Foster Care Training

Some children can’t tell you what’s wrong, but their bodies will. Their behaviors will. Their avoidance, shutdown, or outburst is often the clearest form of communication they have. This session invites professionals to pay closer attention to what the senses are trying to say.

This training is designed to assist professionals working with foster youth to connect to stories of themselves within the work that are fulfilling and sustaining. Because this work requires us to spend time in situations that tend to deplete us or contribute to ‘burnout’, it is vital that we are able to engage with versions of ourselves that demonstrate the ways that we stay connected to what we give value to. Participants will discuss some of the ideas that frame what stories are available to be told and to find ways to challenge these ideas in order to discover alternative stories. A particular story about a professional in the field […]

This training is designed to help those working with youth and families to explore how they make meaning around their experiences. We will introduce the ideas of Double Listening and engaging around the Absent but Implicit.

This introductory training explores how restorative justice (RJ) practices can be applied to better serve/support system-involved youth, including those impacted by child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental or behavioral health systems. Rooted in trauma-informed care, participants will examine the principles of RJ, the effects of systemic barriers, and the importance of centering youth voice in conflict resolution and healing. Through case studies, facilitated circles, role-play activities, and small group discussions, attendees will gain practical skills to implement restorative dialogues, conferences, and circles in their service/support settings. Special emphasis will be placed on adapting RJ approaches to address the unique needs and strengths of foster youth and other system-involved youth in […]

This course will focus on managing social anxiety and loneliness for system-involved youth using three social-emotional learning competency domains: self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. CASEL.(n.d.) Through didactic, collaborative, and interactive learning, participants will explore how social-emotional learning is essential to mental health and wellness and how using creative arts-based tools can teach self-compassion and build healthy connections with others. These activities will help staff provide thoughtful services to improve the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of system-involved youth in care. Participants will recognize how our social interactions improve as we develop greater insight and connection with ourselves.

The purpose of this training is to create a renewed and heightened awareness of boundary issues in work with foster youth. Having boundaries is not just a matter of being professional.

This specialized training is designed for professionals who provide care and support to individuals whom exhibit challenging or potentially assaultive behavior. Participants will gain essential skills and strategies for effectively managing high-stress situations and preventing violent behavior. The course covers recognizing early signs of escalation, employing de-escalation techniques, and maintaining control through clear, assertive communication. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe environment for both the system involved youth and the caregiver while fostering mutual respect. Through interactive exercises, role-playing, and real-world case studies, participants will develop practical skills to safely navigate difficult situations, reducing the risk of conflict and ensuring the well-being of all involved. Participants will leave this […]

This specialized training is designed for professionals who provide care and support to individuals whom exhibit challenging or potentially assaultive behavior. Participants will gain essential skills and strategies for effectively managing high-stress situations and preventing violent behavior. The course covers recognizing early signs of escalation, employing de-escalation techniques, and maintaining control through clear, assertive communication. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe environment for both the system involved youth and the caregiver while fostering mutual respect. Through interactive exercises, role-playing, and real-world case studies, participants will develop practical skills to safely navigate difficult situations, reducing the risk of conflict and ensuring the well-being of all involved. Participants will leave this […]

This training focuses on how child welfare staff must work together with other staff, the youth and family, outside professionals, extended family, and friends, as well others in order to provide coordinated support for youth in out-of-home care and their extended network.

Participants will discuss several different categories of behavior support strategies to use with youth including individual and group support strategies as well as crisis communication techniques. Participants will learn how to prepare youth to support themselves and work toward their goals when they are no longer in care.

[This course is from 9AM-4:30PM] This is a live instructor-led remote course, with pre-requisites to complete before the course date. Instructors will email you in advance of the course date with additional details to complete pre-work online. Mental Health First Aid is a certification course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. The content is applicable for supporting any person, however special emphasis will be […]

This is a live instructor-led remote course, with pre-requisites to complete before the course date. Instructors will email you in advance of the course date with additional details to complete pre-work online. Mental Health First Aid is a certification course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. The content is applicable for supporting any person, however special emphasis will be placed on how to use […]

A suggested method for supporting system-involved youth (SIY) in transcending their negative past experiences is to effectively engage them in accessing their hereditary strengths, talents, and passions, enhanced with future envisioning, and performance coaching towards building a life that is constructive, inspires joy, is fun, and promotes success in social settings, academics, and career related activities, and brings about a feeling of security in the individual that leads to healthy engagement with community. In this interactive training, we will explore how to enhance our capacity to support SIY by exploring Strengths-based Coaching Techniques (outlined in the above paragraph) that foster the relationship with SIY and sparks motivation to get them […]

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer; the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR prepares you to know what to do if you suspect someone is contemplating suicide. Participants will know how to persuade someone to not commit suicide and how to refer this person to professionals that can begin treatment.  Register Here

This training is designed to explore the idea, causes and effects of self-injurious behavior. Upon completion of the training, participants will have a basic understanding of how and why clients engage in self-injurious behavior. Participants will also have a set of strategies to respond to the needs of those clients.

