Alliance Course Catalog

This session orients participants to the definitions of child abuse and neglect in Washington state, as well as practical guidance and considerations specific to how you might identify and respond to various types of child maltreatment. Policy and practical considerations for photographing injuries and conditions in children are reviewed. We briefly discuss forensic interviewing, child advocacy centers, and how to respond to a spontaneous disclosure of sexual abuse or serious physical abuse. We review indicators and dynamics of child torture and distinguishing these dynamics from those more common with malnutrition or failure to thrive cases. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the importance of collaboration with community partners, particularly medical professionals and law enforcement.

This session will provide a basic review of the Safety Framework and an overview of the Specialized Domestic Violence Assessment, focusing on the most salient issues in screening and assessment for child welfare workers.  Participants will then consider a case example of a family experiencing domestic violence (a live case or the case scenario provided in the attachment) and apply the safety framework to determine whether the children in question are safe or unsafe.  Important issues regarding best practices for visitation and other important decisions will be touched on but are not covered in depth in this brief session.

As a result of participating in this workshop participants will:

1. Know the child safety threats most likely to be present when domestic violence endangers child safety.
2. Know CA policy regarding screening for DV and managing cases where DV is identified, including what information workers must attempt to collect to properly assess child safety in families impacted by DV.

Improve skills at assessing child safety in cases where domestic violence is occurring.

This two hour In-Service builds upon information received in the Regional Core Training (RCT) on assessing parents, others in the family household, those who may have frequent unsupervised access to children, and Safety Plan participants.  Learners will review Children’s Administration policy, including who, when and what types of screenings are required.  Additional assessment tools, including the gathering questions and the Structured Decision Making Risk Assessment will also be explored.  The current CFSR and Case Review Tool compliance criteria for assessing all individuals in the home and those with frequent unsupervised access to children will be reviewed and practiced in small groups. 

The purpose of this e-learning is to provide foundational information about what domestic violence is, and how it can affect child safety. This eLearning also highlights CA’s domestic violence policies and best practices, found in CA’s Social Worker’s Practice Guide to Domestic Violence. It’s recommended that staff complete this e-learning prior to attending “Domestic Violence and Child Welfare”.

This in-service training will provide instruction on the principles and application of research-based child interviewing, effective testimony, and interviewing skills with cultural considerations. It will address the special challenges of working with vague allegations, resistant children and adolescents, non-offending parents and alleged offenders. The purpose of this training is to enhance child interviewing skills. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in intensive interview skill building exercises with trained actors. Training will provide individualized feedback concerning dealing with complex situations, and working with children who are reluctant to talk or have special needs.

Schedule for all locations listed below:

• Mon.: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm
• Tues.: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm
• Weds.: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm
• Thurs.: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm
• Fri.: 8:15 am to 9:15 am  (early start for test available at 8:00 am)

This two-day in-service training delivered by webinar will prepare new CFWS caseworkers and experienced CFWS caseworkers who wish to improve their practice to engage parents and families from the point of transfer or case assignment. Participants will learn how to make the most of the first meeting and monthly visits with the parent in building a working relationship geared toward safe reunification and timely permanency. Participants will explore engaging children and caregivers during monthly visits, best interest considerations and permanency planning. Participants will be provided tools to improve the quality of court reports in addressing policy requirements and good practice.

A pre-requisite to the webinar training is the Permanency Considerations (eLearning). Participants must register and complete this eLearning prior to the webinar.

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.

Coaching sessions are utilized to enhance a learner’s specific skill attainment in an identified area of practice.  Coaching sessions are provided to Children’s Administration workforce to help workers attain specific skills pertinent to their daily work/practice in child welfare.  Identified goals are created and progress towards those goals is measured by both the learner and the coach after each session. 

Ad Hoc field based coaching topics include:

Tasks such as AFCARS, redaction, case closure, and entering ICWA/NAIR information into FamLink, filing of documentation into case files.

Coaching sessions are utilized to enhance a learner’s specific skill attainment in an identified area of practice.  Coaching sessions are provided to Children’s Administration workforce to help workers attain specific skills pertinent to their daily work/practice in child welfare.  Identified goals are created and progress towards those goals is measured by both the learner and the coach after each session. 

Case Organization and Prioritization field based coaching topics include:

How to prioritize the daily work, including:  using outlook, desk calendars, and reminders; prioritization of caseload activities, assessments and due dates for different programs; reassessing safety and updating safety assessments at pivotal points in the case.

