Foster Care Training

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.

This training will help you support children’s and adolescents’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being through art and creative interventions. This training will focus on managing social anxiety and loneliness for children and adolescents using three social and emotional learning competency domains: self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. Through interactive, arts-based activities and dynamic discussion, participants will learn techniques and problem-solving strategies that teach self-compassion and build healthy connections with others. Participants will recognize how our social interactions improve as we develop greater insight and connection with ourselves.

This training will introduce clinical providers to the Harvest Collage and how to utilize this as a tool for self and clients. The participants will learn the benefits of increasing their own self-awareness while empowering families on their healing journey. This training will be an experiential exercise in creating a Harvest Collage to process & reflect on the year with all the highs/lows and various experiences. This tool can also be used as a way for honoring the end of services (honorable closure).

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. When working with system-involved youth we are often invited to focus on the behaviors of clients while missing out on the purposes that these reflect. We will pay attention to the values and intentions that behavior is grounded in and provide areas of inquiring designed to allow people to more fully describe these.

This workshop will focus on two of the five social-emotional learning competencies: Relationship skills and Responsible Decision-making skills. It will explore how developing strong communication skills builds healthy relationships and discuss the importance of communication skills in decision-making, conflict resolution, and working collaboratively. Through interactive, hands-on, arts-based activities, participants will discover practical techniques that teach self-control, problem-solving, and compassion.

Shame is a demonized emotion it has been used to categorize certain people or ourselves as ‘bad’ Shame can also be a barrier to accountability the stories we tell ourselves and our bodily responses when experiencing shame can keep us away from returning to moving with integrity. How do we bring shame out of the shadows in order to heal it and work with it? How do we use it to support being in accountable relationships with others, break cycles of harm, and help us build a world that does not binarize people as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and instead allows for seeing each other in fullness, which includes the messy […]

This is an advanced course developed for case managers and clinicians who have a basic understanding of MI. Participants will build on the knowledge gained from an introductory MI course. Participants will increase their understanding of open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries (OARS). The content explores each interviewing technique in-depth to enhance the participants tool kit of MI responses with system-involved youth and adolescents. Participants will be able to apply the tools learned in this course to establish reports, collaboration, and understanding for their current clients. This course will provide practical skills and strategies to resist the righting reflex when met with client resistance. Participants will increase their understanding of […]

Many social service providers provide workshops and groups for at-risk youth and many have not been formally taught how to facilitate groups. This training will provide an overview of best practices of group facilitation. Participants will also learn how to navigate challenging situations in groups such as redirecting a youth, a youth monopolizing the conversation, etc.

One of the most significant challenges for those supporting system involved youth with Somatic Disorders is to effectively engage them to overcome their challenges to foster positive outcomes. In this training, we will explore coaching self-regulation techniques and how they can enhance our capacity to effectively support system involved youth with Somatic Disorders. We will also explore situational leader coaching points that can prepare us to foster young people’s transformational behaviors that are sustainable and lead to healthy community engagement and improved outcomes, as well as strengthen their resilience and ability to heal from traumatic events. Practicing and sharing the methods outlined by this workshop will allow us to improve […]

Across the nation, system-involved youth (SIY) are experiencing a rising increase of emotional and behavioral health needs which can negatively affect them in the core areas of their life. All too often, these young people are subjected to unnecessary hospitalizations, long stays in inpatient facilities, juvenile justice system involvement, disproportionate school discipline, and out-of-home placements. There are also pronounced disparities impacting young people of color, families from low-income communities, and transgender or gender fluid youth. For too many youth, these crises end tragically. All SIY and their families should have access to robust crisis response strategies that address their needs equitably and effectively with appropriate and timely support delivered for […]

This workshop focused on tools that foster care providers can utilize to help stabilize foster youth when transitioning to placement. Participants will gain an understanding of the mental health challenges children and youth face entering into foster care depending on their developmental phase.

Boundaries are an essential part of working with traumatized system involved youth and families, yet they can be difficult to implement. Some providers can struggle to implement healthy boundaries due to their own trauma histories, not wanting to offend a client, etc. This training will discuss healthy boundaries for providers, barriers to implementing them, and strategies for implementing and maintaining them.

this training is going to review the materials from the Equilibrium curriculum as it relates to chapter one Why are you here. Through didactic, collaborative, and individual reflective learning, the group will explore the values that brought them to work in the child welfare system, how to maintain connection to those during difficult times with thoughtful personal resilience plans, and the professional responsibilities related to expressing those values such as cultural humility. These activities will support staff to provide thoughtful, responsible services for youth in their care.

Acceptance and commitment support combines mindfulness and acceptance strategies along with commitment and behavioral approaches. Participants will learn about acceptance and commitment strategies to support system-involved youth and young adults in care. We will provide an overview of the model and strategies to apply it with youth and young adults on your care plans. Register Here

One of the most significant challenges for those supporting system involved youth is to effectively coach them to maintain their own inner security while navigating conflict with those they live, work, play with and with those that have power over them to create win/win outcomes for themselves. In this training, we will explore the coaching of mediation, self-advocacy, and self-regulation techniques and how they can enhance our capacity to effectively support system-involved youth towards successful vital relationships. The aim of this workshop is to foster young people’s sustainable, transformational behaviors that lead to healthy community engagement and improved outcomes, as well as strengthen their resilience and ability to heal from […]

With a growing awareness of personality disruptions, it’s important for social service providers to understand them. It’s important to understand when a person disregards empathy for other’s placing them in a place of entitlement. This training will provide an overview of personality disruptions which include taking advantage of others for their own self gain. Register Here

This two-part training, designed for professionals working with children and families in community mental health settings, provides an exploration of Polyvagal Theory and its practical applications. Over two 3-hour sessions, participants will gain foundational knowledge of the theory and learn how to incorporate its principles into therapeutic practices to enhance emotional regulation, connection, and resilience in the families they serve. The course blends theoretical insights with experiential activities to deepen understanding and skill development. Participants will explore how the nervous system influences behavior, how to identify states of dysregulation, and how to create interventions that foster safety and co-regulation for system impacted youth and families.