Learn what a system-involved youth’s challenging behaviors are attempting to communicate! While it is necessary to understand the function of the child’s behaviors (since it is a communication to us), we also need to understand what this means in the context of the family relationships. This understanding will allow us to better support caregivers and teachers as they attempt to help system-involved youth to be successful in school, maintain a placement, be reunited with family, etc.

Anxiety is a common reason for students to be referred for school-based mental health support, particularly during the middle school years when developmental, social, and academic demands intensify. This interactive six-hour training (broken into two parts) equips school-based mental health providers with the knowledge and tools to recognize how anxiety presents in adolescents, understand its impact on learning and behavior, and respond with effective, school-friendly strategies. Participants will explore topics such as recognizing anxiety, understanding the roots of anxiety, developing intervention strategies, collaborating with teachers and parents, and how to create a supportive educational environment.

The challenges of dual diagnoses include knowledge of actual substance usage, correct mental health diagnoses, treatment options and how youth in care might be affected by all of the above. Families involved in various systems including foster care, child protection, juvenile and adult penal and emergency response are often dealing with two or more diagnoses in a caregiver or youth. Learning who they are, where they come from and why they do what they do can help the helpers deal with inherent challenges when working with these populations. In this course, we will delve into all of those issues through didactic lecture, interactive discussion, article/research sharing and case example(s).

Youth in the foster care system are often pathologized and labeled with diagnoses that highlight problems within youth. This training provides context to the diagnoses that are assigned to youth, and the contextual considerations that may influence mental health needs and conditions. Within this training, participants will also review screening tools that are used in order to understand youth’s needs. Participants will have opportunities for reflection and group discussion. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to practice ways of uncovering youth’s needs with them.

During this introductory training, participants will have an overview of depression as it relates to youth. The training will provide a brief overview on the causes of depression and what possible symptoms are for youth. Participants will gain practical skills to assess, respond to, and support a youth who is experiencing depression symptoms.

We can’t know how to develop plans to support system-involved youth if we don’t understand fully the youth’s context including family relationships, historical trauma, and intergenerational influences. Learn how the history of the biological families of our system-involved youth impacts their current functioning and how a family’s life cycle developmental challenges are intricately related to a youth’s own developmental challenges and attachment issues. We will review the importance of creating family trees and timelines with families in order to learn about their life experiences and other important values. This information guides our case planning and service provision of all kinds. Without context, we cannot possibly understand what the behaviors of […]

The focus of this training is to help resource parents understand the difficulties that foster youth may face around holidays, a time when family traditions are often celebrated. Discussion regarding grief and loss, triggers, identity and belonging, and possible overstimulation. Case scenarios are presented for different developmental levels-age groups. General strategies offered such as preparing kids ahead of time, offering choice, honor their heritage, normalizing feelings and present regulation tools. A variety of fun and inclusive activity ideas include holiday rituals for Christmas and Thanksgiving, and New Years.

This two-hour course will allow participants to review, understand and practice, the principals around the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard. Administrators and staff will build a foundation of shared understanding around decision making, considering youths’ developmental and age appropriateness for activities, outings, etc.

This training helps participants reframe the behaviors of foster youth and system-involved youth with developmental delays through a neurodevelopmental and strengths-based lens. Using reflection activities and practical strategies, attendees will learn how neurological differences affect behavior, communication, and emotional regulation. The session emphasizes how to shift from compliance-based approaches to connection-based support, using tools that foster trust. By attending, professionals will gain insight into how to interpret behavior as communication and provide more affirming, effective support within systems that often misunderstand these youth.

Youth in the foster care system are often pathologized and labeled with diagnoses that highlight problems within youth. This training provides context to the diagnoses that are assigned to youth, and the contextual considerations that may influence mental health needs and conditions. Within this training, participants will also review screening tools that are used in order to understand youth’s needs. Participants will have opportunities for reflection and group discussion. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to practice ways of uncovering youth’s needs with them.

Youth in the foster care system are often pathologized and labeled with diagnoses that highlight problems within youth. This training provides context to the diagnoses that are assigned to youth, and the contextual considerations that may influence mental health needs and conditions. Within this training, participants will also review screening tools that are used in order to understand youth’s needs. Participants will have opportunities for reflection and group discussion. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to practice ways of uncovering youth’s needs with them.

