Foster Care Training

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 function. The widespread problems associated with alcohol and drugs coupled with the fact that the majority of individuals with SUDs do not seek substance abuse treatment, make it likely that social workers and other professionals will encounter system Involved youth &/or families impacted by SUDs. How do we learn to recognize the medical aspects of alcoholism and substance abuse and support people who may be unaware of the ramifications that alcoholism and substance abuse is having on their lives? What are the major treatment approaches to alcoholism and substance abuse? How do we determine which community resources are available and more importantly, who and when to refer our system involved youth or their family members to for greater support with alcoholism & substance use? In this training, we will explore how support providers can enhance capacity to support sustainable behavior change with system involved youth and/or their families who may be caught up in alcoholism and substance use and foster progress toward improved outcomes. Practicing and sharing the methods outlined by this workshop will allow us to improve the approaches of how we empower system-involved youth and families and will fulfill what is required by Sections 4980.41, 4980.80, 4980.90, 4996.2, 4996.17, and 4999.32 of the Barclays Official California Code of Regulations for Continuing Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Educational Psychologists, and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. During this in person workshop, we will have a chance to connect with each other by utilizing, discussion groups, roleplays, and mindfulness self regulation activities interspersed with and complementing the content offered.