Neuroscience, Childhood Brain Development and Trauma

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KICS Kinship Service brings world renowned Neuroscience Educator to Brisbane for workshops

During Child Protection Week in September 2019, KICS Kinship Service provided workshops for foster and kinship carers in Brisbane on parenting children who have experienced trauma.

It was a great privilege that KICS Kinship Service, the Queensland Government and other Foster and Kinship Care Services in the District was able to secure Nathan Wallis, father of three, stepfather to two and foster father to many more and renowned Neuroscience Educator to deliver two professional development workshops on parenting children who have experienced trauma. Foster and Kinship Carers throughout Brisbane attended workshops during Child Protection Week on the Northside and Southside of Brisbane.

Over two hours in Inala and Nudgee, Nathan provided valuable information on parenting children who have experienced trauma.   Starting by building the brain from the bottom up, Nathan identified the four parts of the brain and demonstrated how the brain can heal.

Much of the discussion, using recent research into brain development in infants, children and adolescents deepened participants understanding of the different parts of the brain including the reptilian brain and prefrontal cortex and the influence plasticity has on how the brain works.   Nathan’s approach allowed participants to gain insight into the common pitfalls and the current methods that can be used when working with traumatized children.

Nathan suggests in a public video following the Christchurch tragedy in March 2019 that adult’s need to be seen as role models to provide a sense of security, nurturing and a sense of agency in traumatic situation. Nathan’s teaching approach follows Perry’s Neuro-sequential Needs Model moving from stress to attachment. It is this approach he brings to Australia in his delivery of these workshops.

Participants learned practical take-home insights that could be used immediately to support children in care. With his usual humour, inspiration and practical guidance Nathan delivered well received and easily understood information providing everyone with real world content back by science.

Organisers were pleased with the turn out at both event being well supported by carers from the Northside and Southside of Brisbane. KICS Kinship Services is looking forward to providing additional professional development in the future.

More about Nathan Wallis

Nathan is a father of three, stepfather to two and foster father to many more. His professional background includes early childhood teacher, child therapist, social service manager, university lecturer and neuroscience trainer. Following his time at the University of Canterbury, he founded a private training consultancy with the goal of facilitating easy to understand professional development reflecting the latest neuroscience discoveries and their practical implications for everyday practice. Nathan is is an advisor for the NZ Ministry of Education, and an expert advisor for NZ Ministry of Vulnerable Children.

Find Nathan on

More about KICS Kinship Services

KICS Kinship Care Service works with children (0 to 18 years) who require a statutory out of home care placement and primary/respite Kinship Carers. KICS Kinship Support works collaboratively with the whole family including the parents and extended family to secure a stable and enduring kinship care placement while it is required.

Children and young people can be referred to us by the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women or by residential placements.

Learn more about KICS Kinship Services here