This training explores how ableism frames disability and neurodivergence as deficits, shaping expectations, limiting opportunities, and marginalizing youth. Participants examine how ableist thinking is internalized and reflected in language, practices, and institutions, including everyday terms that tie human worth to productivity and compliance. Using disability justice as a guiding framework, the session affirms interdependence, collective care, and accountability, while inviting reflection on social conditioning and offering strategies to disrupt ableist patterns and support neurodivergent youth in liberatory, sustainable ways.

During this introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, provides an overview of racial bias within learning environments and systems and ways to address it. Participants will gain an understanding of what racial bias is, how it manifests in learning environments, and its impact on scholars. They will also learn strategies for addressing racial bias in learning environments and systems and advancing racial equity. The training will emphasize the importance of cultural competence training for educators. Overall, professionals working with system-involved youth will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address racial bias within their learning environment and systems and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all pupils. […]

During this introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, designed for caregivers, professionals, social workers, educators and others who work with system-involved youth and families who have experienced trauma. The training will cover the principles of trauma-informed care, the effects of trauma on the brain and body, common responses to trauma, screening and assessment for trauma, trauma-informed communication and language, implementing trauma-informed care in organizations and practices and self-care for providers. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout). Register Here

During this introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, on Communication Skills is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various communication scenarios. Participants will explore the intricacies of active listening, learning how to truly understand others’ perspectives and respond appropriately. Additionally, participants will sharpen their verbal communication skills, mastering techniques for articulating ideas with clarity and confidence. This training will uncover the often-overlooked realm of nonverbal communication, shedding light on the subtle cues that can significantly influence interactions. Participants will gain insights into body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal signals, enabling them to better interpret others’ messages and convey their own intentions more […]

This training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, aims to equip those who support system-involved youth and families with the knowledge and skills of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and its application in the context of the Stages of Change. Participants will learn how to effectively engage, support and empower system-involved youth and families at different stages of change, especially within the process of identifying strengths and needs and well as service and support planning efforts. Through interactive exercises, case studies, and role-plays, participants will enhance their ability to apply MI techniques and facilitate positive behavior change in this unique population. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, […]

In this training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, participants will gain a generalized understanding of MI and its benefits for youth and families who are system involved or at high risk of system involvement. Participants will be introduced to the spirit of MI, Righting Reflex and OARS (open-ended, affirmations, reflections and summary). Participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups, engage in various activities and receive tangible examples to use within their efforts to support youth and families who are system involved or at high risk of system involvement. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook […]

This training equips providers serving system-involved youth with the tools and understanding necessary to reduce unnecessary involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS). It explores trauma-informed care and family-centered practices, emphasizing practical strategies to prevent harm. Through case studies, reflective exercises, and interactive discussion, participants will learn to engage families with empathy while promoting alternatives to formal CPS involvement.

Many system-involved youth and young adults struggle with mood disruptions so it’s crucial for providers to know how to support them. This training will build off “Strategies to support system-involved youth with mood disruptions.” This training will provide you with additional strategies to support youth with mood disruptions, how and when to involve parents/caregivers, and how parents/caregivers can support their youth with a mood disruption. This training will also include discussions around common co-occurring conditions youth and young adults may struggle with and school-related challenges. Register Here

During this introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, designed for caregivers, professionals, social workers, educators and others who work with system-involved youth and families who have experienced trauma. The training will cover the principles of trauma-informed care, the effects of trauma on the brain and body, common responses to trauma, screening and assessment for trauma, trauma-informed communication and language, implementing trauma-informed care in organizations and practices and self-care for providers. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout). Register Here

This introductory training will be facilitated in English and Spanish-Language and provides service/support providers and caregivers of system-involved youth with practical, evidence-based tools and strategies to promote healing, stability, and resilience. Using a trauma-informed approach, participants will learn how to navigate the unique needs of children and youth impacted by child welfare, juvenile justice, and behavioral health systems. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, participants will build skills to strengthen relationships, support emotional regulation, and effective collaboration with other providers, while honoring each youth’s lived experience.

When caring for and supporting foster youth you can often face challenges of crises, placement instability, or system pressures. These can lead to quick decisions or unintended consequences for youth and families, especially when the needs and strengths of youth are not maintained as a guiding force. This training focuses on the importance of self-reflection, humility and self-care as a means of building capacity to deliver care for foster youth who experience trauma.

When caring for and supporting foster youth you can often face challenges of crises, placement instability, or system pressures. These can lead to quick decisions or unintended consequences for youth and families, especially when the needs and strengths of youth are not maintained as a guiding force. This training focuses on the importance of self-reflection, humility and self-care as a means of building capacity to deliver care for foster youth who experience trauma.

