When parents decide to separate, it can be confusing, scary, and traumatizing for children. In fact, the conflict and chronic stress involved in divorce is one of the leading causes of trauma in young children and a very significant ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience). Safe & Sound’s Kids’ Turn program is a keystone initiative that helps families navigate these difficult times, ensuring that children are supported and heard. It equips parents with the skills to collaborate and heal alongside their child—setting the stage for success by lessening the trauma and building their child’s social-emotional strength and resilience.
“When parents get angry and ask, ‘who do you want to be with?’ children feel so much stress. The stories are hard, but after the workshop, children feel better and more confident. Kids still need both parents, and this program helps put children in the center of healing instead of in the middle of conflicts” said Gabriela Fohaco, Parent Child Education Manager at Safe & Sound.
Sarah*, a devoted mother of two, was abandoned by her partner while she was pregnant with her second baby, and found herself in a custody battle when her ex-partner re-entered her life. For the safety of the children, she and her ex-partner were mandated by the courts to attend Kids’ Turn.
“Kids’ Turn helped me learn how to focus and prioritize my kids over anything else. As long as they are safe and happy, that’s what matters” said Sarah.
Through the Kids’ Turn workshop, Sarah gained valuable insights into parenting, and turned her family’s outdated parenting techniques into positive approaches that benefited her children and helped break the cycle of harmful patterns.
*Not her real name
Kids’ Turn is just one example of how Safe & Sound ensures that parents receive the tailored support they need to be the best caregivers they can be. Because there is no “one size fits all” parenting support approach, Safe & Sound provides many different education workshops to help parents and children manage stress and trauma—together. Our workshops also celebrate the diversity of participants, ensuring that all families receive the tailored support they need to thrive.
By supporting Safe & Sound, you help us provide these essential resources and workshops that empower families to overcome the normal challenges of life.
These difficult situations are happening for families every single day. We need your generosity to expand our workshops throughout the Bay Area, ensuring that more families can heal together. With your help, we can give children and families the tools they need to overcome adversity and thrive.