This course will focus the on use of Motivational Interviewing to assess and prevent youth suicide. Attendees will examine the way in which providers fall into the fixing reflex in high acuity situations and means to mitigate this. The training will support provider recognition of suicide-related sustain talk and life-affirming change talk and the way in which OARS (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries) can be used to highlight life-affirming change talk in order to consolidate motivation to live. The training will culminate with breakout session practice of the use of OARS when facilitating a comprehensive assessment and safety plan.

This training will support participants to develop shared language related to conflict such as harm, misunderstanding, generative conflict, and accountability. Participants will engage in exploration of their own relationship to conflict, how they’ve personally been socialized to think about conflict, and the values they hold around navigating it. Through individual reflection, large group and small group discussions, and somatic activities, participants will explore the embodied ways that they respond to conflict while identifying frameworks to support them in leaning in and turning towards conflict when needed.

This course explores the concept of toxic positivity and its impact on system-involved youth, families, and professionals in the child welfare field. Participants will learn to recognize and challenge the well-intentioned but harmful messages that invalidate authentic emotions, especially in the context of grief, trauma, and systemic challenges. Through interactive discussions, reflective exercises, and case-based learning, the course examines the cultural roots of toxic positivity and its unintended consequences on emotional growth and trust-building. Participants will gain practical tools to foster environments where youth and families feel safe expressing their full range of emotions without judgment or pressure to “look on the bright side.” The training also emphasizes professional self-awareness, […]

This webinar will explore play & art-based activities and techniques for engagement, rapport building, and assessment with children ages 6-17. We will review the goals & concepts of attunement, attachment, co-regulation, assessment, and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Participants will learn child & adolescent friendly ways to explore important content areas during the case planning phase, including: activities & interests; school; friendships & peer relationships; self-awareness & feelings; home situation & family relationships. Participants will have the opportunity to explore many of these play & art-based assessment activities experientially. Workshop content will be applicable to social workers that work with grieving youth & families in the child welfare system […]

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. The principals will be based on safety, cultural competence and trauma informed practices that highlight accessibility and appropriateness for youth participation.

Dive deep into the world of neurodiversity and autism spectrum disorders with this dynamic training opportunity tailored for professionals working with system-involved youth. Through interactive sessions and engaging discussions, participants will uncover the intersection of disability movements, communication challenges, and environmental influences on the well-being of neurodiverse individuals. Armed with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of respectful language and advocacy, attendees will leave empowered to support the holistic needs of the youth they serve.

Most self-injurious behavior is related to early experiences of sexual, physical and emotional/verbal abuse. The adolescent stage of development is where self-injury typically starts. By understanding the causes and meanings of self-injurious behavior, caregivers can provide the early support necessary for youth to avoid long-term psychological problems. 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.

With a growing awareness neurodivergence, it’s important for social service providers to learn strategies to effectively support system involved youth. This training will provide an overview of interpersonal and communication differences neurodiverse youth can have. Providers will learn how to support neurodiverse youth in increasing their interpersonal effectiveness skills and strategies to navigate social situations in a neurotypical world.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” Did you know there is a direct link be-tween academic achievement and emotional literacy? Positive relationships are a critical tool in building social emotional health. Understanding the fundamentals of a positive, safe relationship can give you an advantage in dealing with children. Inter-actions with children have a profound impact on our relationship with the child. Come explore the power of positive relationships and the implications it has on social emotional learning.

This session is part 4 in a 4-part series which will examine using Energy Psychology techniques to regulate and intervene with system-involved youth and families. Learn to use EFT with those who have experienced shock (single incident) trauma or developmental/complex trauma. In this class participants will learn the basics of EFT and how to gauge a client’s readiness for using this technique to support healing from trauma and distress. We will discuss how interventions, such as Emotional Freedom Technique, can alleviate the distress of early trauma, thus positively impacting the futures of system involved youth and their families. (Required prerequisite – #1, 2, 3 of series)

This workshop on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for professionals working with system-involved clients provides a comprehensive and tailored approach to address the unique challenges and needs of this client population. Participants will gain a deep understanding of ACT’s core principles and learn how to adapt its techniques to navigate systemic constraints and trauma experienced by system-involved clients. The course emphasizes the importance of building strong therapeutic relationships within a systemic context, promoting psychological flexibility, and helping clients identify and pursue values-driven goals despite the challenges they face. Professionals will also receive guidance on self-care and ethical considerations, ensuring that they can effectively support their clients while maintaining their own […]

Some system-involved youth demonstrate impulsive and aggressive behaviors. This training will provide an overview of disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disruptions including their prevalence and what these behaviors look like. Participants will learn how to support youth in care experiencing impulse control and conduct disruptions as well as to work with caregivers and service providers to best support them. Register Here

This course will offer participants an opportunity to develop a greater understanding and perspective of the needs of autistic and other neurodivergent youth in their care and how best to meet them respectfully to improve outcomes for system involved youth. We will engage a variety of practical and useful direct support skills beneficial for these Residential and Non-Public School staff to use to aid neurodiverse youth and their families to be safe and successful. Thirdly, we will learn to assist system involved youth to self-advocate for their needs in different settings.