When caring for and supporting foster youth you can often face challenges of crises, placement instability, or system pressures. These can lead to quick decisions or unintended consequences for youth and families, especially when the needs and strengths of youth are not maintained as a guiding force. This training focuses on the importance of self-reflection, humility and self-care as a means of building capacity to deliver care for foster youth who experience trauma.

During this introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, on Communication Skills is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various communication scenarios. Participants will explore the intricacies of active listening, learning how to truly understand others’ perspectives and respond appropriately. Additionally, participants will sharpen their verbal communication skills, mastering techniques for articulating ideas with clarity and confidence. This training will uncover the often-overlooked realm of nonverbal communication, shedding light on the subtle cues that can significantly influence interactions. Participants will gain insights into body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal signals, enabling them to better interpret others’ messages and convey their own intentions more […]

Part 1 of Crisis Prevention Interventions focuses on early intervention and non-physical methods for managing disruptive and aggressive behaviors. Trainers will explore effective communication techniques and the physiological responses that occur during moments of aggression, along with the core philosophy of Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security, which underpins the training. Human service professionals worldwide have participated in CPI programs to learn proven strategies for safely managing situations involving anxious, hostile, or violent behavior, all while preserving therapeutic relationships with those under their care.

Part 2 of Crisis Prevention Intervention focuses on building a stronger foundation in Crisis Prevention Interventions. This phase of training will enhance participants’ ability to apply these strategies effectively in real-world situations. The emphasis will be on identifying early warning signs and taking proactive steps to de-escalate potential crises before they turn violent. Additionally, the training will cover advanced communication techniques and strategies for staying calm and in control during high-pressure moments. Participants will also learn how to maintain the integrity of their professional relationships while ensuring the safety of themselves and those they care for. This well-rounded approach prepares human service professionals to effectively navigate the challenges of working […]

This training is designed to introduce prospective Resource Families to the Child Welfare System and the role of a resource parent. Participants will receive an overview of the steps to becoming a resource parent with Alternative Family Services.

This training is designed to introduce prospective Resource Families to the Child Welfare System and the role of a resource parent. Participants will receive an overview of the steps to becoming a resource parent with Alternative Family Services.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

While the holiday season can be a joyous time for many, it can also be difficult time. It is a time of year that many experience sadness, loneliness and increased stressors. For many system-involved youth this can be exacerbated as they are not with their families. This training will discuss risk factors and contributing factors for holiday unhappiness and stressors. You will also learn strategies to support system-involved youth who may be struggling during this time of year. Register Here

This session explores grief as a natural and personal response to loss, emphasizing that it affects everyone differently based on individual factors like personality, life experience, and the nature of the loss. Participants will review the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and discuss how grief impacts children in foster care. Even in stable placements, these children often face significant losses, including family, home, routines, and personal belongings. Understanding this grief is essential to providing empathetic, trauma-informed support.

This session explores grief as a natural and personal response to loss, emphasizing that it affects everyone differently based on individual factors like personality, life experience, and the nature of the loss. Participants will review the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and discuss how grief impacts children in foster care. Even in stable placements, these children often face significant losses, including family, home, routines, and personal belongings. Understanding this grief is essential to providing empathetic, trauma-informed support.

This training will cover who are Mandated Reporters and their responsibilities to report child abuse, types of child abuse and neglect, accidental vs purposeful abuse and what, when and where to report abuse. Protection for reporters and penalties for failure to report. This training is intended for those that work with children and youth within the child welfare system or are at-risk of entering. This includes child welfare workers, resource parents, youth sports coaches, youth mentors, teachers and volunteers/staff working with this population. Register Here

It’s important for social service providers to be able to conduct a thorough state of mind assessment. This allows us to assess the client’s baseline functioning as well as to gauge changes in their condition. This training will provide an in depth look at what goes into a state of mind examination and how to complete one. Register Here

Resource parent orientation brings an overview to the Child Welfare System and Aldea’s role in serving and protecting children who are foster youth in California. Included in this training are the caregiver’s responsibilities, Aldea’s approval process, competencies for Resource family approval, the application process and home health and safety inspections and making your home ready for receiving a foster youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. Issues specific to sexual exploitation of youth, including the difficulty in identifying youth at risk, can make the provision of appropriate services a challenge for systems that serve the youth. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. Issues specific to sexual exploitation of youth, including the difficulty in identifying youth at risk, can make the provision of appropriate services a challenge for systems that serve the youth. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

This training is designed to prepare resource families to work with youth in the foster care system. Participants will receive a better understanding of the foster care system structure and explore how to provide a well-planned, safe, and secure environment designed to meet children’s individual and unique needs, and how to create an environment that promotes children’s social emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Participants will continue to review; Interim Licensing Standard, Child Growth and Development, Medication Guidelines, Discipline, Working with Biological Families and understanding the Effects of Trauma.

