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In this interactive session, authors and former foster youth Justin & Alexis Black guide participants through an exploration of generational trauma—emphasizing that it’s not about blaming parents, but understanding how trauma is passed down and shapes identity. Participants will gain clarity on key mental health and child welfare terms like secondhand trauma, boundaries, and types of abuse, while reflecting on how these terms show up in real life. Together, we’ll examine how language and coping strategies can support or harm healing, build empathy, and learn practical tools to foster healthy, strategic relationships with foster and adoptive youth.

Learning Objectives

·     Understand different forms of trauma and abuse and their generational impact.

·     Learn how to support youth while avoiding secondhand trauma as a caregiver or advocate.

·     Apply affirming language and relationship-building strategies to support healing and resilience.

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Justin Black is an author, speaker, and serial entrepreneur. Black studied public relations and African studies with a focus on urban and community development as well as political and economic philosophy in countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, and South Korea. He is a part of Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneurs for 2021. Justin and his wife, Alexis, have published an award winning, bestselling book titled Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love that has impacted over 40,000 individuals, families, and communities. With the Redefining Normal company, they hope to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, community growth and healing through speaking engagements, trainings, book clubs, and workshops.