Icebreaker Facilitators
Thank you for interest in becoming an Icebreaker!
What Are Icebreakers? Icebreakers are 30 minute meetings (per child) between Parents & Foster Parents to help the child move through Foster Care.
Who can run Icebreakers? Icebreakers are run by facilitators who have completed the Department of Human Services (“DHS”) volunteer training (including background check) and the Icebreaker training.
Although many Icebreaker Facilitators have received additional training in mediation conflict management or other communications based training, the Icebreaker Program is designed so that anyone can facilitate an Icebreaker with the help of this manual, volunteer orientation, and completion of the online knowledge review, the link of which is found at the end of this manual.
It may also be helpful to participate in a role-play experience and observe and actual icebreaker before facilitating one.
The main attributes required for an effective icebreaker facilitator are:
1. The ability to listen effectively;
2. The willingness to work with diverse family dynamics;
3. The strong desire to improve the lives of foster children; and
4. The ability to understand and enforce the strict confidentiality of all parties.
Why are Icebreakers important? Icebreakers have been used all over the country, including Oregon, to improve outcomes for foster children. When families participate in Icebreakers, there is increased trust on all sides and children not only return home faster, but are more emotionally stable in foster care knowing their parents enjoy a civil relationship.
How do I begin? Begin by sending an email us at through the contact us tab. Please allow two business days for a response.
What Are Icebreakers? Icebreakers are 30 minute meetings (per child) between Parents & Foster Parents to help the child move through Foster Care.
Who can run Icebreakers? Icebreakers are run by facilitators who have completed the Department of Human Services (“DHS”) volunteer training (including background check) and the Icebreaker training.
Although many Icebreaker Facilitators have received additional training in mediation conflict management or other communications based training, the Icebreaker Program is designed so that anyone can facilitate an Icebreaker with the help of this manual, volunteer orientation, and completion of the online knowledge review, the link of which is found at the end of this manual.
It may also be helpful to participate in a role-play experience and observe and actual icebreaker before facilitating one.
The main attributes required for an effective icebreaker facilitator are:
1. The ability to listen effectively;
2. The willingness to work with diverse family dynamics;
3. The strong desire to improve the lives of foster children; and
4. The ability to understand and enforce the strict confidentiality of all parties.
Why are Icebreakers important? Icebreakers have been used all over the country, including Oregon, to improve outcomes for foster children. When families participate in Icebreakers, there is increased trust on all sides and children not only return home faster, but are more emotionally stable in foster care knowing their parents enjoy a civil relationship.
How do I begin? Begin by sending an email us at through the contact us tab. Please allow two business days for a response.