This training is designed to prepare resource families to work with youth in the foster care system. Participants will receive a better understanding of the foster care system structure and explore how to provide a well-planned, safe, and secure environment designed to meet children’s individual and unique needs, and how to create an environment that promotes children’s social emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Participants will continue to review; Interim Licensing Standard, Child Growth and Development, Medication Guidelines, Discipline, Working with Biological Families and understanding the Effects of Trauma.

System-involved youth experience a significant amount of loss whether it’s from removal from their families of origin, deaths of loved ones and friends, and loss of connection to their culture. So, it’s crucial for social service providers to understand the grief process and know how to support system-involved youth in the midst of loss. Register Here

This training will cover who are Mandated Reporters and their responsibilities to report child abuse, types of child abuse and neglect, accidental vs purposeful abuse and what, when and where to report abuse. Protection for reporters and penalties for failure to report. This training is intended for those that work with children and youth within the child welfare system or are at-risk of entering. This includes child welfare workers, resource parents, youth sports coaches, youth mentors, teachers and volunteers/staff working with this population. Register Here

This training provides an introductory overview of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) including: basic definitions, significant laws and legislation, and a discussion on risk factors that contribute to a child’s vulnerability to be recruited or groomed into exploitation. This training also describes how complex trauma can create vulnerabilities for youth at risk for exploitation, providing trainees the opportunity to learn about trauma informed care practices.

This training provides an introductory overview of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) including: basic definitions, significant laws and legislation, and a discussion on risk factors that contribute to a child’s vulnerability to be recruited or groomed into exploitation. This training also describes how complex trauma can create vulnerabilities for youth at risk for exploitation, providing trainees the opportunity to learn about trauma informed care practices.

Many system-involved youth and young adults struggle with mood disruptions so it’s crucial for providers to know how to support them. This training will build off “Strategies to support system-involved youth with mood disruptions.” This training will provide you with additional strategies to support youth with mood disruptions, how and when to involve parents/caregivers, and how parents/caregivers can support their youth with a mood disruption. This training will also include discussions around common co-occurring conditions youth and young adults may struggle with and school-related challenges. Register Here

For individuals who have experienced trauma, healthcare settings can be intimidating and even triggering. It’s important to learn how to support and advocate for trauma survivors to ensure they stay on top of their health. This training will provide participants with strategies to support trauma survivors at medical appointments and dentist appointments. Register Here

This training focuses on helping professionals and youth learn to develop strong communication skills and express themselves confidently through storytelling and public speaking.

It’s crucial for social service providers to recognize and understand adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the youth and families they work with. Research has shown that ACEs are linked to negative health outcomes throughout one’s lifespan including shortening one’s life expectancy. So, it’s crucial for social service providers to screen for ACEs, try to prevent ACEs and mediate when ACEs are identified. Register Here

This course provides essential knowledge, research, and intervention strategies to effectively support individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, particularly youth involved in systems of care. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of the disease, including transmission, risk factors, and evidence-based prevention strategies.

The purpose of this training is to create a renewed and heightened awareness of boundary issues in work with foster youth. Having boundaries is not just a matter of being professional.

The purpose of this training is to create a renewed and heightened awareness of boundary issues in work with foster youth. Having boundaries is not just a matter of being professional.

In the first segment of this training, participants will discuss how to identify when crisis communication is needed and how to utilize a self-control plan to remain calm in crisis. This training will also review key principles of crisis communication such as using short sentences, focus on the desired behavior, use of voice tone, and the importance of body language.

This training explores the purpose of actively working with youth in care to help them meet preferred behaviors. The training highlights four things to think about in any given situation before choosing how to support youth: your personal state, the desired outcome, the situation and environment, and which approach to use. Didactic presentation, group discussion, art and visualization exercises are utilized.

While the holiday season can be a joyous time for many, it can also be difficult time. It is a time of year that many experience sadness, loneliness and increased stressors. For many system-involved youth this can be exacerbated as they are not with their families. This training will discuss risk factors and contributing factors for holiday unhappiness and stressors. You will also learn strategies to support system-involved youth who may be struggling during this time of year. Register Here

With the rise in opioid-related deaths across the nation, an informed community response is needed now more than ever. This training will cover the essential components of opioid overdose care and intranasal naloxone (NARCAN) administration in youth.

Youth coming to the Alameda County Assessment Center have often gone through a recent traumatic event which may result in suicidal ideation or behaviors. Providers attending this training will learn methods of assessing youth for risk of suicide or other self-harm, identify warning signs, and protective factors. Participants will learn about the Pediatric Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and Suicide Assessment Five Step Evaluation and Triage approach. Participants will also practice how to intervene to address the youth’s immediate safety and treatment needs.