Having an understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder is essential for service providers working with system impacted youth and their families. A child with Sensory Processing Disorder may exhibit behaviors that are similar to ADHD, Attachment Disorders, Trauma Behaviors and others and therefore sensory integration challenges may be overlooked. When misunderstanding and misdiagnosis occurs, the service provider misses an essential piece of the treatment puzzle for the child with SPD. This course describes SPD, offers information regarding referral resources, helps the service provider to distinguish between sensory behaviors and play themes, and provides insight into challenges parents or caregivers may experience in relating to a child with SPD.

With a growing awareness of relational wounds system-involved youth and young adults experience, it’s important to consider one’s attachment. Understanding attachment helps social service providers better conceptualize their clients and develop plans of support accordingly. This training will provide an overview of attachment as well as ways to support system-involved youth and young adults through an attachment lens.

This training will focus on specific strategies that can be used with grieving students while noting the different types of losses which impact our youth. Information will be provided regarding how to initiate a conversation, what to say and how to check for a child’s understanding of death. The trainer will facilitate dialogue regarding the importance of cultural sensitivity and how to be culturally responsive in your grief support with a family. School specific strategies will be explored such as offering academic support proactively, preparing students to manage grief triggers and supporting transitions between grades and schools. Participants will engage in vignettes and a grief sensitive activity to deepen awareness […]

This training will focus on specific strategies that can be used with grieving students while noting the different types of losses which impact our youth. Information will be provided regarding how to initiate a conversation, what to say and how to check for a child’s understanding of death. The trainer will facilitate dialogue regarding the importance of cultural sensitivity and how to be culturally responsive in your grief support with a family. School specific strategies will be explored such as offering academic support proactively, preparing students to manage grief triggers and supporting transitions between grades and schools. Participants will engage in vignettes and a grief sensitive activity to deepen awareness […]

This training will focus on specific strategies that can be used with grieving students while noting the different types of losses which impact our youth. Information will be provided regarding how to initiate a conversation, what to say and how to check for a child’s understanding of death. The trainer will facilitate dialogue regarding the importance of cultural sensitivity and how to be culturally responsive in your grief support with a family. School specific strategies will be explored such as offering academic support proactively, preparing students to manage grief triggers and supporting transitions between grades and schools. Participants will engage in vignettes and a grief sensitive activity to deepen awareness […]

Understanding child development is important for social service providers to effectively engage with youth, understand neurodivergence and understand the impact of trauma on development. This training will provide an overview of neurotypical development from infancy to adolescence. The better we understand neurotypical development, the better we can identify a youth who have developmental delays as well as better understand the impact of trauma on their development.

This training is designed to equip educators, counselors, social workers, caregivers and law enforcement officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively work with neurodivergent youth involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Participants will explore common differences neurodivergent youth experience, such as communication barriers, sensory sensitivities and difficulties with social interactions. This training offers practical approaches to address these intersectional issues. Participants learn how to create supportive environments, adapt helpful measures to youth in care’s needs to foster positive relationships to improve outcomes for system-involved youth who are neurodivergent. Register Here

This course will provide an overview and introduction (or refresher) on the impact of domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) on families and children for both new and experienced clinicians. DV/IPV work truly starts where the client is; the work touches on multiple theories from the work of Dr. Bruce Perry to Harm Reduction to Attachment theory to CBT and EMDR. This training provides statistical information and current and past research to illustrate just how many people in the U.S are impacted daily by DV. This training utilizes slides, videos, vignettes, discussion of anonymized cases, and small and large group discussions to bring this issue to life. The […]

This course will provide an overview and introduction (or refresher) on the impact of domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) on families and children for both new and experienced clinicians. DV/IPV work truly starts where the client is; the work touches on multiple theories from the work of Dr. Bruce Perry to Harm Reduction to Attachment theory to CBT and EMDR. This training provides statistical information and current and past research to illustrate just how many people in the U.S are impacted daily by DV. This training utilizes slides, videos, vignettes, discussion of anonymized cases, and small and large group discussions to bring this issue to life. The […]

Although familial sex trafficking has been a known pathway of entry into commercial sexual exploitation, it is often overlooked. This is problematic as many youth enter the sex trade this way. As more entities are learning about trafficking, familial trafficking is becoming a more prevalent point of discussion. This training will provide an overview of current data about familial trafficking, examples of it, warning signs and impact of familial trafficking. The training will end with a discussion of strategies to support individuals who have been trafficked by a family member. Register Here

The training will provide an overview of relationship violence, including statistics of the prevalence of relationship violence in the U.S. as well as risk and protective factors related to relationship violence. We will also review therapeutic approaches that are supportive to individuals and families healing from relationship violence. This training will also review relationship violence in the context of the dynamics of power within interpersonal relationships as well as power in relation to a greater context in society, such as the oppressive forces that individuals that hold marginalized identities are harmed by which exacerbates risk to relationship violence.

While male sexual abuse is fairly common, the predominant dialogue is about sexual abuse of women and girls. This training will equip social service and care providers with needed knowledge about male sexual abuse. Participants will be provided information about the prevalence of childhood male sexual abuse, myths of sexual abuse, impact of male sexual abuse and strategies to support males who have experienced sexual abuse as minors. Register Here

Substance use is a growing issue with system-involved youth and young adults. Some youth have used substances prior to entering the system, some have been exposed to them while running away from placement and some use substances after leaving the system. System-involved youth and young adults may use substances as a means to cope with trauma and adversity, because of peer pressure, experimentation, etc. It’s crucial for social service, care providers, foster parents and natural supports to understand how substances affect youth. This training will focus on alcohol, marijuana and opioids. Participants will learn strategies to talk with youth about substance use as well as strategies to support youth who […]

With a growing awareness of relational wounds system-involved youth and young adults experience, it’s important to consider one’s attachment. Understanding attachment helps social service providers better conceptualize their youth and young adults in care and develop plans of support accordingly. This training will provide an overview of attachment as well as ways to support system-involved youth and young adults through an attachment lens. Register Here

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.

