In this workshop supervisors and managers will develop their skills for engaging across culture when tension exists. Participants will explore Intent vs. Impact, how implicit bias can effect their decision making in determining outcomes and unpack dynamics between employees when conflict exists. Participants will learn how best to approach tense situations through role playing, video, and small and large group discussion.
Objectives. Participants will…
- Learn strategies for engaging when they commit, witness or experience a microaggression;
- Explore strategies for addressing conflict that occurs between their staff;
- Improve their ability to have courageous conversations.
This course is presented by Dr. Caprice Hollins. Dr. Hollins is the co-founder of Cultures Connecting. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in multicultural and community psychology in 1998. She became licensed in Washington State in 2000 and has over 20 years of experience studying and working with ethnically diverse populations. She has over 14 years of experience teaching graduate courses, working with historically marginalized populations, researching, studying, and facilitating race related conversations. Her experience includes opening and directing the Department of Equity & Race Relations for Seattle Public Schools, developing and implementing district-wide and school-based trainings, while utilizing her background in psychology to assist district leaders and staff, institutionalize change to promote equity and social justice. She also currently works as a part-time core faculty in the department of counseling at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology.
CEU eligible: 6 credits
DCYF staff can register for Advanced Microaggressions for Supervisors: Guiding Staff through Cross Cultural Conflict through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members are unfortunately unable to register for this course. If you have any questions, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Apr 26, 2022 9:00AM to 3:30PM
Area Administrator Core Training (series)Course Info
Area Administrators need to achieve competency in understanding the child welfare practice as well as in the higher levels of systems management. This course provides Area Administrators with an introduction of baseline competencies for middle managers in public child welfare, and opportunities to develop and practice new skills regarding these competencies. Managing self, managing others, managing systems and managing outward are the four main themes integrated throughout this course.
Day 1: Foundations for Managers in Child Welfare
Day 2: Effective Relationships as a Manager
Day 3: Strategies for Effective Organizational Communication
Day 4: Growing and Sustaining Effective Internal and External Teams
Day 5: Essentials for Resource Management
Day 6: Strategic Thinking and Planning Tools for the Manager
Comments from Learners:
“What we do is so difficult we rely on each other. And part of that is building a strong team that all come from the same mission and vision. Some of my folks had been here for a long time and they were on the verge of burnout and I had to think differently about how to look at that. Like what still motivates you to come in? why do you do it? What keeps you coming? That tool [from the AA training] I’ve used, asking them what are their passions and how can I help them get there.”
“The team work portion [was the most valuable part of the training]. I had them all do the short version of the disk assessment and it brought up different communication styles and what we can expect in their management group. The most meaningful part of this training is because of the team and the connection they have. It’s the driver of retention in my opinion and I want to work on building teams to retain people.”
“There are some trainings where they tell us to go back to our staff and our staff come back and say ‘no we’re not going to do that.’ But we go back and this is real, what he gives us [in this training] we can use.”
“The value for me is the value for staff, the budget the grant information shouldn’t be hidden if you disperse that in a good way it will encourage creativity.”
“I found it helpful to learn about the relationship with money and funding. The detail was really helpful, because I had a general idea. We always talked about half of our salary was IV-E but that’s not really true, it’s a more nuanced conversation.”
“I really enjoyed the activity around staffing the formula around how much staff we should have. I want to go back and look at what the formula looks like for us, I appreciated the discussion around what types of different data we can use and the value of it.”
Tribal Member who participated in AA training:
“[Learning about the value of] external stakeholders was valuable. We’ve done work in the tribe around [our] vision and mission. But in terms of values, strategic plans in terms of brining in other stakeholders was valuable information to remember to bring those folks into the discussion.”
DCYF staff can register for Area Administrator Core Training (series) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via AllianceSupport@uw.edu.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
Area Administrators Summit 2022 (webinar)Course Info
This year’s event is themed “Taking Care of Ourselves and Others” and will focus on content aimed at supporting DCYF staff at the Administrator level in their work and with overall wellness.
The program will feature a presentation by Steve Pemberton, the Chief People Officer of Workhuman, the leading online platform bringing positivity to the workplace through social recognition. He is the author of the bestselling memoir “A Chance in this World,” in which he shares his story of seeking the truth of his racial identity after a challenging childhood in foster care.
The event will be virtual and full program information will be made available after registration.