It is important for social service providers, foster parents, guardians, and natural supports to have ongoing dialogue with system-involved youth about dating, boundaries, and sex. Without these conversations, system-involved youth are left to navigate these topics on their own or with their peers. This training will equip participants to have these crucial conversations which can improve outcomes for system-involved youth.

Come to this training on understanding suicidal ideation (SI) with system-involved youth. This is going to be a training within the context of family because we need the larger team to keep system-involved youth safe. We are going to talk about why youth might choose suicide, things to look for, how we talk about it, and ways to keep system-involved youth safe! However, once youth are safe, our focus will shift to how do we keep them alive and having a future outlook that does not include seeing suicide as a viable option for managing their pain. Additionally, we are going to be learning about the pandemic and suicide.

During this training, participants will review their roles in assessing and intervening to prevent suicide as defined by professional organizational ethics and legal statutes.

Many system-involved youth and families are impacted by Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) which can negatively affect them physically, psychologically, socially, legally, vocationally, educationally, and in other areas of life functioning. The widespread problems associated with alcohol and drug use coupled with the fact that most individuals with SUDs do not seek substance abuse treatment, making it likely that service/support providers will encounter system-involved youth & families impacted by SUDs. How do we learn to recognize the medical aspects of alcoholism and substance abuse, and support those who may be unaware of the ramifications that alcoholism and substance abuse is having on their lives? What are the major strategy approaches to […]

Some foster youth exhibit unstable features whether they experience auditory or visual illusions, paranoia or other misbeliefs. It’s important for social service providers working with system-involved youth to understand neurosis and how to effectively support youth in care. This training will equip you with skills to work with youth experiencing these symptoms. Please register at: Register Here

Trainees will learn about the neurodiversity model and how to apply this model to ADHD. Topics covered will include the strengths and differences model, neurobiological impact of ADHD and the “”ADHD brain””, giving feedback, and understanding the importance of identifying ADHD symptoms. Trainees will incorporate examples into understanding of their work with foster youth in this two week training.

In this class participants will learn: 1) California Telehealth legal codes and Telehealth professional codes of ethics including: informed consent, privacy, working with people out of state, preparing for crisis, and handling technology failure; 2) Research on Telehealth and 3) Best practicing when providing online services.

This course explores legal and ethical issues for licensed professionals working in youth and family services and child welfare and different therapeutic modalities. Topics include an overview of liability issues, the sources of procedure in our work, and how to minimize liability.

This series explores best practices with working with youth and families in community based, school-based, or residential programs in a cohesive, cohort-based training program.

As social services case planning, mental health treatment, and general support has become more commonly provided via telehealth, it is important that those who support system-involved youth are aware of the legal and ethical issues related to services and support provided via telehealth. In this class participants will learn: 1) California Telehealth legal codes and Telehealth professional codes of ethics including: informed consent, privacy, working with people out of state, preparing for crisis, and handling technology failure; 2) Research on Telemental Health and 3) best practices when providing online support for system-involved youth.

In this workshop, we will review the best practices that the literature addresses when providing linguistically appropriate and culturally responsive services with the use of translators. This training will utilize an approach to help service providers develop cultural competency skills, and relational competency skills, necessary to work with Spanish Speaking families and youth.

Meeting ethical and legal standards is foundational for the provision of competent services and support for system involved youth. Many dimensions of these standards are clear and have remained constant over the years. Yet others continue to evolve, and mental health and social services professionals routinely confront complex and ambiguous ethical and legal situations. The purpose of this course is to give those who serve and support system involved youth an opportunity to renew and sharpen their ability to engage in knowledgeable and effective ethical decision-making, and understand and apply ethical and legal standards to challenges inherent within efforts to serve and support children, adolescents and families. The course also […]

Do you ever struggle with how close or distant your relationships with system-involved youth should be in order to maintain your ability to be helpful? We provide support to youth in our continuums of care and to their families in their own homes, in schools, in their communities, and remotely; this can be confusing for us and for those we support as to what our roles are and what kinds of relationships are being developed. The true helping relationship requires clear relationship boundaries so that we don’t unintentionally exploit system-involved youth and/or their families or experience our own compassion fatigue. This training clarifies what we mean by boundaries, ways in […]

Foster youth are faced with complex systems of care all striving to address their complex needs. Teaming is a component of care that is both unifying and expansive through shifting to collective and collaborative approaches. This training gets to the heart of the purpose and benefits of team based care and zooms in on how to integrate teaming practices, such as Shared Decision Making and Relational Therapy techniques, to improve team dynamics and outcomes for foster youth.

This training is designed to address the self-care needs of those serving children, youth and adults facing and impacted by traumatic life events. Participants are encouraged to verbalize their understanding and connectedness to the multiple aspects of compassion fatigue.

