Training Description:

Understand the concept of ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief amongst women whose children are parented by others. Hear firsthand accounts of how separation from one's children can create and/or intensify feelings of grief, shame, and isolation leading to mental health issues, substance abuse and/or criminal activity. Learn how Bellis’ Stronger Together Peer Support works to mitigate this hidden, yet pervasive crisis.

Presenters are mothers engaged in Bellis programming who have experienced termination of parental rights (TPR). They will discuss how recognition, support, and compassion for their experiences has helped them develop greater resilience in the face of their grief and allowed them to live a more productive and purposeful life. They will also share how living without support hindered their ability to manage their grief and how that negatively impacted their relationships, ability to work and/or carry out daily tasks, and overall well-being. Attendees will understand the importance of identifying and supporting women as they experience this loss of parental rights and work with them to find support for their grief. Attendees will be able to differentiate between symptoms of grief and loss versus "lack of effort". Co-presenter is Kelly Tronstad, M.Ed. and licensed parent educator, Executive Director and Facilitator for Bellis.