Extension Children, Youth & Family Consortium hosts a theme-based seminar series called Lessons from the Field. The purpose of this series is 1) to engage community and University clinicians, community leaders, researchers, and instructors in examining specific topics related to children’s mental health, and (2) to close the research-practice gap by developing a strong circular pattern of communication where theory and research inform practice that in turn informs theory and research.  The series fits our goal to strengthen children’s mental health practice and policy by promoting use of evidence. Events are planned by a diverse group of community and University representatives and attended by clinicians, researchers, parents and others locally and throughout Minnesota via video stream and interactive television.

2012-2013 Lessons from the Field: Traumatic Stress Series

October 18, 2012 Historical and Generational Trauma: Significance and Response
9:00 am -12:30 pm

This seminar focuses on historical and generational trauma from the perspective of American Indians and African Americans and will build on Karina Walter’s 2009 presentation. The fall seminar will host a panel of community and university professionals to discuss cultural ways of knowing, how healing and wellness take place within families and communities, and where the science of historical and intergenerational trauma currently exists. Three CEU's will be available.

Presenter-participants:
• Elder Atum Azzahir, Executive Director, Cultural Wellness Center
• BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, PhD, Executive Director, African  American Child Wellness Institute
• Jessica Gourneau, Clinical Psychologist, American Indian Family Center
• Melissa Walls, Ph.D., University of Minnesota- Duluth

Participants will learn to:
• Understand approaches to historical and generational trauma from community, science, and historical perspectives
• Define a theory of “sickness” and the impact of loss of culture and community on individual health and healing
• Identify the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma on communities, families, and individuals
• Incorporate cultural ways of knowing and healing for individuals, families, and communities

Audience:

Each of these seminars is designed for professionals who work or plan to work with and on behalf of children, youth, and families. This group includes but is not limited to: educators, child advocacy/protective service personnel, law enforcement and juvenile justice personnel, healthcare professionals (nurses, and physicians), mental health professionals (social workers, psychologists, and therapists), spiritual and religious directors and leaders, and graduate students in education, child development, social work, child welfare, psychology, and nursing.

Register here

For a description of the 2012-2013 series, click here

Past Lessons from the Field

Find materials from past Lessons from the Field events, including event summaries, PowerPoint presentations, and other documents below.

Traumatic Stress and Youth (2011-2012)

More than just mean girls: A series on Relational Aggression (2010-2011)

Race, Culture, and Childrens' Mental Health (2009-2010)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (2008-2009)

Issues that Impact Attachment (2007-2008)

Attachment Series (2006-2007)

Intensive Early Treatment with Our Highest Risk Children (2005-2006)

The FDA "Black Box" Warning on Antideprassant Medications (2004-2005)

Strategies for Working with Depressed Mothers and Their Infants (2003-2004)

Special presentation by Dante Cicchetti on Child Maltreatment (March 2006)