Emotional First Aid equips those involved in efforts which support system-involved youth and families with foundational knowledge and basic skills to support those who may be experiencing a mental health event. This training will explain basic principles of Emotional First Aid, as well as offer an introductory understanding of the effects of trauma and grief on the whole person. Instruction also includes how to talk with youth, caregivers, or other colleagues involved in efforts which support system-involved youth who are emotionally activated, and connect them with additional support, if needed. Participants will be informed through presenter instruction, explanation of supportive actions, learning activities, and resource suggestions.

This training will support participants to develop common language and frameworks for navigating challenging conversations, practicing accountability, and building a culture of trust on their teams and in their programs. In this session there will be an opportunity for participants to practice preparing for courageous conversations, having courageous conversations, and practice concrete next steps that allows for safe to fail opportunities to deepen their skills to navigate conflict and communicate more effectively.

This training will support participants to develop common language and frameworks for navigating challenging conversations, practicing accountability, and building a culture of trust on their teams and in their programs to better support system-involved youth. In this session there will be an opportunity for participants to practice preparing for courageous conversations, having courageous conversations, and practice concrete next steps that allows for safe-to-fail opportunities to deepen their skills to navigate conflict and communicate more effectively. Participants will engage in individual reflection, large group and small group discussions, and somatic activities that will support deeper learning and embodiment of the material for them within efforts to support system-involved youth.

This training presents the agency’s model for understanding the experience of children presenting severely dangerous or disruptive behaviors.

This 4.5-hour course is designed to provide staff serving in Group Homes and STRTP’s the skills to enhance Pro-Social behaviors when working with youth suffering from fragile attachments with original caregivers.

When helping people who have experienced trauma in their lives we tend to focus only on the effects of the trauma. Although this can be important work, it can also trap people in a story of how they have been victimized. This training is designed to assist participants in paying attention to how youth have responded to traumatic experiences and what this might indicate about what they hold as important.

While the holiday season can be a joyous time for many, it can also be a difficult time. It is a time of year that many experience depression, loneliness, and increased pressure. For many system-involved youth this can be exacerbated if they are not with their families. This training will discuss risk factors and contributing factors for holiday depression and anxiety. You will also learn strategies to support system-involved youth who may be struggling during this time of year.

There are numerous legal and ethical issues specific to working with system-involved youth in community-based organizations and school settings. They include privacy, use of electronics, consent to treatment, mandatory reporting laws, and dual relationships. Through case vignettes, discussions and lecture, participants will explore the intricacies of these issues.

This training supports child welfare professionals in developing cultural and relational competence by exploring collective care and interdependence as strategies to build resilience in themselves, their teams, and the communities they serve.

Service providers working with system involved children, youth, and families are held to many local, state, and federal expectations. Among these expectations include adhering to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), privacy practices (including confidentiality), and mandated reporting. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of HIPAA, protected health information (PHI), confidentiality, and mandated reporting requirements for service providers. Due to the ever changing nature of how we communicate with children, families, and other services this training will include how to ensure electronic communications adhere to the requirements as well. Mandated reporting will cover child and elder abuse reporting practices. This course has been customized for ABW staff and […]

This training will assist direct service professionals in working effectively with neurodivergent individuals, specifically those on the autism spectrum. Participants will define terms related to neurodiversity, define neurodiversity & identify five types of neurodiversity, identify five diagnostic criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorders and four possible socioemotional difficulties associated with ASD, define intersectionality and explore how multiple identities may impact how a person’s neurodivergence may manifest, identify four best practices in working with neurodiverse people, specifically youth on the autism spectrum. Participants will review five

During this introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, provides an overview of racial bias within learning environments and systems and ways to address it. Participants will gain an understanding of what racial bias is, how it manifests in learning environments, and its impact on scholars. They will also learn strategies for addressing racial bias in learning environments and systems and advancing racial equity. The training will emphasize the importance of cultural competence training for educators. Overall, professionals working with system-involved youth will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address racial bias within their learning environment and systems and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all pupils. […]

Trainees will learn about the neurodiversity model and how to apply this model to ADHD. Topics covered will include the strengths and differences model, neurobiological impact of ADHD and the “”ADHD brain””, giving feedback, and understanding the importance of identifying ADHD symptoms. Trainees will incorporate examples into understanding of their work with foster youth in this two week training.