Although familial sex trafficking has been a known pathway of entry into commercial sexual exploitation, it is often overlooked. This is problematic as many youth enter the sex trade this way. As more entities are learning about trafficking, familial trafficking is becoming a more prevalent point of discussion. This training will provide an overview of current data about familial trafficking, examples of it, warning signs and impact of familial trafficking. The training will end with a discussion of strategies to support individuals who have been trafficked by a family member. Register Here

Given the prevalence of trauma, it’s important for care and service providers to learn about trauma and how to best support their youth. Youth may turn to maladaptive coping skills such as self-harm or substance abuse. They may struggle in learning environments and even behaviorally. They may withdraw or exhibit many other behaviors. It can be hard to make sense of their emotions and behaviors in the wake of trauma. This training will better equip you to talk with care and service providers about their youth in care’s trauma and how best to support them. Register Here

Acceptance and commitment support combines mindfulness and acceptance strategies along with commitment and behavioral approaches. Participants will learn about acceptance and commitment strategies to support system-involved youth and young adults in care. We will provide an overview of the model and strategies to apply it with youth and young adults on your care plans. Register Here

With a growing awareness of personality disruptions, it’s important for social service providers to understand them. It’s important to understand when a person disregards empathy for other’s placing them in a place of entitlement. This training will provide an overview of personality disruptions which include taking advantage of others for their own self gain. Register Here

Many system-involved youth and young adults struggle interpersonally. Given that trauma impacts one’s relationships it makes sense that system-involved youth can struggle to understand, build and maintain relationships. This training will equip you with the skills and knowledge to increase system-involved youth’s interpersonal relationships. Register Here

Information and worksheets are reviewed to assist resource parents in understanding the importance of medication management and documentation when working with youth in the foster care system. Discussion regarding foster parents and youth recognizing when medication evaluations are need necessary, weighing options for medication use, asking questions about their diagnosis and treatment, taking medication safely and documentation and compliance. This information can be used directly by youth or serve as a discussion tool for resource parents, mentors, and others working with system involved youth.

Information and worksheets are reviewed to assist resource parents in understanding the importance of medication management and documentation when working with youth in the foster care system. Discussion regarding foster parents and youth recognizing when medication evaluations are need necessary, weighing options for medication use, asking questions about their diagnosis and treatment, taking medication safely and documentation and compliance. This information can be used directly by youth or serve as a discussion tool for resource parents, mentors, and others working with system involved youth.

Information and worksheets are reviewed to assist resource parents in understanding the importance of medication management and documentation when working with youth in the foster care system. Discussion regarding foster parents and youth recognizing when medication evaluations are need necessary, weighing options for medication use, asking questions about their diagnosis and treatment, taking medication safely and documentation and compliance. This information can be used directly by youth or serve as a discussion tool for resource parents, mentors, and others working with system involved youth.

The Raising Awareness; facilitator training is a one-day training designed to teach participants how to effectively educate caregivers about commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). The training covers key topics such as an overview of CSEC, identifying risk factors for entry, understanding the dangers posed by the Internet and social media and strategies for engaging youth in discussions about CSEC. Following completion of the training, participants will receive a copy of the curriculum to use with caregivers and service providers. Register Here

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.

This training will explain the purpose of the Child Welfare system and the Resource Family Approval application process. We will define what a Resource Parent is and go over the responsibilities that come with the role, where the Resource Parent is in the larger team of supports for foster youth, as well as the five competency categories guiding a Resource Parent. The Aldea Staff will introduce Aldea’s history, its programs, and support services provided to Resource Families. She will explain the steps in the process to become an approved Resource Parent: the required documentation, pre-service trainings, submission of background checks, how to prepare your home for RFA approval, and review […]

Given the prevalence of pregnant and care providing system-involved youth, it’s important for social service providers to learn strategies to best support them as they grow in their child-rearing skills. This training will provide an overview of prenatal and postnatal health. The training will also discuss best practices for working with pregnant and care giving system-involved youth. Register Here

This training is designed to equip educators, counselors, social workers, caregivers and law enforcement officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively work with neurodivergent youth involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Participants will explore common differences neurodivergent youth experience, such as communication barriers, sensory sensitivities and difficulties with social interactions. This training offers practical approaches to address these intersectional issues. Participants learn how to create supportive environments, adapt helpful measures to youth in care’s needs to foster positive relationships to improve outcomes for system-involved youth who are neurodivergent. Register Here

Many system-involved people struggle with anxiety and mood disruptions so it’s crucial for social service and behavioral health providers to understand the different types of anxiety and mood disruptions and know how to effectively support youth and young adults. This training will provide an overview of different types of anxiety and mood disturbance as well as practical strategies providers can use to support youth and young adults struggling with them. Register Here

Some system-involved youth struggle with perfectionism which can hinder leaning performance, health and relationships. This training will provide an overview of the relationship between perfectionistic traits with trauma and anxiety. Participants will learn how to identify perfectionistic tendencies and ways to support an individual with these characteristics. Register Here

Many system-involved youth and transitional age youth experience loneliness. For many, separation from family, placement moves and COVID have heightened the loneliness. Join us to better understand widespread loneliness and how to support system-involved youth experiencing it. Register Here

