If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, one of the biggest questions you might have is: What happens if the child placed with me has experienced trauma? It’s an important question—and you’re not alone in asking it.
The truth is, many children in Oregon’s foster care system have lived through difficult, sometimes deeply painful experiences. But here’s what’s also true: with the right support, understanding, and training, you can play a powerful role in helping them feel safe, valued, and supported.
At Foster Plus, we equip foster parents with the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to care for children who’ve experienced trauma. You don’t have to be a trauma expert—you just have to be open, willing to learn, and ready to walk alongside a child on their path to healing.
Below, we’ll share a bit about the prevalence of trauma and how it shows up in a child’s behavior before giving you a detailed look at the trainings and other resources we offer to help prepare foster parents.
Trauma Is Common — But Healing Is Possible
Children enter foster care for many reasons, and often it’s because their home environments were unsafe, unstable, or both. Statistics from the 2023 Child Welfare Data Book prepared by the Oregon Department of Human Services shows just how widespread childhood trauma is in the foster system:
- 40.7% of children have lived with a caregiver experiencing substance use issues
- 30.3% have been exposed to domestic violence
- 27.8% have experienced neglect
- 14.1% have a caregiver involved with law enforcement
- 12.8% have lived with a caregiver with a serious mental illness
- 10.5% have been victims of physical abuse
- 10.5% have been victims of sexual abuse
These numbers are sobering—but they also tell us something important: kids in foster care are incredibly resilient. And with the support of a caring, trauma-informed foster parent, they can begin to feel safe, rebuild trust, and form healthy relationships again.
How Trauma Might Show Up
In the early days of a new placement, trauma can show up in a child’s behavior—sometimes in ways that are confusing or challenging for a new foster parent. You might notice:
- Withdrawal, emotional shutdown, or appearing “numb”
- Difficulty with sleep, appetite, or transitions
- Aggression, defiance, or emotional outbursts
- Clinginess or fear of separation
- Trouble following rules or routines
- A lack of trust or resistance to affection
These behaviors aren’t personal—and they aren’t signs that you’re doing anything wrong. They’re the result of a child doing their best to protect themselves in a new environment.
Trauma-Informed Care Starts With Support
One of the most common misconceptions new foster parents have is that love and structure will “fix” things right away. While those things are absolutely essential, healing from trauma takes time—and it takes tools. That’s why Foster Plus and our partner agencies offer comprehensive, hands-on training and support to help you feel confident and equipped.
Here’s how we help:
Required & Optional Trauma-Related Training
Every new foster parent receives training focused on understanding trauma and responding in ways that build trust and connection. Here are some examples of trainings you might receive:
Required Trauma-Related Training
These courses are part of the foundational education every foster parent receives:
Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS): 6-Week Parent Class
This core training teaches parents how to work with children to solve problems, build skills, and reduce conflict. It’s focused on empathy, connection, and helping children learn to manage their behavior in safe, supported ways. Required in your first year of certification.
Foster Parent Institute: 4-Week Program
A comprehensive introduction to key topics like trauma, child development, communication, and behavior management. Required for initial certification.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI): 6 Hours
This training focuses on verbal and environmental de-escalation techniques. You’ll learn how to recognize signs of distress and safely support a child through a moment of crisis—without physical interventions, which are not permitted by our partner agency GOBHI. Required and renewed every two years.
Parenting Skills Practice: 1.5 Hours
A shorter workshop offering real-world strategies for parenting children who’ve experienced trauma, including practice scenarios and skill reinforcement.
Optional Training & Ongoing Support
Foster parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer a variety of live and on-demand learning opportunities to meet the evolving needs of your family and your foster child.
- Monthly Power Hour — A live virtual training on a rotating topic each month, from navigating school challenges to self-care for foster parents.
- Monthly CPS Drop-In Hour — An open session where you can ask questions and get coaching directly from staff familiar with the CPS model.
- Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth Training (1.5 hours) — Tools and strategies for creating inclusive, affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth in care.
- (Upcoming) Affirming Racial Identities Training (1.5 hours) – Helping foster parents support and affirm the racial and cultural identities of children in their care.
- Relias Training Library – A wide range of online learning modules you can complete on your schedule.
Whether you’re in your first year or your fifth, there’s always room to grow—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
You’re Never Alone in This
Training is just one piece of the puzzle. Just as important is knowing that you have a real team behind you. Our partner agencies don’t just certify you and send you on your way. You’ll receive ongoing coaching, check-ins, and personal support—especially when challenges arise.
Foster parents are coached to look beyond behaviors and ask: What is this child trying to tell me? What do they need to feel safe? You’ll learn how to regulate your own emotions in the moment, respond without escalating, and prioritize connection over control—all skills that help children learn to trust again.
What Healing Can Look Like
When trauma-informed strategies are applied consistently, incredible things can happen. Foster parents have shared moments like:
- A child who once avoided adults starting to make eye contact or ask for help
- A teen who had trouble regulating emotions learning to use words instead of actions
- Fewer power struggles, more cooperation, and a growing sense of connection
- A bedtime routine that becomes a moment of safety and calm
- The first time a child says, “I feel safe here”
These small wins are big steps. And they’re all possible—with patience, consistency, and support.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect. Just Present.
If you’re nervous about your ability to parent a child with trauma, know this: you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to care, be open to learning, and be willing to show up—again and again.
At Foster Plus, we’ll make sure you’re not doing this alone. From initial training to ongoing coaching, we’re with you every step of the way. Because when foster parents feel supported, kids feel safer. And that’s when healing begins.
Ready to Learn More?
If you have questions about trauma-informed foster parenting—or you’re ready to begin the certification journey—we’d love to talk with you. Reach out to connect with a Foster Plus partner agency near you.
Together, we can help children heal — one safe, supported home at a time.