DCYF staff can register for the Area Administrators Summit through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Once you have registered you will receive a link to the program website to sign up and attend the sessions.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Apr 28, 2022 9:00AM to 3:00PM
In this training, you’ll consider how to best explain the safety threat that’s keeping a child in out-of-home care and think about how this threat impacts child safety during family time. You’ll practice applying the threshold questions to decisions about family time and articulating to the court why you are recommending a specific level of supervision, even when the child needs to remain out of the home. You will also learn to address areas of personal and institutional bias and how this appears in the language used to shape views of child safety. Finally, you’ll consider how safety threats can be mitigated when parents progress and children are able to return home, including how transition plans can support everyone’s long term success.
DCYF staff can register for Assessing Safety Beyond Removal: Family Time and Conditions for Return Home through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via AllianceSupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- May 10, 2022 9:00AM to 3:00PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- May 19, 2022 9:00AM to 3:00PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Jun 16, 2022 9:00AM to 3:00PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Jun 27, 2022 9:00AM to 3:00PM
This eLearning primarily features a video of a popular Child Protection Medical Consultation (MedCon) presentation for Regional Core Training. The video showcases two respected and well-known child abuse pediatricians, Dr. Rebecca Wiester and Dr. Joyce Gilbert. Dr. Wiester and Dr. Gilbert discuss important aspects of Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Neglect within the context of their expertise as child protection medial consultants.
Viewers are walked through recognizing sentinel injuries; understanding Abusive Head Trauma and its connection to the Period of PURPLE Crying; identifying when to seek medical consultation, how to submit a referral, and what information to provide; and how to locate important county protocols and policy resources online. Viewers will also be provided with a helpful Notes Worksheet, which will guide them through capturing important information needed in practice, and to pass the quiz at the end. This eLearning also provides a Facilitator Guide and can be viewed either individually, or facilitated for a small group viewing.
DCYF staff can register for Child Protection Medical Consultation (MedCon) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can click the button below to take the eLearning course. You will need to create a training profile account if you do not already have one Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Coaching for Area AdministratorsCourse Info
Coaching for Area Administrators provides one-on-one skill building sessions using a Learner Centered Coaching Model. Coaching provides essential professional development opportunities to support the daily work you do as an Area Administrator to support the supervisors in your office or program. Topics that can be covered are integration of the Quality Matters Series, use of the Learner Centered Coaching Model, skill building opportunities for integration of Coaching into daily work, or observation and feedback on skills used to engage with staff. Sessions can be scheduled in 30 minute intervals and based on your need.
\
Coaching sessions can be scheduled in 30 minute increments, depending on the topic being covered. Coaches are available to provide individual sessions or small group sessions (such as at unit meetings). Once a request is made, the Alliance Regional Education and Training Administrator (RETA) will assign a coach and scheduling will occur between the coach, the learner and the Supervisor/AA. Written feedback on each session will be provided by the coach to the learner and supervisor following the coaching session and the coaching session will be entered into the worker's training record to reflect the completed coaching.
Please direct all questions and requests to the Regional Education and Training Administrator (RETA) via the email addresses below:
- Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 - Patty Erdman, pe3@uw.edu
- Regions 5 and 6 - Chris Kerns, kernsc9@uw.edu
Coaching sessions are an opportunity for participants to receive training and support on critical topics that is flexible enough to respond to their current needs. Coaching sessions can involve one or several workers, and may be delivered in person, on the phone or by other real time collaboration (face-time, etc). Preferably, they allow material to be understood within a context of an actual case, and completion of current work.
This coaching session opportunity for staff will aim at compliance with ICWA, give recommendations for working with Tribes and Tribal families, revisit the Federal Act, State ICW codes and current policies/procedures when ICWA applies or is being considered.
This session will revisit current practices in Department of Children, Youth, and Families, specialized units and steps available for staff, including tailored topics such as:
- Initial Intake (ICW Procedures at initial contact)
- Tribal/State Agreements
- Inquiry and Verification of Child’s Indian Status
- Disclosure of Confidential Records/Information to Tribes
- Child Protective Services for Indian Children
- Casework Activities for Court Proceedings – forms Legal Notice, FamLink Response from NAIR eLearning, Monthly Progress report
- Indian Child Placement Preferences and Relative Search
- Adoption
- Interstate Compact on the Placement of Indian Children
- Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committees
- Payments for Services for Children in Tribal Care or Custody
- Casework Services for Children and Families of Non-Federally Recognized Tribes and Canadian First Nations
Coaching sessions can be scheduled in 30 minute increments, depending on the topic being covered. Coaches are available to provide individual sessions or small group sessions (such as at unit meetings). Once a request is made, the Alliance Regional Education and Training Administrator (RETA) will assign a coach and scheduling will occur between the coach, the learner and the Supervisor/AA. Written feedback on each session will be provided by the coach to the learner and supervisor following the coaching session and the coaching session will be entered into the worker's training record to reflect the completed coaching.