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 CA, specialized units and steps available for staff, including tailored topics such as:

1. Initial Intake (ICW Procedures at initial contact) 
2. Tribal/State Agreements 
3. Inquiry and Verification of Child’s Indian Status 
4. Disclosure of Confidential Records/Information to Tribes
5. Child Protective Services for Indian Children 
6. Casework Activities for Court Proceedings – forms Legal Notice, FamLink Response from NAIR eLearning, Monthly Progress report, 
7. Indian Child Placement Preferences and Relative Search
8. Adoption
9. Interstate Compact on the Placement of Indian Children
10. Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committees 
11. Payments for Services for Children in Tribal Care or Custody
12. Casework Services for Children and Families of Non-Federally Recognized Tribes and Canadian First Nations

This training is for licensed and unlicensed caregivers and relative / kinship providers to support LGTBQ+ youth in their care.

Research shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and two spirit (LGBTQ+) youth are overrepresented in the foster care system. LGBTQ+ youth in out of home care face additional challenges such as discrimination, stigma and bullying. LGBTQ+ children/youth feel unsafe and face rejection from their families, schools and community. Many times, LGBTQ+ youth do not have access to appropriate health care and mental health resources.

This eLearning course was developed from Connecting, a prevention-focused program specifically for foster parents and relative caregivers, and teens in out of home care. Connecting was created using input and advice from social workers, caregivers, and LGBTQ+ foster youth.

This eLearning will provide caregivers an overview of the:

• Myths and stereotypes about LGBTQ+ children/youth and will provide facts and realities;
• Fundamental facts and terms about LGBTQ+ children/youth;
• Provide opportunities for activities for caregivers and children/youth;
• Address safety issues and develop plans for children/youth safety; and
• Learn how to promote the health, safety and well-being of the children/youth in care. 

This eLearning will allow the caregiver to complete activities on their own as well as together with the LGBTQ+ children/youth in their care.

Participants will learn about the importance of contract monitoring, the Contract Monitoring Team, the purpose of a Compliance Agreement, and what to do if there are concerns about a contractor’s performance.

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…

1. Engage in courageous conversations;
2. Deepen their understanding of implicit bias and stereotype threat;
3. 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.

The Dependency Petition eLearning is an interactive and independent learning activity integrating brief legal instruction and practical application/skill building regarding Dependency Petitions.

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.

This is Section 1 of the 3-hour in-service level training for Social Workers that explores the principles of child development across the age ranges of birth to three years, three to five years, five to 11 years, and 11 to 17 years.  In each age range, factors that affect development across physical, social, emotional, cognitive and reproductive domains, as well as the developmental effects of abuse and neglect on those domains are examined through videos, worksheets, and case scenarios.  Information is provided about services and resources to support Social Workers and children in care.

Participants can view and get credit for completion of all or only specific sections of the elearning:

• Section 1: Foundational Concepts of Child Development (30 minutes)
• Section 2: Birth to Three Years (60 minutes)
• Section 3: Three to Five Years (30 minutes)
• Section 4: Five to 11 Years (30 minutes)
• Section 5: 11 to 17 Years (30 minutes)

This is Section 3 of the 3-hour in-service level training for Social Workers that explores the principles of child development across the age ranges of birth to three years, three to five years, five to 11 years, and 11 to 17 years.  In each age range, factors that affect development across physical, social, emotional, cognitive and reproductive domains, as well as the developmental effects of abuse and neglect on those domains are examined through videos, worksheets, and case scenarios.  Information is provided about services and resources to support Social Workers and children in care.

Participants can view and get credit for completion of all or only specific sections of the elearning:

• Section 1: Foundational Concepts of Child Development (30 minutes)
• Section 2: Birth to Three Years (60 minutes)
• Section 3: Three to Five Years (30 minutes)
• Section 4: Five to 11 Years (30 minutes)
• Section 5: 11 to 17 Years (30 minutes)

This is Section 5 of the 3-hour in-service level training for Social Workers that explores the principles of child development across the age ranges of birth to three years, three to five years, five to 11 years, and 11 to 17 years.  In each age range, factors that affect development across physical, social, emotional, cognitive and reproductive domains, as well as the developmental effects of abuse and neglect on those domains are examined through videos, worksheets, and case scenarios.  Information is provided about services and resources to support Social Workers and children in care.

Participants can view and get credit for completion of all or only specific sections of the elearning:

• Section 1: Foundational Concepts of Child Development (30 minutes)
• Section 2: Birth to Three Years (60 minutes)
• Section 3: Three to Five Years (30 minutes)
• Section 4: Five to 11 Years (30 minutes)
• Section 5: 11 to 17 Years (30 minutes)

This three-hour workshop provides an opportunity for DCYF staff to broaden and strengthen their knowledge of and response to domestic violence experienced by the children and families with whom they work. Dynamics and definitions of domestic violence are explored through research and advocacy praxis. Workshop participants discuss potential strategies for engagement, assessment, and intervention with families where domestic violence is occurring (or has occurred). The workshop is offered by an EWU social work faculty member and will reference current research, the DCYF domestic violence training, and the 2016 Social Worker’s Practice Guide to Domestic Violence.

