Virtual Regional Training: How To Be Your Own Best Advocate in Court and How to Best Communicate
2025-07-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-how-to-be-your-own-best-advocate-in-court-and-how-to-best-communicate/
Learn about your rights and how and what you can do to be heard in court.
Presented by: Ashley Willcott

Webinar: Intrusive Thoughts
2025-07-16 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-intrusive-thoughts/
On average, the human mind has between 10,000 and 50,000 thoughts per day. Naturally, some of these thoughts will be intrusive—those unwanted and often negative thoughts that seem to pop up randomly. Learn what intrusive thoughts are and how to cope with them.
Presented by: Natasha Hope-Moriarty, LMSW

Parenting Time: Guardianship- Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Preventing Burnout as a Foster/ Kinship Parent
2025-07-22 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-guardianship-self-care-isnt-selfish-preventing-burnout-as-a-foster-kinship-parent/?preview=true
Participants will learn to recognize physical, emotional, and behavioral signs that indicate they may be approaching burnout. Participants will exchange ideas for realistic self-care practices that can be integrated into daily routines
Presented by: Janae Combs, MA

REAL TALK: Talking with your children about adoption
2025-07-23 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-talking-with-your-children-about-adoption/
Join us in a discussion about how to talk with your child about adoption.
Presented by: Laura Cochling, M.Ed., LPC

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: July 2025
2025-07-24 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-july-2025/
Join GACRS for a monthly virtual adoption support group- Café Chats. This event is for adoptive families who share one thing, the journey of adoption. And while adoption is rewarding it also has challenges. GACRS wants to provide a virtual platform for you to exchange information and learn from one another. It’s also your opportunity to share your experiences, what’s in your heart, the challenges, and the success of parenting an adopted child or children. Please see the event calendar for specific dates of each Café Chat- An Adoption Support Event.
Lead by: Cathy Burks

Virtual Regional Training: Understanding Behavior: Strategies That Work at Home and School Part 2
2025-07-29 19:00 - 20:30 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-understanding-behavior-strategies-that-work-at-home-and-school-part-2/
Raising children comes with joys and challenges, especially when behavior gets in the way of connection, learning, or daily routines. In this session, parents and caregivers will learn simple and effective ways to better understand their child’s behavior, strengthen relationships, and promote positive change at home and in school. We’ll explore why challenging behaviors happen, what you can do in the moment, and how to collaborate with educators to support your child’s growth.
Gereen R. Francis, MS, BCBA

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- "Visualizing Support"
2025-07-30 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-support-group-for-teens-and-thier-caregivers/?preview=true
This is a space where teens and caregivers come together to listen, learn, and grow. Here, every voice matters. We believe in sharing without judgment, respecting different perspectives, and finding connection through conversation. Let’s make this a place of empathy, honesty, and mutual support.
This month’s topic is: “Visualizing Support”
Discussion: What Does Support Looks Like” Explore how teens and caregivers define support differently. Share stories, needs, and misconceptions

Teen Breakout Group: 💬 “When do you feel most supported?” 💬 “What does support look like when you’re going through something tough?”
Caregiver Breakout Group: 💬 “How do you try to show support—and what seems to work?” 💬 “What support did you need when you were a teen?

Facilitated by: Janae Roberts, MPH, CHES

Webinar: IEP/504 plan meetings
2025-08-05 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-iep-504-plan-meetings/
Description: Join us in discussing who should be at the table for IEP/ 504 plans and why.
Presented by: Joan Jackson, Ph.D.

Virtual Regional Training: Building Bonds: Understanding Attachment in Foster and adopted Children
2025-08-12 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-building-bonds-understanding-attachment-in-foster-and-adopted-children/
Participants will gain an understanding of the different types of attachment, recognize common behaviors related to insecure attachment, and learn practical strategies to support healthy bonding in foster care settings.
Presenter: Natasha Hope-Moriarty, LMSW

REAL TALK on the basics of ADHD
2025-08-18 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-the-basics-of-adhd/
Join us in a discussion about ADHD and how it impacts your child
Presented by: Chena Blanchard