Please direct all questions and requests to the Regional Education and Training Administrator (RETA) via the email addresses below:
- Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 - Patty Erdman, pe3@uw.edu
- Regions 5 and 6 - Chris Kerns, kernsc9@uw.edu
For years society has encouraged colorblind ideology without taking into consideration the impact this has on People of Color. Through video, interactive activities and discussion of the research, participants are challenged to examine implicit bias, stereotype threat and its effect on cross cultural relationships and ethnic/racial identity development. As a result, participants deepen their appreciation of challenges facing People of Color, grow in self-awareness and learn ways to mitigate the impact.
Objectives:
Participants Will…
- Engage in courageous conversations;
- Deepen their understanding of implicit bias and stereotype threat;
- Learn strategies to mitigate the impact of implicit bias.
This training is presented by Cultures Connecting, LLC. Cultures Connecting, LLC was founded in 2008, providing culturally relevant professional development, keynote addresses, consulting and coaching services to organizations seeking to improve their staffs’ ability to effectively work with diverse cultures.
Owners, Caprice D. Hollins, Psy.D., and Ilsa M. Govan, M.A., have over 30 years combined experience researching race related topics, designing curriculum, and facilitating culturally relevant professional development workshops.
DCYF staff can register for Cultural Competence: Understanding Implicit Bias and the Impact of Racial Stereotyping through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Apr 28, 2022 9:00AM to 4:00PM
DCYF Policy Rollout: December 2021Course Info
DCYF rolls out new policies and any updates, revisions or other changes to current policy as needed throughout the year. This eLearning walks you through the following policies, which are effective December 31, 2021:
New Policy
- 4551. Day and Overnight Camp Approval Process
Revised Policies
- 1150. Case Plan
- 2310. CPS Initial Face-to-Face (IFF) Response
- 4122. Case Transfer
- 4420. Monthly Visits with Children or Youth, Parents or Guardians, and Caregivers
- 46100. Monthly Clinical Supervision Case Reviews
- 4430. Courtesy Supervision
This training provides you with specifics on what the policy changes are and why the changes are being made. You will find links to resources that provide context or support your policy compliance. For your continued learning, the training includes the full text of the policy and a way to connect with someone within DCYF if you have questions.
This eLearning is part of a series that will be updated along with policy rollouts.
DCYF staff can register for DCYF Policy Rollout: December 2021 through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
This course is intended for DCYF staff only.
Children and youth in care who identify as LGBTQ+ face challenges that can affect their quality of life far beyond their experiences in the child welfare system. Because of this, it is especially important that Licensing Division Foster Care employees can assess providers’ and caregivers’ ability to provide a welcoming and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ children and youth.
The training first takes you through an exercise that allows you to reflect on possible personal biases that may affect your evaluation of prospective caregivers, children and youth during the licensing process. You will then go through a learning around SOGIE/LGBTQ+ terminology and discuss how to talk to children, youth and providers about LGBTQ+ culture, a critical component of interviewing.
A key component of the course is the focus on being able to review and apply the laws and minimum licensing requirements around assessing a provider’s ability (not just willingness) to care and support children and youth who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as the provider’s level of knowledge pertaining to LGBTQ+ children and youth, and their interest in expanding that knowledge as needed. This learning includes defining welcoming and affirming environments. You will learn characteristics of those spaces, such as open conversations with children and youth, and talk about how to support caregivers in providing positive and affirming surroundings.
Finally, you will dive in for a deep look at nondiscrimination-focused RCWs, WACs, and Policies, Practices and Procedures, and discuss how to apply them in licensing and investigations. You will have an opportunity to build skills formulating and applying questions based on current licensing standards and mandates.
At the close of the training, you will have a personal and professional action plan that outlines what you have studied and the steps you will take to best engage with, learn from and advocate for your clients.