This two-day in-service training will prepare new Family Voluntary Services (FVS) caseworkers and experienced FVS caseworkers who wish to improve their practice to engage parents and families from the point of transfer or case assignment. Participants will learn how to make the most of the first meeting and monthly visits with the parent in building a working relationship geared to reducing or mitigating safety threats and risk. Participants will be provided opportunity to improve the quality of case plans by linking services to behavior changes. Participants will learn policy expectations and good practice strategies for family engagement.

*****Participants are required to bring their tablets to the training.

A difficult conversation is a discussion between or among individuals that has the potential to lead to conflict or highly negative emotional reactions. In child welfare settings, difficult conversations may involve (a) delivering bad news, for example a decision to continue an emergency out-of-home placement or to terminate parental rights (b) confronting parents, foster parents, attorneys or other professionals with information and perspectives with which they are likely to disagree or confronting the unacceptable behavior of peers, supervisors, managers or other professionals (c) engaging in dialogue regarding controversial subjects or decisions. The guidelines below may also prove useful in resolving internal conflicts within or between units or in discussions of differences between and among caseworkers, supervisors and managers.

This 3-hour webinar is part 2 of a 2-part series, and will provide participants with an understanding of substance use and when it affects the safety of children in the family, how to safety plan with families who have children of all ages (0-18), how to support clients in their treatment programs, and how to measure progress sufficient to have mitigated the safety threats to the children.

Participants are required to complete the Part 1 webinar before attending the webinar for Part 2.

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.

This is Session 1.1 of the Intake In-Service course, which will support new staff working at Intake to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be effective in gathering and documenting information and in screening intakes. The course is divided into three modules which occur at different times during the employee’s first six months at Intake.

Participants will receive practical information about their main job functions, and get to practice applying many of this information. Intake staff serve as the first point of contact for community members with concerns about children, and complete the first assessments of this information to determine if and how CA may respond. These two functions are addressed and information about the role of Intake staff in assessing child safety and in educating the community is provided. The training helps new staff to understand the differences between intake types and to identify timelines associated with each. Lastly, roles and actions outside the scope of Children’s Administration Intake are discussed.

This is Session 1.3 of the Intake In-Service course, which will support new staff working at Intake to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be effective in gathering and documenting information and in screening intakes. The course is divided into three modules which occur at different times during the employee’s first six months at Intake.

This training will support you in identifying the most important information to gather from callers, and in building skills to focus and guide callers toward this important information, so the best possible screening decisions can be made.

This is Session 1.5 of the Intake In-Service course, which will support new staff working at Intake to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be effective in gathering and documenting information and in screening intakes. The course is divided into three modules which occur at different times during the employee’s first six months at Intake.

Participants in this e-learning will learn how and why to collaborate with Law Enforcement to protect children, gather information needed for good screening decisions, and meet legal and policy requirements to share specific types of reports and information. How and why to work with medical professionals to support good screening decisions and assessments of child safety is also presented. Participants will have a chance to practice both skills and receive feedback.

This is Session 2.1 of the Intake In-Service course, which will support new staff working at Intake to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be effective in gathering and documenting information and in screening intakes. The course is divided into three modules which occur at different times during the employee’s first six months at Intake.

This brief e-learning will review policy and legal requirements in screening intakes regarding currently pregnant substance using mothers and infants who were exposed to substances during gestation. Participants will consider important questions to ask callers in order to gather the most relevant information, which will support good screening decisions and capture foundational information which may be used by workers who are assigned to this family now or in the future.

This course focuses on the requirements of the Interstate Compact and Placement of Children (ICPC), including both sending children in foster care to other States, and receiving children in foster care from other States, as well as ICPC with ICWA cases. Participants learn about the ICPC process for requesting placement of children and receiving children in foster care from other States.  Information on case management activities related to permanency and the legal closure of ICPC cases are provided.  Participants also learn about the home study process, completing quarterly reports, and closing an in-state case.  ICPC is a very technical process and details about common violations, parent visits, and the support and guidance from the headquarters ICPC team are provided.

In this eLearning participants will review the stages of an adult CPS interview and the information they need to gather in each stage; read a case summary; and view an interview with the parents related to the case.

