Understanding & Addressing Complex Trauma and Loss In Childhood

Date: September 5th
Location: Birmingham, The Harbert Center
Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Earn 5.5 NBCC Approved CEU Credits
$55.00 fee for your certification
Lunch is included!

Understanding & Addressing Complex Trauma and Loss In Childhood (Birmingham)

Children who’ve experienced separation from their birth families, whether through foster care, adoption, or kinship placement; often carry unseen wounds of trauma and loss that can deeply impact their development, behavior, and relationships.
Join us for a powerful, full-day in-person training that goes beyond the surface to explore how complex trauma shows up in children and adolescents, and how caregivers and professionals can respond with intention, empathy, and effective strategies.
Led by nationally recognized trauma and adoption expert, Laura Ornelas, LCSW, this interactive workshop will empower attendees to understand the bio-psycho-social effects of trauma and grief, and equip them with meaningful, trauma-informed interventions rooted in relationship-based healing.

You’ll Learn How To:

Understand the impact of trauma and loss on childhood development
Identify behavioral and emotional responses linked to complex trauma
Apply empowering, practical strategies that support long-term healing
Whether you’re a mental health professional, social worker, educator, or a foster, adoptive, or kinship caregiver, this training will deepen your understanding and sharpen your ability to walk alongside children on their path to resilience.

About the Trainer – Laura Ornelas, LCSW
Laura brings over 30 years of experience in child welfare, clinical practice, and curriculum design. Formerly the Regional Director of Mental Health Services for California’s Kinship Center and current senior faculty at the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), Laura is a national thought leader in attachment, loss, trauma, and permanency. She co-developed the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) for foster and adoptive parents and now leads the Academy of Elevating Clinical Practice in Permanency.
Her workshops are known for blending deep clinical insight with warmth, humor, and humanity.

Who Should Attend?
This training is designed for:
– Therapists and clinicians
– Case managers and social workers
– Foster, adoptive, and kinship parents
– Educators, child welfare professionals, and youth advocates

This training is a collaborative effort between Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections and Children’s of Alabama’s PATHS program. https://training.childrensaid.org/events/understanding-addressing-complex-trauma-and-loss-in-childhood/#event-detailsSpace is limited. Reserve your seat and be part of this transformational day of learning and connection.