DCYF staff can register for Developing Skills for Licensing Staff Assessing LGBTQ+ Awareness and Support (webinar) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
Domestic Violence in Child Welfare (webinar)Course Info
Working with families impacted by Domestic Violence can be challenging, nerve wracking, and sometimes inspiring. You may often wish that you had more guidance about how you should approach this work. In this course, you’ll learn more about the policy and legal guidance for child welfare work with families experiencing domestic violence. More importantly, you’ll learn the best practices for this work and get to practice applying these best practices. In Washington we are lucky to have an entire manual outlining these best practices, “The Social Worker’s Practice Guide to Domestic Violence.” This guide will be heavily relied upon in this course and you’ll become familiar with most of its contents. The course aims to build your knowledge and skills across four core areas: universal and periodic screening for domestic violence, conducting a specialized DV assessment, engagement and accountability with DV perpetrators, and case planning in families experiencing DV. In addition, you’ll learn about the different types of protection orders that may exist and the implications of each, as well as the process of domestic violence safety planning with adult DV victims.
DCYF staff can register for Domestic Violence in Child Welfare (webinar) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
-
May 5, 2022 8:30AM to 12:30PM
- May 12, 2022 8:30AM to 12:30PM
- May 26, 2022 8:30AM to 12:30PM
- Jun 2, 2022 8:30AM to 12:30PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
-
Jun 21, 2022 8:30AM to 12:30PM
- Jun 22, 2022 8:30AM to 12:30PM
- Jun 28, 2022 8:30AM to 12:30PM
- Jun 29, 2022 8:30AM to 12:30PM
Drug Testing (eLearning)Course Info
Drug testing practices and their use in child welfare assessment of safety and risk is covered in this course. Participants learn the guidelines for the frequency and duration of testing, practices at drug collection sites, detection of adulterated samples and interpreting drug test results. Participants will know what to test and how to include this in the assessments of parents involved in the child welfare system, focusing on the behavior of parents, and knowing what a drug test can tell us is emphasized.
DCYF staff can register for Drug Testing (eLearning) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can click the button below to take the eLearning course. You will need to create a training profile account if you do not already have one Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Participants will be engaged to consider their own thoughts, beliefs, and biases about mental illness; understand basic definitions associated with parental mental illness and child safety; and identify family assessment strategies that can focus on the intersection between parental mental illness and child safety. Additionally, ideas and tools for drafting effective case plans and objectives to achieve child safety with parental mental illness is a factor will also be discussed. Finally, participants will receive resources for services and interventions that promote the reduction of risk associated with parental mental illness and enhance protective factors for family well-being.
DCYF staff can register for Impacts of Parental Mental Health on Child Safety through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
-
May 9, 2022 8:30AM to 12:00PM
- May 10, 2022 8:30AM to 12:00PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- May 26, 2022 8:30AM to 4:30PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
-
Jun 13, 2022 8:30AM to 12:00PM
- Jun 14, 2022 8:30AM to 12:00PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
-
Jun 27, 2022 8:30AM to 12:00PM
- Jun 30, 2022 8:30AM to 12:00PM
Collaboration and mentorship are central tenets of leadership, and coaching provides an opportunity to help supervisors identify practice barriers that have direct impact to the children and families you serve. In this course, you will learn how to build coaching capacity into your work supervising staff. At the center of this is the Learner Centered Coaching model, which enhances practice skills and self-efficacy of DCYF supervisors. It aims to reduce trauma response in the child welfare practice environment by highlighting positive regard, cultural humility and a trauma-informed lens.
This training will provide a foundational picture of how to utilize coaching in supervision. The introduction covers identification of behaviors that create a sense of psychological safety for individuals on your team, a must-have for success. The core of the training will highlight the principles of complex skill development in adults, as well as, the Learner Centered Coaching model itself, including the principles, values and behaviors that make up a “coaching stance” and the five steps of learner centered coaching. Throughout the course you will be asked to consider what you might do differently in your ongoing staff development work, and the individual skills you might be using at each step in the coaching process.
The education in this training goes beyond the webinar. Before your training is complete, you will have a chance to apply this information by using handouts and reflection worksheets to consider how you will integrate coaching into your work. You will also submit a coaching plan and begin the coaching process with two of your staff members. And to encourage your long-term professional development, you will be supported after you complete the course, through individualized coaching and resources to help you develop and enhance your coaching skills as you move forward.