Participants in this e-learning will learn about the role of mandatory reporters in identifying possible child abuse and neglect, and in reporting these concerns. The training reviews possible indicators of child abuse and neglect, and common situations that cause mandatory reporters to call in a report. Participants 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 federal requirement that Indian heritage and affiliation with Federally recognized tribes must be identified is also explained. Lastly, the training reviews how to contact Children’s Administration to make a report, what information to have available, and what happens once a report has been made are also addressed.

Training provides an overview of successful case planning for children in foster care.  Course topics include referring to the mental health services,  use of screening tools, characteristics and behavior indicators of developmental and mental health concerns, use psychotropic medications with children in foster care, case management techniques with mental health service providers, understanding  the elements and criteria of Evidence-Based and Promising Practices, and matching available EBP’s with specific client needs.  This course will also describe key signs, symptoms and impacts of trauma, disrupted attachment, and childhood adversity and ways to incorporate trauma informed care into their day-to-day work.

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 CA policies.

The NCAST Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) scales are designed for parents/caregivers and children age birth-3 years (36 months). The PCI scales consist of two measures – a Feeding Scale and a Teaching Scale. Both scales are assessment tools which provide valid and reliable measurements of parent-child interactions. When used in child-welfare, either assessment can provide recommendations for services to strengthen parent-child interactions, both scales can also serve as reliable pre-/post- measures of progress made through service engagement.

Participants will learn how to use NCAST PCI scales as a tool to gather pertinent information about the parent-child dyad; assessment of parent-child interactions; and intervening with parents and young children.

Participants can become certified assessors in one or both the Feeding Scales or the Teaching Scales. The Feeding Scales can be used with parents/caregivers and infants age 0-12 months (1 year old), the Teaching Scales can be used with parents/caregivers and infants age 0-36 months (3 years old).

Certification, or reliability, is obtained through first practicing, and then scoring videos from the Parent-Child Relationship Program at the University of Washington. The videos depict parent-child interactions in both feeding and teaching scenarios.

Instruction for each 4-day certification course is delivered across two weeks so participants are only away from their desks for two days at a time.

Feeding Scales Week 1:

Day 1 – Keys to Caregiving & Implications for child-welfare
Day 2 – Infant sate, cues, and communication & the Feeding Scale items

Feeding Scales Week 2:

Day 3 – Feeding Scale practice scenarios & begin Feeding Scale reliability testing
Day 4 – Feeding Scale reliability testing & administration/application of the Feeding Scales in practice

The NCAST Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) scales are designed for parents/caregivers and children age birth-3 years (36 months). The PCI scales consist of two measures – a Feeding Scale and a Teaching Scale. Both scales are assessment tools which provide valid and reliable measurements of parent-child interactions. When used in child-welfare, either assessment can provide recommendations for services to strengthen parent-child interactions, both scales can also serve as reliable pre-/post- measures of progress made through service engagement.

Participants will learn how to use NCAST PCI scales as a tool to gather pertinent information about the parent-child dyad; assessment of parent-child interactions; and intervening with parents and young children.

Participants can become certified assessors in one or both the Feeding Scales or the Teaching Scales. The Feeding Scales can be used with parents/caregivers and infants age 0-12 months (1 year old), the Teaching Scales can be used with parents/caregivers and infants age 0-36 months (3 years old).

Certification, or reliability, is obtained through first practicing, and then scoring videos from the Parent-Child Relationship Program at the University of Washington. The videos depict parent-child interactions in both feeding and teaching scenarios.

Instruction for each 4-day certification course is delivered across two weeks so participants are only away from their desks for two days at a time.

Teaching Scales Week 1:

Day 1 – Keys to Caregiving & Implications for child-welfare
Day 2 – Infant sate, cues, and communication & the Teaching Scale items

Teaching Scales Week 2:

Day 3 – Teaching Scale practice scenarios & begin Teaching Scale reliability testing
Day 4 – Teaching Scale reliability testing & administration/application of the Teaching Scales in practice

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. 

Case Workers are frequently faced with parents who use or abuse marijuana and the challenge to assess how this addiction impacts child safety. During this training participants will learn:

• How to assess for child safety when parents use marijuana (legally or illegally);
• The impact of second hand marijuana smoke and the science about impairment;
• The science about pre-natal exposure to marijuana use and its long term effects;
• Tips to assist workers to work with parents who use or abuse marijuana to promote child safety.

This course will provide participants with an overview of permanency planning for children in out of home care. This course will focus on the differences and similarities of adoption, guardianship and non-parental custody as concurrent plans. Participants will explore personal bias, how it influences their professional decision-making, and how to counter bias in making permanency decisions that reflect the best interest of children. All permanency options are explored and a case scenario will help participants understand the multiple factors to consider in determining the child’s best interest and best alternate plan.

