Connect First: Perspectives From a Nonviolent Communication Pilot in Child Welfare

About

This webinar will share participant experiences and implementation findings from the Florida Institute for Child Welfare’s pilot evaluation of Connect First, a virtual communication program grounded in nonviolent communication (NVC). Following a brief overview of NVC’s core components, the presentation will explore the experiences of postadoptive parents, young parents who transitioned from foster care, and child welfare staff. Discussion will focus on what participants found valuable, challenges with program delivery and engagement, and how well the training fit their needs and everyday circumstances.

Participants will gain a foundational understanding of NVC and learn what to consider when tailoring communication-focused programming for families and staff in child welfare settings. The presentation will also address the evaluation’s limitations and what the findings may suggest for future programming.

Kristine Posada, MSW, is an Assistant in Research at the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW) at Florida State University. Her research and program evaluation work centers on the experiences of parents, caregivers, and child welfare professionals, with interests in workforce well-being, family support, and the role of relationships in child welfare. Her previous experience in direct practice and background in macro social work inform her attention to individual experiences and the organizational conditions that shape them. She led the FICW’s pilot evaluation of Connect First and has also studied nonviolent communication and mindful self-compassion. Before joining the FICW, she worked in family health advocacy and served two years with the Peace Corps in Peru, supporting community development and well-being.

Webinar hosted by the FSU College of Social Work's Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Click here to register: Connect First: Perspectives From a Nonviolent Communication Pilot in Child Welfare