May is National Foster Care Month! This is a time to recognize how strong and capable foster youth are. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) wants to help young adults succeed as they grow up and start their careers. TWC has resources to help individuals leaving foster care reach their goals.
Join us this May for a webinar series in recognition of National Foster Care Month. The sessions are for foster youth, former foster youth, and the people who help them. You'll learn important skills and information. We'll talk about how to help foster youth handle tough times and create a better future. Find TWC's resources through local workforce development boards and Foster Youth Transition Centers. We'll also explain how Vocational Rehab can help youth ages 14-22 get ready for life after high school. You'll get one CEU credit for each online talk you finish.
All webinars will be held Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM CST.
Webinar Schedule & Registration
Click the registration link below to register for the entire series or individual sessions:
Register for the National Foster Care Month Webinar Series
Here's a look at our lineup:
May 6th: Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) for Foster Care Alumni
- Speaker: Dr. Karen Harvey
- Description: Learn how foster care alumni can thrive after trauma through Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), developing resilience and a deeper appreciation for life.
- CEU: Crisis and Trauma Counseling and Intervention
May 13th: Executive Functions: They Don't Show Up on Report Cards, But They are The Foundation of All Behavior, Emotions, and Learning
- Speaker: Dr. Layne Pethick
- Description: Understand the neuroscience behind executive functions (working memory, impulse control, etc.) and how they impact behavior, emotions, and learning, along with practical strategies to support their development.
- CEU: Counseling Theories, Techniques, and Evidence-Based Practice
May 20th: Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
- Speaker: Pouriya (Nick) Mosadegh
- Description: Discover how the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) benefits employers who hire individuals facing employment barriers and how TWC supports businesses and job seekers.
- CEU: Community Resources and Partnerships
May 27th: Personal Relationships are Really the Backbone of Everything
- Speaker: Dr. Yao Wang
- Description: Explore the challenges youth exiting foster care may face in reconnecting with birth parents and how to support young people in navigating social relationships during their transition to adulthood.
- CEU: Counseling Theories, Techniques, and Evidence-Based Practice
Meet Our Speakers
Dr. Karen Harvey is a psychologist, author, and trainer specializing in trauma-informed care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. With over 35 years of experience and a Ph.D. in applied developmental psychology, she has written three books and received awards for her clinical service from NADD, START, and AAIDD.
Dr. Layne Pethick is a consultant for Region 10 Education Service Center specializing in the human brain, neuro-cognitive and neuro-behavioral coaching, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. He holds a Ph.D. and has spent over 20 years researching behavior, learning, and mental health, working with educators and organizations globally.
Pouriya (Nick) Mosadegh is a U.S. Army Veteran and experienced Program and Project Management professional. His expertise includes data-driven decision-making, risk management, and collaborative problem-solving, with a proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance across various sectors.
Dr. Yao Wang is an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work. Her research focuses on supporting older youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care, as well as the experiences of international students in higher education.