***Supervisors: This eLearning may be completed individually or as a group during a unit meeting. If the eLearning is completed as a group, be sure to contact an Alliance coach to input completion of the eLearning training in LMS for all participants.

Supervisors may use the Supervisors Guide to Permanency Considerations eLearning (PDF) available here to promote a permanency discussion after caseworkers have taken the eLearning. (this is an optional activity)

This one-day classroom in-service will focus on the placement and dependency filing process policies rolling out in June, 2018.  Caseworkers will explore how to assess the information gathered during contacts with families in determining when a child can be safely maintained in the home or if placement is necessary. The course will discuss legal authority to place and to ensure that placements are made according to the law and department policy. Disproportionality at placement decision and decision to return home will be discussed. Reasonable and active efforts to prevent placement will be identified as well as the necessary communication with parents regarding the reasons for removal and what conditions need to be met for the child’s safe return home. Tips for reducing trauma at placement, ensuring placements are safe and can meet the child’s needs, and setting up initial visitation between the parent and child based on the safety assessment will be discussed.

Suggested reading prior to class:

The Sounding Board-Controlling Heuristic Biases

The Sounding Board-Thinking Fast and Slow

Supervisors and caseworkers will know and understand how to apply the case consultation process for staffing cases. This activity invites group learning and participation, with a structured approach to difficult cases, and keeping family development central instead of parental deficits.

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.

This eLearning will teach the participant the steps to initiate and monitor efforts completed by the Relative Search unit.  When a child is in need of out of home care, the Department should be actively seeking placement of children with relatives. The centralized Relative Search unit assists staff to locate and identify relatives and this training will help staff learn about the process, required forms and how to gather detailed information from FamLink.

This course provides instruction on using the service referral tool in the FamLink case management system for both social workers and fiduciaries. Step by step guidance walks through the steps necessary to launch the referral, provide customized details and instructions for the authorization of payments.

Following successful completion of this elearning course, participants will understand the purpose of the Structured Decision Making-Risk Assessment (SDM-RA), and how it provides a framework for consistent decision making as well as a way to target in-demand resources toward those who can benefit most. Participants will understand the definition of each SDM-RA question, its application, and the procedures for completing this tool. This course incorporates numerous types of media through video, audio, images, and scenario application in order to enhance the transfer of learning. A score of 80% is required to complete this course.

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.

In this two-day training, we will follow the flow of a Child Welfare case and how workers need to incorporate ICWA.  Children’s Administration has a revised ICW Manual and attendees will strengthen their foundational base about ICWA and learn about changes in policy and procedure as it applies to ICWA practice in Washington State.

In this course, participants learn the policies, procedures and best practices for using interpreter and translation services when working with CA clients with limited English proficiency.  Participants learn how interpreter services assist in helping families achieve permanency by enhancing communication between families and the social worker.  Participants also learn how to appropriately and accurately document the use of interpreter and translation services for LEP clients in FamLink, as well as how to navigate the CA Intranet to identify LEP tools and resources in order to best meet the language and communication needs of clients.

This 4-part eLearning series provides an interactive, deeper dive, into the roles and responsibilities of the major programs within DCYF; CPS Investigations and CPS Family Assessment Response, Family Voluntary Services, and Child and Family Welfare Services. Participants will have an opportunity to review the flow of a case and better understand the structure of DCYF offices and the roles of those who work around them. Finally, participants will walk through the basic parts of their job as CPS, FVS, or CFWS workers, including which policies and laws often guide their choices. This eLearning is offered in four distinct modules:

In this module, you’ll:

• Identify the role of child welfare in Washington State.
• Better understand the basic organizational structure of Children’s Administration (CA).
• Feel more confident in your understanding of your role within the child welfare system.

This 4-part eLearning series provides an interactive, deeper dive, into the roles and responsibilities of the major programs within DCYF; CPS Investigations and CPS Family Assessment Response, Family Voluntary Services, and Child and Family Welfare Services. Participants will have an opportunity to review the flow of a case and better understand the structure of DCYF offices and the roles of those who work around them. Finally, participants will walk through the basic parts of their job as CPS, FVS, or CFWS workers, including which policies and laws often guide their choices. This eLearning is offered in four distinct modules:

In this module, you’ll:

• Identify the role of child welfare in Washington State.
• Better understand the basic organizational structure of Children’s Administration (CA).
• Feel more confident in your understanding of your role within the child welfare system.