Region 6 In-Person Training: Weathering the Storm of Parenting
2025-08-19 18:00 - 19:00
This training is an IN PERSON training
Location: 5915 Zebulon Rd, Macon, GA 31210
Time: 6pm-7pm
Contact: RSVP
Mickala Stewart, M.S.
Region 6 – CRRU Case Manager
Georgia Division of Family & Children Services
478-538-6205 (M)
mickala.wright@dhs.ga.gov

This training will show how parenting and the job of a meteorologist are similar because of the unpredictability of both.
Presented by:
Debra Suzette Brown, BA,CPSP
Resource Advisor Region 4,6,13,14

Webinar: Hats off To You!
2025-08-19 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-hats-off-to-you/
Do you wear a lot of hats?
Sometimes those hats are stacked so high that trying to balance them all on our competent-but-anxious-and-exhausted heads sends us toppling over.
Join us for a Conversation and Insights on navigating the hats we wear.
Presented by: Hope Darden

Parenting Time: Guardianship- Supporting Identity and Belonging in Foster and Kinship Care
2025-08-20 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-guardianship-supporting-identity-and-belonging-in-foster-and-kinship-care/
Focus on helping children feel seen, valued, and connected—especially important for those separated from their biological families or cultural roots.
Presented by: Janae Combs, MA

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: August 2025
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-august-2025/
Join GACRS for a monthly virtual adoption support group- Café Chats. This event is for adoptive families who share one thing, the journey of adoption. And while adoption is rewarding it also has challenges. GACRS wants to provide a virtual platform for you to exchange information and learn from one another. It’s also your opportunity to share your experiences, what’s in your heart, the challenges, and the success of parenting an adopted child or children. Please see the event calendar for specific dates of each Café Chat- An Adoption Support Event.
Lead by: Suzette Brown

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- "The Power of Active Listening"
2025-08-21 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-support-group-for-teens-and-thier-caregivers-2/
This is a space where teens and caregivers come together to listen, learn, and grow. Here, every voice matters. We believe in sharing without judgment, respecting different perspectives, and finding connection through conversation. Let’s make this a place of empathy, honesty, and mutual support.
Please Note: Both parent and Teen will need to have a way to join the meeting as we will do a breakout group
This month’s topic is: “The Power of Listening”
Discussion: Practice active listening techniques with paired activities to highlight how being heard builds trust.

Teen Breakout Group: 💬 “How do you know when someone’s really listening?” 💬 “What makes it hard to talk openly with adults?”
Caregiver Breakout Group: 💬 “What helps you stay present when listening?” 💬 “When is listening harder than giving advice—and why?”

Facilitated by: Stacey Foney

Webinar: Healing Hearts: Parenting a Child who has Experienced Trauma
2025-09-10 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-healing-hearts-parenting-a-child-who-has-experienced-trauma/
Participants will explore how trauma impacts brain development, attachment, and behavior, and gain trauma-informed strategies to support healing, build trust, and create a stable, nurturing home environment. This session emphasizes connection, patience, and resilience in the parenting journey.
Presented by: Theresa Nash,

REAL TALK: The Basics of Transcultural Families and Transracial Adoptions
2025-09-15 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-the-basics-of-transcultural-families-and-transracial-adoptions/
Join us in a discussion aboutTranscultural Families and Transracial Adoptions

Presented by: Chena Blanchard

Webinar: Accountability
2025-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-accountability/
Accountability is more than just accepting responsibility—it takes having an understanding of your behaviors. Children with (and without) mental health conditions often struggle with accountability and for various reasons. During this webinar, gain a better understanding of how mental health disorders, and the subsequent symptoms & behaviors associated with them, impact your child’s understanding and level of accountability.
Presented by: Natasha Hope-Moriarty

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: September 2025
2025-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-summer-2025/

Parenting Time: Guardianship- Ethics & Boundaries
2025-09-23 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-guardianship-ethics-boundaries/
Navigating dual roles (caregiver vs. advocate)
Confidentiality and consent in group settings
Trauma-informed discipline vs. punishment
Cultural humility and inclusive caregiving

Presented by: Janae Combs, MA

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- The Social Media Gap
2025-09-24 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-resiliency-group-for-parents-and-teens-the-social-media-gap/
This is a space where teens and caregivers come together to listen, learn, and grow. Here, every voice matters. We believe in sharing without judgment, respecting different perspectives, and finding connection through conversation. Let’s make this a place of empathy, honesty, and mutual support.
Please Note: Both parent and Teen will need to have a way to join the meeting as we will do a breakout group
This month’s topic is: “The Social Media Gap”
Discussion:
Contrast how teens and caregivers experience social media, and open dialogue on boundaries, safety, and identity.