DCYF staff can register for Learner Centered Coaching Skills for Supervisors and Area Administrators (webinar) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
-
Apr 11, 2022 1:00PM to 4:00PM
- Apr 18, 2022 1:00PM to 4:00PM
- May 2, 2022 1:00PM to 4:00PM
- May 9, 2022 1:00PM to 4:00PM
- May 23, 2022 1:00PM to 4:00PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
-
May 6, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
- May 13, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
- May 27, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
- Jun 3, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
- Jun 10, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Las personas que toman este curso digital aprenderán sobre su rol como denunciadores de abuso por mandato cuando se sospecha abuso o negligencia infantil y los pasos para reportar estas preocupaciones. Este entrenamiento provee información sobre los indicadores que pueden indicar que abuso o negligencia infantil está ocurriendo y las situaciones comunes que en que es necesario llamar a la agencia correspondiente para hacer una denuncia. Las personas tomando este curso también aprenderán a considerar el impacto de los prejuicios culturales cuando se hacen estas denuncias y el problema de disparidad racial representada en el sistema. También este curso explica los requisitos federales para reconocer el linaje de un niño/a con una tribu indígena o su afiliación a una tribu reconocida federalmente. Finalmente, este curso también repasa los pasos para comunicarse con la Administración de Protección Infantil y hacer una denuncia, la información que se necesita, y lo que ocurre una vez que la denuncia ha sido hecha e investigada.
This course is also available in English at https://allianceforchildwelfare.org/content/mandatory-reporter-roles-and-responsibilities-elearning
INSTRUCCIONES DE REGISTRO:
- Haga clic en el botón azul a continuación.
- Cuando aparezca la página del curso, haga clic en el botón “Iniciar” (“Launch”).
Para obtener ayuda con los perfiles o las contraseñas, puede comunicarse con nuestro servicio de asistencia enviando un correo electrónico a alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Mandatory reporters play a key role in ensuring the safety of vulnerable children. These professionals are obligated to report concerns about abuse or neglect, and this eLearning will guide you as mandated reporter through the process of identifying and documenting those concerns.
This training breaks the process down into three parts: Recognize, Record and Report. Through the training, you will understand what indicators of abuse to look for; how to appropriately record and what information to have; and what happens when a report is filed.
You will consider the impact of biases on reporting possible child abuse and neglect, and learn about the problem of racial disproportionality in our state’s child welfare system. The training also covers the federal requirement of identification of Indian heritage and affiliation with federally recognized tribes.
At the conclusion of the training, you will feel confident in understanding your role in keeping children safe.
Este curso también está disponible en español en https://allianceforchildwelfare.org/content/mandatory-reporter-paquete-de-herramientas-para-denunciadores-de-abuso-infantil-por-mandato
DCYF staff can register for Mandatory Reporter Roles and Responsibilities (eLearning) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can click the button below to take the eLearning course. You will need to create a training profile account if you do not already have one Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
This in-service level training will teach participants the steps for identifying Indian Children, address practical steps to input information into FamLink, and give CA staff tips on completing Ancestry Charts and submitting referrals to the Native American Inquiry Request (NAIR) unit to fulfill the requirements of the Federal ICWA, State Law and Department of Children, Youth, and Families policies.
DCYF staff can register for NAIR - Creating and Monitoring Your Native American Inquiry Request through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
Caregivers Register Here
- May 16, 2022 9:00AM to 11:00AM
Caregivers Register Here
- Jun 14, 2022 1:30PM to 3:30PM
This eLearning will teach the participant the steps for identifying Indian Children, address practical steps to input information into FamLink, give Department of Children, Youth, and Families staff tips on completing Ancestry Charts and submitting referrals to the Native American Inquiry Request (NAIR) unit to fulfill the requirements of the Federal ICWA, as well as reviewing State Law and Department of Children, Youth, and Families policies.
DCYF staff can register for NAIR - Creating and Monitoring Your Native American Inquiry Request (eLearning) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can click the button below to take the eLearning course. You will need to create a training profile account if you do not already have one Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
The NCAST Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) Feeding Scales are designed for parents/caregivers and children age birth-1 year (12 months). The PCI Feeding Scales are an assessment tool which provides valid and reliable measurements of parent-child interactions. When used in child-welfare, these scales can provide recommendations for services to strengthen parent-child interactions, and serve as reliable pre-/post- measures of progress made through service engagement.
Once individuals become certified to use the PCI Feeding Scales, they must prove reliable through annual re-certification. This one-day course provides participants with the opportunity to achieve annual reliability in the use of this tool. Re-certification will allow individuals to maintain certification in the use of the PCI Feeding Scales.
