For Heart Gallery Staff & Volunteers
Heart Gallery Resource Trainings
Heart Gallery Resource Trainings are trainings provided for Heart Gallery staff, partners, and volunteers working directly with children through the Heart Gallery.
Find out which training is right for you below. If you have any questions regarding the trainings, please contact Erika Settles at erika.settles@austin.utexas.edu. You can also explore additional trainings for professionals and caregivers.
Strengths Based Approach to Telling a Child’s Story:Â
Attend this training if you will be writing Heart Gallery narratives for children.
Training Description: In this interactive training, you will acquire valuable skills to write narratives for children in foster care utilizing a strengths-based approach. You will learn to highlight the unique qualities and potential of each child to help connect them with a nurturing, supportive family that can best meet their needs.Â
Strengths-Based Approach to Telling a Child’s Story
Fill out our form to receive a free recording of our Strengths-Based Approach to Telling a Child’s Story training!
Engaging With Youth in Foster Care:Â
Attend this training if you will interact with children during the Heart Gallery process. This training is designed for Heart Gallery case managers, CASA workers, volunteer photographers, or media staff.
Training Description:Â This training emphasizes the role of empathy in effective engagement, highlighting the necessity of creating a secure and trusting space for youth. Participants will acquire practical techniques for building rapport and connection, fostering meaningful interactions during their time spent with youth.
Engaging with Youth in Foster Care
Fill out our form to receive a free recording of our Engaging With Youth in Foster Care training!
Heart Gallery Resources
HGTX Statewide Referral Form
Referring a child to Heart Gallery is now the same across all regions: a single short form built on the TARE referral.
HGTX Webinars
Attend our upcoming monthly webinars and watch past webinars.
HGTX Trainings for Caregivers & Professionals
Our trainings provide educational and technical support to child welfare professionals and caregivers. See and share our current offerings.
Words Matter: A Guide on Adoption Language
Download our adoption language guide for practical tips on using language that promotes inclusivity and healing.
Strengths-Based Approach to Telling a Child’s Story
Fill out our form to receive a free recording of our Strengths-Based Approach to Telling a Child’s Story training!
Engaging With Youth in Foster Care Training
Fill out our form to receive a free recording of our Engaging With Youth in Foster Care training!
Engaging with Youth for Media Professionals Training
Fill out our form to receive a free recording of our Engaging with Youth for Media Professionals Training
A Guide for Obtaining Consent for Heart Gallery Participation
Review our HGTX consent guide for a step-by-step process on properly obtaining consent from children who may participate in heart gallery photoshoots, displays, and marketing.
I want to adopt. Now what?
A short video and guide describing the entire adoption process.
Post Adoption Services Hub for Families
Heart Galleries of Texas partners with organizations across the state to provide free post-adoption services. Check out our searchable hub.
Adoption Competent Therapists in Texas
The Heart Galleries of Texas in partnership with the National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services, has launched an initiative to expand access to quality adoption competent care in Texas. View the current list of therapists.
Post Permanency Resources List
Heart Galleries of Texas and local heart galleries maintain a list of resources for caregivers and professionals.
Snapshots of Hope
In this video, Erika, Michael and June share powerful stories on how being featured in a Heart Gallery led them to lasting family support.
2025 Heart Galleries of Texas Infographic
Our HGTX infographic highlights statewide impact and key outcomes in 2025.
HGTX Myth v. Fact
This Myth v. Fact brief addresses common misconceptions and shares key information about HGTX’s work to connect youth in foster care with permanent families.