This training provides shelter staff with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively support families experiencing homelessness. Participants will explore how systemic factors such as poverty, racism, and trauma shape family experiences in shelter settings. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and reflection activities, staff will build skills in culturally responsive care, harm reduction, collaboration with child protection agencies, and trauma-informed engagement. The course emphasizes empathy, consistency, and respect for family autonomy while meeting safety and service standards outlined in the Toronto Shelter Standards.
Learning Objectives:
- Enhance staff capacity to provide equitable, family-centered, and trauma-informed support in shelter environments.
- Strengthen understanding of systemic factors that influence family experiences of homelessness.
- Promote consistent, empathetic, and respectful approaches aligned with the Toronto Shelter Standards.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the emotional, social, and practical challenges that families face while living in shelter settings.
- Apply harm reduction, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed practices when engaging with families.
- Recognize and challenge implicit bias, systemic inequities, and discriminatory practices in family support services.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with child protection and community partners through an anti-racist and strengths-based lens.
- Integrate the Toronto Shelter Standards into daily practice to promote safety, stability, and dignity for families.
- Reflect on personal values, boundaries, and approaches to strengthen empathy and consistency in service delivery.
Instructor: Bobbie Gunn
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $140 per person
Target Group: All