Current Certification as an NCAST Assessor
DCYF staff can register for NCAST/Parent-Child Interaction Feeding Scales Recertification through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
The NCAST Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) Teaching Scales are designed for parents/caregivers and children age birth-3 years (36 months). The PCI Teaching Scales are an assessment tool which provides valid and reliable measurements of parent-child interactions. When used in child-welfare, these scales can provide recommendations for services to strengthen parent-child interactions, and serve as reliable pre-/post- measures of progress made through service engagement.
Once individuals become certified to use the PCI Teaching Scales, they must prove reliable through annual re-certification. This one-day course provides participants with the opportunity to achieve annual reliability in the use of this tool. Re-certification will allow individuals to maintain certification in the use of the PCI Teaching Scales.
Current Certification as an NCAST Assessor
DCYF staff can register for NCAST/Parent-Child Interaction Teaching Scales Recertification through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
During this two-hour workshop, you will learn what characteristics make up quality contacts with caregivers and why quality contacts matter. You will have an opportunity to watch a social worker conduct a caregiver interview, and you can then apply skills observed to a case scenario. Throughout the workshop, Alliance coaches will support the integration of quality contacts into social work practice.
TO SCHEDULE A WORKSHOP for your unit or office, please contact:
- Patty Erdman - Region 1, 2, 3, and 4 pe3@uw.edu
- Christine Kerns - Region 5 and 6 kernsc9@uw.edu
A coach will be assigned and follow up to schedule a time and work out the details of the workshop.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
During this two-hour workshop, you will learn what characteristics make up a quality contact with children and youth during initial and on-going assessment and/or out-of-home placement, and why quality contacts matter. You will have an opportunity to watch a social worker conduct a health and safety visit with a youth, and then you will apply skills observed to a case scenario. Throughout the workshop, Alliance coaches will support the integration of quality contacts into social work practice.
TO SCHEDULE A WORKSHOP for your unit or office, please contact:
- Patty Erdman - Region 1, 2, 3, and 4 pe3@uw.edu
- Christine Kerns - Region 5 and 6 kernsc9@uw.edu
A coach will be assigned and follow up to schedule a time and work out the details of the workshop.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
During this two-hour workshop, you will learn what characteristics make up a quality contact with parents during initial and on-going assessment as well as out-of-home placement, and why quality contacts matter. You will have an opportunity to watch a social worker conduct a parent interview, and then you will apply skills observed to a case scenario. Throughout the workshop, Alliance coaches will support the integration of quality contacts into social work practice.
TO SCHEDULE A WORKSHOP for your unit or office, please contact:
- Patty Erdman - Region 1, 2, 3, and 4 pe3@uw.edu
- Christine Kerns - Region 5 and 6 kernsc9@uw.edu
A coach will be assigned and follow up to schedule a time and work out the details of the workshop.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
Participants will leave this training with a common language and understanding of what is meant by cultural competence and the work they need to do to grow their ability to effectively engage across cultures, an understanding of Racial Microaggressions and why they are problematic, and an increased ability to have courageous conversation about difference and to effectively engage racial tension.
This training is presented by Dr. Caprice Hollins, co-founder of Cultures Connecting, LLC. Dr. Hollins received her doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in multicultural and community psychology in 1998. She has over 14 years of experience teaching graduate courses, working with historically marginalized populations, researching, studying, and facilitating race related conversations. Her experience includes opening and directing the Department of Equity & Race Relations for Seattle Public Schools, developing and implementing district-wide and school-based trainings, while utilizing her background in psychology to assist district leaders and staff, institutionalize change to promote equity and social justice. She also currently works as a part-time core faculty in the department of counseling at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology.
DCYF staff can register for Racial Microaggressions: Developing Cross Cultural Communication Skills through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
Secondary Trauma: Impact and SolutionsCourse Info
This 3-hour course will help DCYF social workers and supervisors who do ongoing work in the child welfare system with identification of and responses to secondary trauma. The training will increase knowledge and understanding of the levels of secondary trauma, its impact, and how to manage the impact in our environment.
