information, or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Erika at 609.436.0618 or email CGSFSA@embrella.org.

Please note that dates, times, topics, and locations are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and unforeseen circumstances.The embrella calendar will be updated and registration emails with the mostup to date information will be sent closer to the event dates.

Virtual Meeting

3 In-Service Credit Hours

Register Now

Topic:
Juvenile Addiction: What are the Odds?

Presenter:
Diana Burgos, embrella Family Support Advocate
Morris, Sussex, and Passaic Counties

Description:
Recognize the signs of teenage gambling, the fastest rising addiction today, and learn what you can do about it.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note:
Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please plan to join 15 minutes prior to the meeting.

For more information or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Diana at 609-250-6443 or email MSPFSA@embrella.org.

Please note that dates, times, topics, and locations are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and unforeseen circumstances.The embrella calendar will be updated and registration emails with the mostup to date information will be sent closer to the event dates.

Virtual Meeting

3 In-Service Credit Hours

Register Now

Topic:
Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

Presenter:
Erika Retamar, embrella Family Support Advocate
Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties

Description:
Broaden your knowledge of domestic violence and dating violence that children and youth may experience, as well as ways trauma from violence can impact children and youth.

Connecting Families meetings provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and successes in a safe and supportive environment. embrella’s Connecting Families groups provide a welcoming community where you can share resource parenting tips and benefit from connecting with other caregivers who understand your situation.

Please note:
Because of the sensitive nature of topics that could be discussed, it is recommended that children are not nearby during the meeting or that headphones are used.

Please plan to join 15 minutes prior to the meeting.

For more information, or to cancel a previous reservation, please call Erika at 609.436.0618 or email CGSFSA@embrella.org.

Please note that dates, times, topics, and locations are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and unforeseen circumstances.The embrella calendar will be updated and registration emails with the mostup to date information will be sent closer to the event dates.