Grief, Loss, and Ambiguous Loss in Foster Youth

This training explores the unique experiences of grief and loss faced by foster youth, including the concept of ambiguous loss—when separation from loved ones lacks clarity or closure. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of unresolved grief, understand its impact on behavior and development, and gain strategies to support healing and resilience in children and teens within the child welfare system.

Presented by Kelly Bass, DSW, MSW, LCSW-PIP, ACS, University of South Dakota

Kelly Bass is an experienced educator, as well as an outstanding licensed certified social worker who has provided professional service for several agencies including private practice. Bass’s research and scholarly interests are focused on social work practice, clinical license supervision, and interventions for improving outcomes for vulnerable, marginalized populations and integrating community and institutional interventions and service delivery. These interests stem from his experiences providing mental health services and managing the implementation of Evidence-based Practices within a community mental health center setting. Bass has procured grant funding from the Association of Social Work Board and been a collaborator on the USD TeleECHO-Opioid Response grant through South Dakota Social Services and the Child and Adult Advocacy training grant through the South Dakota Department of Education and the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute. Most recently procured grant funding Health Resources and Services Administration for workforce development in mental health practice. Currently is the PI on the HRSA 2023-2025 Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program #1 M01HP52159-01-00.