For individuals who have experienced trauma, healthcare settings can be intimidating and even triggering. It’s important to learn how to support and advocate for trauma survivors to ensure they stay on top of their health. This training will provide participants with strategies to support trauma survivors at medical appointments and dentist appointments. Register Here

There is a growing awareness of youth and young adults being exploited in the commercial sex industry and many system-involved youth can find themselves caught up in it. This training will provide an overview of commercial sexual exploitation that includes prevalence, risk factors, pathways of entry, recruitment and ways to support trafficked youth. This training will be provided in English and Spanish. This is a TWO DAY TRAINING Register Here

During this introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, designed for caregivers, professionals, social workers, educators and others who work with system-involved youth and families who have experienced trauma. The training will cover the principles of trauma-informed care, the effects of trauma on the brain and body, common responses to trauma, screening and assessment for trauma, trauma-informed communication and language, implementing trauma-informed care in organizations and practices and self-care for providers. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout). Register Here

When caring for and supporting foster youth you can often face challenges of crises, placement instability, or system pressures. These can lead to quick decisions or unintended consequences for youth and families, especially when the needs and strengths of youth are not maintained as a guiding force. This training focuses on the importance of self-reflection, humility and self-care as a means of building capacity to deliver care for foster youth who experience trauma.

When caring for and supporting foster youth you can often face challenges of crises, placement instability, or system pressures. These can lead to quick decisions or unintended consequences for youth and families, especially when the needs and strengths of youth are not maintained as a guiding force. This training focuses on the importance of self-reflection, humility and self-care as a means of building capacity to deliver care for foster youth who experience trauma.

When caring for and supporting foster youth you can often face challenges of crises, placement instability, or system pressures. These can lead to quick decisions or unintended consequences for youth and families, especially when the needs and strengths of youth are not maintained as a guiding force. This training focuses on the importance of self-reflection, humility and self-care as a means of building capacity to deliver care for foster youth who experience trauma.

The effects of vicarious trauma and implicit bias have been shown in research to cause very harmful consequences to those experiencing them, especially for individuals coping with histories of generational trauma. In this training, the presentation will include: definitions; research on how polyvagal theory can help heal harm from vicarious trauma and implicit bias; an introduction to the neuroscience of the nervous system and brain chemicals; and strategies system-involved youth and their caregivers (who are often negatively affected by vicarious trauma) can implement. Participants will be guided through a sequence of learning activities to explore and understand the negative impact that vicarious trauma and implicit bias can have on system-involved […]

Foster youth are faced with complex systems of care all striving to address their complex needs. Teaming is a component of care that is both unifying and expansive through shifting to collective and collaborative approaches. This training gets to the heart of the purpose and benefits of team based care and zooms in on how to integrate teaming practices, such as Shared Decision Making and Relational Therapy techniques, to improve team dynamics and outcomes for foster youth.

Foster care and juvenile justice involved youth are at a very high-risk for commercial sexual exploitation. This training will provide an overview on CSEC in the United States. Participants will learn about CSEC risk factors, pathways to entry, the impact of CSEC on system-involved youth, CSEC identifying factors and CSEC needs.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

Grief is our natural response to loss. It is a process that is wired into human beings so that we can process painful emotions, identify restorative needs, adapt to unwanted changes, and grow through loss. However, there are multiple internal and external factors that complicate grief, causing this natural process to become stalled or derailed. This training will educate participants about the process of typical grief and common grief complications, as well as offer strategies for bolstering the resilience of system-involved youth (SIY) and families who are adapting to significant loss. This training includes presenter instruction, a slide presentation, learning activities, and explanation of supportive techniques. To increase participant engagement […]

This training is meant to offer providers helpful suggestions on how to best support system-impacted youth and families experiencing grief and loss. The training will include an overview of how grief is experienced in children and adolescents at different developmental stages, how children show their grief, the impact of grief on learning and grief triggers. There will be discussion of several types of losses including primary, secondary and cumulative and how this may affect the grieving process. This training will include books on the topic of grief as well as hands-on activities that can be used with system-impacted youth and families to normalize their experience and provide psychoeducation.

With a growing awareness of generational trauma, there’s a growing awareness that many parents of system-involved youth have experienced their own trauma. These unhealed wounds can pop up at unexpected times and can make parenting more difficult. This training will provide an overview of trauma triggers that can arise in parents of system-involved youth and strategies to address them.

While the holiday season can be a joyous time for many, it can also be difficult time. It is a time of year that many experience sadness, loneliness and increased stressors. For many system-involved youth this can be exacerbated as they are not with their families. This training will discuss risk factors and contributing factors for holiday unhappiness and stressors. You will also learn strategies to support system-involved youth who may be struggling during this time of year. Register Here

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. Issues specific to sexual exploitation of youth, including the difficulty in identifying youth at risk, can make the provision of appropriate services a challenge for systems that serve the youth. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. Issues specific to sexual exploitation of youth, including the difficulty in identifying youth at risk, can make the provision of appropriate services a challenge for systems that serve the youth. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.