Better Together

A Shared Parenting Experience

Better Together is a training of Casey Family Programs and the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance.

Better Together is an experiential 2-day workshop that aims to bridge the gap between birth parents, young people, resource caregivers, child welfare staff, and service providers. Through various activities and courageous eye-opening conversations, the overall goal is to understand & respect different perspectives, and to create authentic connection. If you are ready to open your hearts and share time in this safe space, join in on this EPIC experience.

Workshop Overview

Through the Better Together curriculum and a special facilitation style, this experiential learning process offers participants a new lens and "safe space" to better understand one another's lived experiences and perspectives. Using strategic activities, deep conversations, vulnerable sharing, barriers are broken and replaced with a trust that can change the way we approach our work and lives.

Modules that focus in on power differentials, race and culture, father involvement, what partnership looks like, and eye-opening conversations help shape the experience and learning. We hope to shift the way Hawaiʻi protects our keiki, strengthening the practice of shared parenting at all levels.

Participant Information & Eligibility

This in-person training/workshop is offered to birth parents with closed CWS cases, resource caregivers, young people with a history in foster care, CWS staff, and related service providers. Registrations are subject to review and approval. Participants must align with the intention and focus of Better Together, showing active connection to the concept of shared parenting.

Sessions require active participation and respectful engagement by all in attendance. Participants must be open to sharing and/or receiving moʻolelo of real life experiences and perspectives. Designated “Lifelines” are available for emotional support during vulnerable moments. Confirmed participants from the community (not employed as a provider) may be eligible for partial childcare subsidy and stipend.

Facilitators are highly trained in trauma responsiveness with an engagement style grounded in ʻike Hawaiʻi (Native Hawaiian values). Lifelines are available to provide emotional support when needed.