Teens Group: 💬 “How does social media help or hurt your mental health?” 💬 “What do you wish adults understood about your online world?”
Caregivers Group: 💬 “What concerns do you have about teens and social media?” 💬 “What was your version of social media growing up?”

Facilitated by: Janae Roberts, MPH, CHES

Virtual Regional Training: From Parent/Protector to Friend/Advisor: The stages of Parenting
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:30 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-from-parentprotector-to-friendadvisor/
Children aren’t the only ones who go through stages. Parents also have their own stages to navigate as they move from parent/protector to friend/advisor. Each stage has challenges and opportunities. Learn the important characteristics necessary for parents to model as you nurture and encourage children to become young adults of character and resilience.
Presented by Lynne Watts, Ed.S.

Webinar: Art in Education
2025-10-07 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-art-in-education/
Art integration is the process of using the arts (dance, music, art, and writing) to increase student learning. The Art Integration at Home workshop offers parents strategies to expand and enhance their child’s learning at home through providing learning strategies and examples for all of the four core content areas.

REAL TALK on "Is it Holiday Blues?"
2025-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/real-talk-is-it-holiday-blues/
Join us in a discussion aboutIs It Holiday Blues?

Presented by: Chena Blanchard

Parenting Time: Guardianship- Caregiver Wellness & Support
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/parenting-time-guardianship-caregiver-wellness-support/
Managing compassion fatigue and burnout
Building a support network and accessing resources
Reflective practice and self-regulation tools
Finding joy and meaning in the caregiving journey

Presented by: Janae Combs, MA

Common Ground: A Resiliency Group for Parents and Teens- Celebrating Our Differences
2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/common-ground-a-resiliency-group-for-parents-and-teens-celebrating-our-differences/
This is a space where teens and caregivers come together to listen, learn, and grow. Here, every voice matters. We believe in sharing without judgment, respecting different perspectives, and finding connection through conversation. Let’s make this a place of empathy, honesty, and mutual support.
Please Note: Both parent and Teen will need to have a way to join the meeting as we will do a breakout group
This month’s topic is: “Celebrating Our Differences”
Discussion:
Affirm what makes each person unique, and how honoring individuality strengthens the group.
Teens: 💬 “What’s something about you that’s often misunderstood—but you love about yourself?” 💬 “How do you wish adults responded to parts of you that are different from them?”
Caregivers: 💬 “How do you embrace differences in your teen—even when they challenge your own experiences or beliefs?” 💬 “What personal experiences have helped you appreciate diversity within family or community?
Presented by: Stacey Foney

Virtual Regional Training: Understanding Teen Emotions
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/virtual-regional-training-understanding-teen-emotions/
This training is designed to help foster and adoptive parents better understand the emotional world of teenagers. Participants will explore the unique challenges teens face, especially those with trauma histories and gain practical tools to support emotional regulation, build trust, and strengthen connections.

Presenter: Natasha Hope-Moriarty

Webinar: Raising Kids with OCD
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/webinar-raising-kids-with-ocd/
Raising Kids with OCD: A Workshop for Foster & Adoptive Families
This workshop is designed to equip foster and adoptive parents with the tools to support a child struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We’ll explore the common signs of OCD, the unique challenges it presents in a family setting, and practical strategies to help your child manage their symptoms and find relief.
Presenter: Tina Neese, Ed.D., LPC

Cafe Chats: A Virtual Parent to Parent Support Group: October 2025
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/cafe-chats-a-virtual-parent-to-parent-support-group-october-2025/

Resource Fair
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | https://gacrs.org/courses/resource-fair/
Come learn about local programs, services, and opportunities available to you and your family. Meet representatives from community organizations offering support with housing, healthcare, education, and more.