Unfortunately, bullying is becoming more common amongst youth so it’s crucial social service, care and behavioral health providers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address it with youth and know how to support their caregivers. This training will provide an overview of bullying online, in learning environments and in communities. Participants will learn how bullying impacts youth and strategies to support youth who are bullied. Participants will also learn how to address bystanders and risk factors for becoming a bully. Register Here

Some foster and youth in care exhibit difficulties distinguishing reality from what is not real whether they experience auditory or visual circumstances, paranoia or other false impressions. It’s important for social service and care providers working with system-involved youth in care to understand the different analyses associated with illusions and fallacies and how to effectively support them. This training will equip participants with skills to work with youth in care suffering from illusions and misconceptions. Register Here

Many system-involved youth struggle with distractions and/or high energy. So, it’s important for social service and care providers to understand these issues in order to best support them. This training will provide an overview of distraction and high energy traits and how they can present at home and in learning environments. The training will also discuss strategies to support youth with distractions and high energy. Register Here

Narratives help trauma survivors distance themselves from what has been done to them. The training will provide an overview of what narrative support is and how to apply it with system-involved youth and young adults. Participants will learn examples of narrative techniques to apply to youth and families on their care plans. Register Here

As online health care and support becomes part of many providers’ service delivery, it is important that they are aware of the legal and ethical issues related to tele health. 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 practices when providing online health services. Register Here

Individuals who are trafficked may have a substance use addiction which leads to trafficking and for others they may develop a substance use addiction while being trafficked. Therefore, it’s crucial for substance use providers and social service providers to learn about the connection between substance use and trafficking. This training will provide a discussion about the relationship between the two and strategies to support youth and young adults in care who are addicted to substances while being trafficked or after trafficking and how to support individuals in care. Register Here

Some system-involved youth demonstrate impulsive and aggressive behaviors. This training will provide an overview of disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disruptions including their prevalence and what these behaviors look like. Participants will learn how to support youth in care experiencing impulse control and conduct disruptions as well as to work with caregivers and service providers to best support them. Register Here

System-involved young adults experience many challenges as a result the trauma and adversity they have experienced. Some transitional age youth are labeled as having a personality disruption early on in their life. So, it’s crucial for social service providers to have an accurate understanding of personality disruptions in order to support them in the most effective manner. This training will provide an overview of personality disruptions with a focus on unstable emotions, impulsive actions and self-image and relationship issues as well as strategies to support someone struggling with these disruptions. Register Here

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24. It’s crucial for social service and care providers to learn how to assess suicide, know what to do if a youth endorses suicidal ideation, and how to foster protective factors. The training will also touch on helping youth grieve friends and family lost to suicide. Register Here

While male sexual abuse is fairly common, the predominant dialogue is about sexual abuse of women and girls. This training will equip social service and care providers with needed knowledge about male sexual abuse. Participants will be provided information about the prevalence of childhood male sexual abuse, myths of sexual abuse, impact of male sexual abuse and strategies to support males who have experienced sexual abuse as minors. Register Here

Substance use is a growing issue with system-involved youth and young adults. Some youth have used substances prior to entering the system, some have been exposed to them while running away from placement and some use substances after leaving the system. System-involved youth and young adults may use substances as a means to cope with trauma and adversity, because of peer pressure, experimentation, etc. It’s crucial for social service, care providers, foster parents and natural supports to understand how substances affect youth. This training will focus on alcohol, marijuana and opioids. Participants will learn strategies to talk with youth about substance use as well as strategies to support youth who […]

Clients who have Substance Use Disorders are in every part of our system. This 2-day 15-hour in-depth pre-licensure class on the assessment and treatment of substance-related disorders was developed for ASWs, AMFTs, and APCCs. It is also appropriate for anyone else in the behavioral health field who wants simply to learn more about this important issue. Topics covered include: substances and their effects, current trends, screening and assessment, signs of intoxication, an overview of substance-related disorders as defined in the DSM-5, treatment/counseling strategies such as relapse prevention theory, harm reduction, contingency management, and motivational interviewing all of which are evidence-based approaches with proven success rates.

Clients who have Substance Use Disorders are in every part of our system. This 2-day 15-hour in-depth pre-licensure class on the assessment and treatment of substance-related disorders was developed for ASWs, AMFTs, and APCCs. It is also appropriate for anyone else in the behavioral health field who wants simply to learn more about this important issue. Topics covered include: substances and their effects, current trends, screening and assessment, signs of intoxication, an overview of substance-related disorders as defined in the DSM-5, treatment/counseling strategies such as relapse prevention theory, harm reduction, contingency management, and motivational interviewing all of which are evidence-based approaches with proven success rates.

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. Appropriate boundaries are a key ingredient in providing the children in our care with the highest quality of care, which often times requires us to build trusting and healing relationships with them. Frequently the relationships we build with clients can have ambiguous boundaries, making it important to develop an awareness of possible danger signs for boundary issues that might result in poor practice or which might be red flags for potential exploitation of clients.

