2023 Sibling Conference
This webinar series is brought to you by:
What About Siblings? Webinar Series
Understanding and Supporting Siblings of Children with Illnesses and Injuries
This series is free and open to the public. Please click on the links below to register for each session. Continuing education credits will be available to social workers and certified child life specialists for each session.
Contact info@caseforsmiles.org with questions and requests.
Session 1: In My Words: The Sibling Experience as Told by Siblings
Panelist: Caren Hoffman, Eric Santos, Sam Steward, and Katie Holcomb
Wednesday, April 12, 1:00-2:30pm EST
Siblings of children with illnesses or injuries face a unique set of challenges which are often overlooked or misunderstood. In this webinar, a panel of siblings will provide a look into their experiences of their brother/sister’s illnesses, as well share insights into the support they found helpful and what they wish others knew.
Learning Objectives
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe a wide range of reactions, emotions and stress responses siblings of children with illnesses and injuries may experience, from the perspective of siblings themselves.
- List common misconceptions about the experience of siblings of children with illnesses and injuries
- Discuss advice siblings would give to practitioners, family members, community members, and siblings of children with illnesses and injuries based on their past experience.
1.5 CE credits will be available to social workers and certified child life specialists for this session. Please see the bottom of the page for more information.
Session 2: Traumatic Stress Among Siblings of Children with Chronic Conditions: Research into Patterns, Predictors, and Treatments
Speaker: Melissa Alderfer, Ph.D.
Wednesday, April 19, 1-2pm EST
When a child is diagnosed with an illness or injury, the entire family is affected, including siblings. This webinar will provide an overview of research into traumatic stress among siblings, as well as current trauma-based interventions being developed and evaluated to support siblings in a range of settings.
Learning Objectives
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
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- Describe traumatic stress as a model of reactions and adjustment to medical events
- Discuss traumatic stress responses among siblings of children with cancer and factors associated with these symptoms
- Describe a range of trauma-based interventions currently being developed and evaluated to reach siblings (and families) at home or within their communities
1 CE credit will be available to social workers and certified child life specialists for this session. Please see the bottom of the page for more information.
Session 3: Supporting the Invisible Child: Current Resources for Siblings
Speakers: Melissa Lusk, B.S., CCLS Executive Director of Ryan’s Case for Smiles and Katie Holcomb, Communications & PMTS Program Manager
Wednesday, April 26, 1-2pm EST
Support for the entire family, including siblings, is a critical component of family-centered care. Yet lack of staffing and resources often means pediatric facilities are not able to provide services to all patients and family members. This webinar will cover current digital and in-person interventions available to siblings in healthcare and community settings to help practitioners build a comprehensive sibling support program that fits their facilities capabilities and needs.
Learning Objectives
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
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- Describe a wide range of in-person and digital interventions delivered through the healthcare system to siblings of children with illnesses and injuries
- Describe a wide range of in-person and digital interventions available within the community to siblings of children with illnesses and injuries
- Compile resources for siblings that may be helpful to the families with which they work
1 CE credit will be available to social workers and certified child life specialists for this session. Please see the bottom of the page for more information.
Social work continuing education credits will be provided by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
CHOP is a pre-approved provider of continuing education credits for Pennsylvania Licensed Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors. Participants licensed in Pennsylvania who attend the full conference and complete the required evaluation are eligible for 3.5 Continuing Education Credits. Participants licensed in other states should check with local licensing boards to determine continuing education approval.
Ryan’s Case for Smiles® will provide a certificate of attendance for PDU hours to certified child life specialists.