Introduction
This guide is designed for use by kinship caregivers and gives specific examples of conversations to illustrate how co-regulation can be applied in everyday experiences with youth. Co-regulation is when caring adults nurture positive youth development by enacting three key types of support: caring, consistent, & responsive relationships, co-creation of supportive environments, and intentional and developmentally-informed day-to-day interactions. Co-regulation not only strengthens youth, it also strengthens relationships between youth and the supportive adults in their lives. Every interaction between caring adults and youth in foster care is an opportunity for co-regulation.
Key Findings and Highlights
What does co-regulation look like?
- Focusing on a young person’s strengths and resilience to help them build a positive self-narrative and self-identity.
- Providing opportunities to develop skills and competencies, balancing safety with opportunity for growth.
- Helping the young person self-reflect on experiences to gain perspective and learn from successes and setbacks.
- Collaboratively creating routines and environments that support the young person’s identify, goals, values, and well-being, and empower them to take more of the lead over time.
Why is co-regulation important for older adolescents in foster care?
- Youth who have been in foster care demonstrate many strengths and resilience, but may need additional co-regulation supports due to trauma experiences. Opportunities for co-regulation support can also be disrupted by separation from families and placement changes.
- Through co-regulation, caring adults (including additional professional support when needed) can help youth build the skills, connect with resources, and strengthen positive beliefs they need to maximize their adult capabilities.
- Co-regulation can also help buffer youth from other adversities they may encounter in the future when they are working towards things that are important to them.
How can you strengthen your own co-regulation capacity?
- Take time to care for yourself. Prioritize time for activities you enjoy and find relaxing so you can recharge your own emotional battery.
- Notice your emotional reactions when you are feeling drained, irritable, or overwhelmed. Identify your own triggers in caring for a youth who has experienced trauma.
- Call on supports before challenges become a crisis. Asking for help is a strength you can model for youth.
Citation
Murray, D.W., Rackers, H., Sepulveda, K., & Malm, K. (2021). OPRE Report #2021-249 Kinship Caregivers Guide: How to Incorporate Co-Regulation with Older Youth in Foster Care. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Glossary
- Self-regulation:
- The act of managing cognition and emotion to enable goal-directed actions, such as organizing behavior, controlling impulses, and solving problems constructively.
- Co-regulation:
- The supportive process by which caring adults and peers promote positive youth development through Caring, Consistent, & Responsive Relationships; the Co-Creation of Supportive Environments; and Intentional and Developmentally-Informed Day-to-Day Interactions.