This training is designed to help crisis responders develop effective communication strategies for intervening in crisis situations. The training will cover key concepts related to crisis intervention, including common crisis situations, reactions to crisis, and the role of communication in crisis intervention. Participants will learn about different types of communication, including verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening skills, and empathy and rapport building. The training will also cover ethical considerations related to crisis intervention, including confidentiality, privacy, and professional boundaries. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Although familial sex trafficking has been a known pathway of entry into commercial sexual exploitation, it is often overlooked. This is problematic as many youth enter the sex trade this way. As more entities are learning about trafficking, familial trafficking is becoming a more prevalent point of discussion. This training will provide an overview of current data about familial trafficking, examples of it, warning signs and impact of familial trafficking. The training will end with a discussion of strategies to support individuals who have been trafficked by a family member. Register Here

Given the prevalence of trauma, it’s important for care and service providers to learn about trauma and how to best support their youth. Youth may turn to maladaptive coping skills such as self-harm or substance abuse. They may struggle in learning environments and even behaviorally. They may withdraw or exhibit many other behaviors. It can be hard to make sense of their emotions and behaviors in the wake of trauma. This training will better equip you to talk with care and service providers about their youth in care’s trauma and how best to support them. Register Here

While social media can be utilized to help youth connect with each other, it can also have a negative impact on their mental health. Social media can be addictive, releasing dopamine in the brain’s “reward center”. This course will begin by exploring healthy use of social media. The course will cover mental health concerns including depression and anxiety, body image, sleep quality, disordered eating, low self-esteem, and peer pressure. Folks will learn about cyberbullying as well as cyberbullying prevention. The impact of social media on the brain will be explored.

With a growing awareness of personality disruptions, it’s important for social service providers to understand them. It’s important to understand when a person disregards empathy for other’s placing them in a place of entitlement. This training will provide an overview of personality disruptions which include taking advantage of others for their own self gain. Register Here

Many system-involved youth and young adults struggle interpersonally. Given that trauma impacts one’s relationships it makes sense that system-involved youth can struggle to understand, build and maintain relationships. This training will equip you with the skills and knowledge to increase system-involved youth’s interpersonal relationships. Register Here

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course developed by the National Council for Mental Wellness that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training will give participants skills needed to provide initial support to any system involved youth or their family members who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis and connect them with the professional support they need for recovery and long-term wellness. Participants will be informed through presenter instruction, a slide presentation, and self-reflection. To increase participant engagement and content retention, presenter will also utilize the chat box, reaction […]

This training will focus on the use of Motivational Interviewing to assess and prevent youth suicide. Attendees will examine the way in which providers fall into the fixing reflex in high acuity situations and means to mitigate this. The training will support provider recognition of suicide-related sustain talk and life-affirming change talk and the way in which OARS (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries) can be used to highlight life-affirming change talk in order to consolidate motivation to live. The training will culminate with breakout session practice of the use of OARS when facilitating a comprehensive suicide assessment and safety plan.

The Raising Awareness; facilitator training is a one-day training designed to teach participants how to effectively educate caregivers about commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). The training covers key topics such as an overview of CSEC, identifying risk factors for entry, understanding the dangers posed by the Internet and social media and strategies for engaging youth in discussions about CSEC. Following completion of the training, participants will receive a copy of the curriculum to use with caregivers and service providers. Register Here

Given the prevalence of pregnant and care providing system-involved youth, it’s important for social service providers to learn strategies to best support them as they grow in their child-rearing skills. This training will provide an overview of prenatal and postnatal health. The training will also discuss best practices for working with pregnant and care giving system-involved youth. Register Here

This training is designed to equip educators, counselors, social workers, caregivers and law enforcement officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively work with neurodivergent youth involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Participants will explore common differences neurodivergent youth experience, such as communication barriers, sensory sensitivities and difficulties with social interactions. This training offers practical approaches to address these intersectional issues. Participants learn how to create supportive environments, adapt helpful measures to youth in care’s needs to foster positive relationships to improve outcomes for system-involved youth who are neurodivergent. Register Here

Many system-involved people struggle with anxiety and mood disruptions so it’s crucial for social service and behavioral health providers to understand the different types of anxiety and mood disruptions and know how to effectively support youth and young adults. This training will provide an overview of different types of anxiety and mood disturbance as well as practical strategies providers can use to support youth and young adults struggling with them. Register Here

Many system-involved youth and transitional age youth experience loneliness. For many, separation from family, placement moves and COVID have heightened the loneliness. Join us to better understand widespread loneliness and how to support system-involved youth experiencing it. Register Here

Unfortunately, bullying is becoming more common amongst youth so it’s crucial social service, care and behavioral health providers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address it with youth and know how to support their caregivers. This training will provide an overview of bullying online, in learning environments and in communities. Participants will learn how bullying impacts youth and strategies to support youth who are bullied. Participants will also learn how to address bystanders and risk factors for becoming a bully. Register Here

Come to this training on understanding suicidal ideation 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 as […]

This three-hour course reviews the concept of the suicide assessment and prevention when working with youth in care and provides opportunities for participants to discuss and practice strategies to increase comfort with talking about suicide as well as means of assessing risk and determining how to develop a safety plan.

During this training, participants will review their roles in assessing and intervening to prevent suicide as defined by professional organizational ethics and legal statutes. Participants will deepen their knowledge and understanding about the drivers to suicidal ideation and what they can do when they are working with a client with suicide risk.

During this training, participants will review their roles in assessing and intervening to prevent suicide as defined by professional organizational ethics and legal statutes. Participants will deepen their knowledge and understanding about the drivers to suicidal ideation and what they can do when they are working with a client with suicide risk.

