Project F.O.R.E.C.A.S.T. is a trauma-informed interactive simulation.  This four-hour training session introduces and builds important skills and concepts for helping children impacted by trauma, abuse, neglect and loss. 

Project F.O.R.E.C.A.S.T. is a unique educational experience designed to:

• Help child-serving professionals make better decisions in situations involving childhood trauma.
• Simulate a real-world scenario and can better prepare participants for the complex challenges of trauma-informed care.
• Include a strong emphasis in providing personal and professional self-care for workers
• Provide the knowledge, skills and behaviors associated with secondary trauma
• Help child-serving professionals identify, understand and prepare for the potential impact of secondary traumatic stress
• Integrate diversity, belonging and engagement throughout the simulation process

Specifically, during this introductory learning experience participants will:

• Know and understand stimulation process, techniques, skills, and role in Simulation
• Understand and apply Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Model
• Define, identify, and apply the 12 Core Concepts in the context of child abuse and neglect scenario
• Discover and apply T.I.E.R.S. (Trauma-Informed Experiential Reasoning Skills)
• Understand and apply the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (C.L.A.S.)
• Experience self-care practices and techniques for reducing secondary stress and anxiety for child-serving professionals

This course will prepare workers to become effective witnesses in court hearings by offering 3 hours of live Zoom presentation and discussion and 1 day of in-person simulation in a court room.

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of why testifying in court is an important aspect of DCFS work.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how worker testimony can impact outcomes for the child and family.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the hearing process when the worker is on the stand.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the qualities of an effective witness.
• Demonstrate an understanding that preparation for court testimony is essential.
• Demonstrate an understanding of different ways to prepare for court.
• Demonstrate insight into personal growth areas for effective court testimony, including preparation and witness skills