News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director | Melonie Marano, Commissioner Deputy Director
Doug Singleterry, Commissioner | Sara Sooy, Commissioner | Paul Drake, Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2022
Somerset County Office of Youth Services to Host Free ‘Prevention of Secondary Trauma’ Workshop
Participants Can Earn Professional Development Credits
SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Office of Youth Services is hosting “Prevention of Secondary Trauma,” a free Zoom workshop to be presented on Feb. 25. In this workshop, Executive Director of CASA Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties Tracey Wilson Heisler will teach participants how to prevent secondary traumatic stress that can occur from hearing people’s firsthand traumatic experiences. The deadline to register is Feb. 22.
“These past few years have been trying for many people. Even if you haven’t been personally affected by Hurricane Ida or COVID, you probably know someone who has,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul M. Drake, Youth Services liaison. “Learning self-care techniques to help prevent secondary trauma is necessary for maintaining mental and physical health, and it is a good skill for everyone to learn.”
The workshop is ideal for emergency workers, volunteers, and healthcare professionals who work with victims of trauma, but it can also benefit anyone interested in learning useful tools for self-care.
Workshop presenter Tracy Wilson Heisler has extensive experience working with trauma victims. As Executive Director of CASA SHaW for 15 years, Ms. Heisler recruits, trains, and coaches citizens to become court advocates for children living in foster care who have been victims of abuse. Previously, Ms. Heisler was a case supervisor for the Florida court system and counseled adult and juvenile offenders. She was also a counselor for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Workshop Registration, Date and Time
The free workshop will be presented on Feb. 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., via Zoom. To register, contact Gretchen Craig at gcraig@co.somerset.nj.us. Registrants will receive an email with their login information before the workshop begins. Participants can earn 1.5 Professional Development Credits.
Somerset County Office of Youth Services
The Office of Youth Services collaborates with government and community agencies to plan and develop programs and services for at-risk youth. In addition, they provide 24-hour response and intervention, assessment, and family counseling for youth and their families in crisis. Youth Services also offer training and education to communities and non-profits about current topics related to youth and their families.
CASA
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of New Jersey and the county-based CASA programs, support and promote best interest child advocacy so every child and youth placed in foster care and other out-of-home placements can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.