Some foster and youth in care exhibit difficulties distinguishing reality from what is not real whether they experience auditory or visual circumstances, paranoia or other false impressions. It’s important for social service and care providers working with system-involved youth in care to understand the different analyses associated with illusions and fallacies and how to effectively support them. This training will equip participants with skills to work with youth in care suffering from illusions and misconceptions. Register Here

Many system-involved youth struggle with distractions and/or high energy. So, it’s important for social service and care providers to understand these issues in order to best support them. This training will provide an overview of distraction and high energy traits and how they can present at home and in learning environments. The training will also discuss strategies to support youth with distractions and high energy. Register Here

Narratives help trauma survivors distance themselves from what has been done to them. The training will provide an overview of what narrative support is and how to apply it with system-involved youth and young adults. Participants will learn examples of narrative techniques to apply to youth and families on their care plans. Register Here

More and more youth are using the internet and social media at younger ages, many times before experts recommend. So, it’s crucial for those that support system involved youth to understand the potential harms youth can be exposed to on the internet and on social media platforms. This training will provide participants with safety strategies and conversation starters to review with youth. Additionally this training will highlight how technology can place foster care and juvenile justice involved youth at high risk for commercial sexual exploitation.

As online health care and support becomes part of many providers’ service delivery, it is important that they are aware of the legal and ethical issues related to tele health. 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 practices when providing online health services. Register Here

Individuals who are trafficked may have a substance use addiction which leads to trafficking and for others they may develop a substance use addiction while being trafficked. Therefore, it’s crucial for substance use providers and social service providers to learn about the connection between substance use and trafficking. This training will provide a discussion about the relationship between the two and strategies to support youth and young adults in care who are addicted to substances while being trafficked or after trafficking and how to support individuals in care. Register Here

Gun violence impacts many system-involved youth and their families. It has been highlighted in the media with mass shootings, police brutality and murders. Given the fact that gun violence touches so many lives, it’s important for the people who support foster youth to understand gun violence in order to support system-involved youth most effectively when gun violence touches their lives.

Some system-involved youth demonstrate impulsive and aggressive behaviors. This training will provide an overview of disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disruptions including their prevalence and what these behaviors look like. Participants will learn how to support youth in care experiencing impulse control and conduct disruptions as well as to work with caregivers and service providers to best support them. Register Here

System-involved young adults experience many challenges as a result the trauma and adversity they have experienced. Some transitional age youth are labeled as having a personality disruption early on in their life. So, it’s crucial for social service providers to have an accurate understanding of personality disruptions in order to support them in the most effective manner. This training will provide an overview of personality disruptions with a focus on unstable emotions, impulsive actions and self-image and relationship issues as well as strategies to support someone struggling with these disruptions. Register Here

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24. It’s crucial for social service and care providers to learn how to assess suicide, know what to do if a youth endorses suicidal ideation, and how to foster protective factors. The training will also touch on helping youth grieve friends and family lost to suicide. Register Here

Many system-involved youth are prescribed psychotropic medication so it’s crucial for social service providers to have a basic understanding of psychopharmacology. This training will provide an overview of the different classifications of psychotropic medication and how they affect youth. The training will also discuss common barriers to system-involved youth wanting to take psychotropic medication and how to address these barriers as well as strategies to provide psychoeducation to parents of system-involved youth about psychotropic medication.

As online interventions becomes part of many providers service provision, it is important that they are aware of the legal and ethical issues related to telemental health. 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 practicing when providing online health and mental services.

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 […]

This highly interactive 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. By taking a self-inventory, participants will see first-hand, the levels of stress they experience. The group will look at several tools and techniques to circumvent the most challenging aspects of compassion fatigue and to be able to regain a state of neuro-physiological (mind-body) regulation, recovery and resilience.

This highly interactive 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. By taking a self-inventory, participants will see first-hand, the levels of stress they experience. The group will look at several tools and techniques to circumvent the most challenging aspects of compassion fatigue and to be able to regain a state of neuro-physiological (mind-body) regulation, recovery and resilience.

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.

System-involved youth diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can experience significant challenges in daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. To effectively support these individuals, evidence-based strategies should be tailored to their unique needs. During this training, participants will gain a thorough understanding of OCD and its prevalence among system-involved youth, debunking common misconceptions and exploring the impact of the disorder on various aspects of life. Through interactive sessions, they will learn about the evidenced-based treatment approach of ERP, its effectiveness in reducing OCD symptoms, and its superiority over other modalities. The training will explain how the practical aspects of ERP can guide professionals in identifying specific obsessions and compulsions, understanding their […]

This 4-hour course is designed to provide staff serving in Group Homes and STRTP’s behavior management strategies for staff working with traumatized youth and families. The aim of the course is to assist adults who experience stress, ongoing symptoms of illness or lack of well being with self-help tools and techniques to prevent burnout when participating in trauma-informed work.

Reflective guidance in service providing has been gaining momentum amongst leaders in social services and health care. This training will provide an overview of the three pillars of reflective direction. We will also discuss strategies to implement reflective support within a multidisciplinary team. This training is ideal for individuals interested in developmental roles currently and in the future. Register Here

The large majority of outreach and engagement with parents involved in the child welfare system has focused on mothers. While mothers play a crucial role in youth development, so do fathers. There is growing awareness of the need to include fathers in care for system-involved youth (SIY). In this training, participants will learn some strategies which have been demonstrated as effective for outreach to and engagement of fathers.

The goal of this training is to equip participants with knowledge and tools that can be used to improve support system-involved youth (SIY) with borderline personality disorder (BPD), focusing on practical applications and evidence-based practices. Participants will learn the behaviors and thinking patterns of SIY with borderline personality display and how it affects their relationships. They will also learn the effective strategies for supporting SIY with BPD.