Phoebe Mulligan, LICSW serves as the Clinical Program Director at HopeSparks Family Services in Pierce County. Through her role as Clinical Director, Ms. Mulligan is committed to creating a team of therapists that are culturally responsive; current on best practices in the field; and building integrated systems that seek to respond holistically to children and adults who have been victims of trauma. Ms. Mulligan is regularly invited to speak regionally on Evidence-Based Practices (EBP), effects of trauma on children and adults; and as an expert on anxiety and trauma. Her audiences range from clinicians to judges and she is often a guest lecturer in social work master's programs. A graduate of Social Work program at the University of Washington, Seattle, Ms. Mulligan is passionate about reframing the legal paradigm of response to child trauma victims to be child-centric and creating systemic partnerships that remove barriers for children.
Christina R Fajardo, MA, LMHC is a licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Child & Family Therapist at HopeSparks, Tacoma, WA. She is responsible for providing individual/ family counseling using evidence based and best practices for mental health treatment of children and families. She is a certified instructor for the Incredible Years parenting program.
DCYF staff can register for Secondary Trauma: Impact and Solutions through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- May 19, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
The Child Safety Framework and the Structured Decision Making Risk Assessment are the tools that should guide caseworkers in making their most important decisions. Both tools aim to improve critical thinking and objective decision making, and ultimately to help DCYF correctly identify what level of intervention – from placement out of the home to providing referrals and case closure – is the most appropriate for each child and family. As a supervisor, you must understand these tools, but you also have a responsibility to integrate the tools into your supervision. This eLearning aims to strengthen your understanding by providing an overview of each of these tools. It also asks initial questions about how you might continue to integrate these tools into your work within your unit.
DCYF staff can register for Supervising for Safety: Decision Making Tools for Supervisors (eLearning) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
The “Supervising for Safety” series comprises three webinars and an eLearning that aim to support supervisors in the understanding and application of assessment tools and integration of these tools into their supervision.
In this training you will consider how to support your staff in preventing and responding to safety threats in out of home care, and how integrating safety framework tools may help with this process. We will review a variety of situations, from initial assessment of a prospective caregiver, to issues needing immediate response in a current placement, to low-level concerns that over time impact the quality of care. You will also learn how biases impact our ability to spot serious abuse by out of home or adoptive caregivers. Lastly, you will make plans to integrate strategies into your supervision practice that help ensure that everyone attached to a caregiving setting is gathering sufficient information to identify and respond to concerns early – increasing the chance that we prevent unsafe placements and that we intervene as early as possible when a safety threat does occur.
The “Supervising for Safety” series is mandatory for Area Administrators. This individual webinar is mandatory for CFWS and LD staff.
DCYF staff can register for Supervising for Safety: Out of Home Care (webinar) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- May 5, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Jun 21, 2022 1:00PM to 4:00PM
The “Supervising for Safety” series comprises three webinars and an eLearning that aim to support supervisors in the understanding and application of assessment tools and integration of these tools into their supervision.
In this training, you will first identify the legal, policy and practice guidance that requires children remain home, or return home, whenever safely possible. Then, you will practice guiding a case worker in applying the safety framework tools to their case, and making a decision about whether it’s safe to return a child home. You will focus in particular on the safety threshold and safety plan analysis questions, which guide safety decisions once we have sufficient information about the family and situation. You will review guidance on safety planning, and consider how your supervision can support case workers in developing strong safety plans, and monitoring these until the safety threat is no longer active. Lastly, you will make plans to integrate strategies into your supervision practice that help ensure that the safety framework is integrated into all discussions you are having on this topic.
The “Supervising for Safety” series is mandatory for Area Administrators. This individual webinar is mandatory for CPS/FAR and CFWS staff.
DCYF staff can register for Supervising for Safety: Remain or Return Home Decisions (webinar) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Jun 13, 2022 1:00PM to 4:00PM
The “Supervising for Safety” series comprises three webinars and an eLearning that aim to support supervisors in the understanding and application of assessment tools and integration of these tools into their supervision.
In this training you will consider how the safety framework helps us make decisions about whether a child needs to be removed from their parent(s). We will also identify the legal and policy requirements that guide removal decisions. You will practice guiding a caseworker in applying the safety framework tools in their case and making a decision about whether a child needs to be removed from their home. We will focus in particular on gathering questions, and on how to support caseworkers in obtaining sufficient, relevant information before we make an assessment of whether a child is safe. Lastly, you’ll consider how you can better integrate the child safety framework into your supervisory practice when approving or discussing removal decisions.
The “Supervising for Safety” series is mandatory for Area Administrators. This individual webinar is mandatory for CPS/FAR and LD staff.
