This presentation addressed the particular psychological and emotional needs of foster children, both current and aged out, looking at the effect of the repeated trauma of separation and the positive effects relationship-based therapy generates.  It discussed how a stable relationship with at least one caring adult is the foundation for healthy emotional, social, and cognitive development

Participants:

1. learned the importance of consistent mental health care for
 the foster care population

2. gained knowledge about the foster care process and be able
 to describe how one relationship in a foster youth's life can make
 a difference in her or his life

3. learned about A Home Within and its mission

Ruth Lester has been an LMFT for 19 years.  Her concern for foster children began as an intern in Riverside, seeing court-appointed children and parents.  She continued to see foster children when she was the clinical director for Rubidoux High School under a Healthy Start grant.  She has been in private practice in Lake Arrowhead for 10 years. She serves as Clinical Director for the San Bernardino Chapter of A Home Within, a private non-profit that provides pro bono counseling for current and aged-out foster children.