In today’s interconnected world, fostering both community and personal well-being is essential for creating fulfilling and balanced lives. This comprehensive training is designed to promote holistic well-being at both the individual and community levels by looking at the key components of well-being, including emotional, social, and psychological aspects, and understand how they interconnect to impact overall quality of life. This training focuses on the vital role of community and personal well-being in fostering the resilience and growth of foster system-involved youth, and the people who work with them. It aims to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to support these young individuals effectively by leveraging community resources and promoting […]

Grief is our natural response to all significant loss – death as well as non-death losses – and yet so much is misunderstood about the process of grieving. One common misconception of grief is the belief that grief is primarily an experience of overwhelming sadness. Grief is actually a stressed-based response that is more effectively supported as anxiety than depression. This training offers trauma-informed insight, strategies, and tools to help SIY manage the distress of multiple losses and develop adaptive coping strategies. Participants will be informed through presenter instruction, a slide presentation, explanation of supportive tools and coping strategies, guided discussion, and Questions & Answers.

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.

While male sexual abuse is fairly common, the predominant dialogue is about sexual abuse of women and girls. This training will equip social service and care providers with needed knowledge about male sexual abuse. Participants will be provided information about the prevalence of childhood male sexual abuse, myths of sexual abuse, impact of male sexual abuse and strategies to support males who have experienced sexual abuse as minors. Register Here

Substance use is a growing issue with system-involved youth and young adults. Some youth have used substances prior to entering the system, some have been exposed to them while running away from placement and some use substances after leaving the system. System-involved youth and young adults may use substances as a means to cope with trauma and adversity, because of peer pressure, experimentation, etc. It’s crucial for social service, care providers, foster parents and natural supports to understand how substances affect youth. This training will focus on alcohol, marijuana and opioids. Participants will learn strategies to talk with youth about substance use as well as strategies to support youth who […]

With a growing awareness of relational wounds system-involved youth and young adults experience, it’s important to consider one’s attachment. Understanding attachment helps social service providers better conceptualize their youth and young adults in care and develop plans of support accordingly. This training will provide an overview of attachment as well as ways to support system-involved youth and young adults through an attachment lens. 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.

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. By taking a self-inventory, participants will see first-hand, the levels of stress they experience. The group will look at several tools and techniques to circumvent the most challenging aspects of compassion fatigue and to be able to regain a state of neuro-physiological (mind-body) regulation, recovery and resilience.

This highly interactive 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. By taking a self-inventory, participants will see first-hand, the levels of stress they experience. The group will look at several tools and techniques to circumvent the most challenging aspects of compassion fatigue and to be able to regain a state of neuro-physiological (mind-body) regulation, recovery and resilience.

This highly interactive 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. By taking a self-inventory, participants will see first-hand, the levels of stress they experience. The group will look at several tools and techniques to circumvent the most challenging aspects of compassion fatigue and to be able to regain a state of neuro-physiological (mind-body) regulation, recovery and resilience.

This workshop focused on tools that foster care providers can utilize to help stabilize foster youth when transitioning to placement. Participants will gain an understanding of the mental health challenges children and youth face entering into foster care depending on their developmental phase.

Although familial sex trafficking has been a known pathway of entry into commercial sexual exploitation, it is often overlooked. This is problematic as many youth enter the sex trade this way. As more entities are learning about trafficking, familial trafficking is becoming a more prevalent point of discussion. This training will provide an overview of current data about familial trafficking, examples of it, warning signs and impact of familial trafficking. The training will end with a discussion of strategies to support individuals who have been trafficked by a family member. 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. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

Shifting to providing telehealth services can present a number of complexities and challenges for foster youth and their caregivers. Often times, providers may need to make a concerted effort to re-engage foster youth and their caregivers in services. Additionally, providers may need to reassess the most pressing needs facing foster families in order to promote stability. This training will cover the legal and ethical considerations to providing telehealth to foster youth and families, as well as review strategies for continued engagement in services.

Given the prevalence of trauma, it’s important for care and service providers to learn about trauma and how to best support their youth. Youth may turn to maladaptive coping skills such as self-harm or substance abuse. They may struggle in learning environments and even behaviorally. They may withdraw or exhibit many other behaviors. It can be hard to make sense of their emotions and behaviors in the wake of trauma. This training will better equip you to talk with care and service providers about their youth in care’s trauma and how best to support them. Register Here

Many system-involved youth and young adults struggle interpersonally. Given that trauma impacts one’s relationships it makes sense that system-involved youth can struggle to understand, build and maintain relationships. This training will equip you with the skills and knowledge to increase system-involved youth’s interpersonal relationships. Register Here

This session is part 3 in a 4-part series which will examine using Energy Psychology techniques to regulate and intervene with system-involved youth and families. Learn basic Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practices, AKA, tapping, to use with self and clients to address distress and upsets. Interventions, such as Emotional Freedom Technique, can alleviate the distress of early trauma, thus positively impacting the futures of system involved youth and their families. In this class participants will learn the basics of EFT and how to gauge a client’s readiness for using this technique to support healing from trauma and distress. (Required prerequisite – #1 of series, #2 is highly recommended)

This presentation will introduce you to a progressive model of understanding psychosis with system-involved youth. Participants will learn language to describe experiences of psychosis that is empowering and less pathologizing for system-involved youth. Through didactic presentation and screening tools, this training will help participants learn skills and strategies from CBTp and DBT to engage system-involved youth experiencing psychosis.

Change for foster youth requires effective ways of quantifying and measuring the changes that are most meaningful for youth and families. This training allows participants to practice identifying meaningful change outcomes for foster youth and exploring how to apply data-driven decision-making practices in overseeing work with 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.

The Raising Awareness; facilitator training is a one-day training designed to teach participants how to effectively educate caregivers about commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). The training covers key topics such as an overview of CSEC, identifying risk factors for entry, understanding the dangers posed by the Internet and social media and strategies for engaging youth in discussions about CSEC. Following completion of the training, participants will receive a copy of the curriculum to use with caregivers and service providers. Register Here