DCYF staff can register for Supervising for Safety: Removal Decisions (webinar) through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Jun 9, 2022 1:00PM to 4:00PM
Supervisor ReadinessCourse Info
This three-hour course covers Situational Leadership and Supervisor Readiness (4Rs). The course will review the three necessary components and strategies to impact performance. The Situational Leadership Theory developed by Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard presents a model that suggests that to be effective leaders, supervisors must match their leadership style to an individual worker’s level of job readiness (job maturity). The manager’s effectiveness depends on their ability to correctly identify the supervisor’s readiness level and to employ the appropriate leader style in that particular situation. Supervisor readiness for any task is determined by the supervisor’s ability and willingness.
DCYF staff can register for Supervisor Readiness through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- May 31, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Supervisor Reflective Workshops (webinar)Course Info
Coaching is an important piece of ongoing professional growth, presenting opportunities for personalized skill development and self-assessment. As a supervisor, this takes on added significance as the learnings are applicable to both you and your staff. “Supervisor Reflective Workshops” give you the chance to discuss with your peers coaching successes and barriers, helping you grow and improve.
The workshops are intended to be attended after the completion of the “Learner Centered Coaching Skills for Supervisors and Area Administrators” course and support the integration of the model into supervisory practice. The sessions provide an opportunity for peer discussion around implementation of coaching with your teams. You may work through practice barriers together, or hear how coaching is applied and supports clinical supervision.
Enhanced skill-development opportunities such as how to assess for identified practice barriers, the use of reflective questions, motivational Interviewing strategies/techniques, providing feedback and the use of tools in coaching will be facilitated based on feedback and requests made from each independent group. These workshops will also provide an opportunity for you to think about coaching support you may want to identify and work on with your assigned Alliance coach.
If you have completed the Learner Centered Coaching for Supervisors course, an Alliance coach will register you for Supervisors Reflective Workshop (webinar) and provide you with the date and meeting link for the class. Individual learners do not need to self-register for this course.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
This course focuses on providing information and engaging in conversation about LGBTQ+ children, youth and families. You will learn about identifying and addressing systemic institutional and personal biases when serving LGBTQ+ children, youth and families. Activities and self-reflection exercises will prepare you to return to your work and create a welcoming, safe and affirming space. Included in this training is updated terminology, resources, and current data/statistics.
DCYF staff can register for Supporting LGBTQ+ Children, Youth and Families through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
Classes Available
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Jun 3, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
DCYF Staff Register Here
See Registration Instructions
- Jun 9, 2022 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Trauma Informed EngagementCourse Info
Trauma Informed Engagement is a 6-hour course applying lessons from trauma studies to child welfare practice for children, youth, and adults. Participants will discuss practice guidelines crucial to trauma informed practice in any setting. Participants will learn to distinguish trauma from other adversities and suffering; describe the characteristics, dynamics and effects of trauma; and emphasize the ways in which chronic trauma and complex trauma compromise normal functioning. Participants will learn to recognize and respond to situations involving the loss of control of body, mind, and emotions associated with trauma. Participants will practice, and commit to trauma informed engagement strategies, utilizing themes of empowerment, advocacy, and building resilience in children, youth, and adults.
DCYF staff can register for Trauma Informed Engagement through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can request registration for this course using the Alliance External Registration form. Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via alliancesupport@uw.edu.
No classes have been scheduled for this course...
In this eLearning you will learn about the spectrum of Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing culture and how people’s culture and identity impacts their communication. In addition, you will learn about assistive communication technology and how to access these devices, setting up an environment that is conducive to communication with the deaf or hard of hearing person. You will explore ways to engage with an interpreter to support positive and productive communication when a person’s primary language is sign language. If the person you are working with has a severe hearing loss and requires C.A.R.T interpretation services or an axillary listening device to support communication, you will learn how to recognize and access the needed supports. By the end of the eLearning you will understand DCYF expectations when working with clients with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and DCYF Administrative Policy 6.03: Access to Services for Individuals with Disabilities.
DCYF staff can register for Working With People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Culture and Communication through the Washington State Learning Center (WSLC). For help with WSLC, please contact DCYF.LearningCenter@dcyf.wa.gov.
Other workforce members can click the button below to take the eLearning course. You will need to create a training profile account if you do not already have one Use this if you are CWTAP, Tribal Workers, Private Agency, and Judicial Personnel (incl. CASA/GAL). For help with this webform, please contact Alliance Support via AllianceSupport@uw.edu.