Combating Child Trafficking Through Multi-Agency Partnerships
2024-10-31 12:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Online Webinar
Training Overview
The Minnesota Children’s Alliance (The Alliance), DHS/DCYF, and MDH Safe Harbor are partnering to provide a training session for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across Minnesota. This training will offer an in-depth review and update on the new Minnesota statutes relevant to child welfare’s mandated response to reports of exploitation and trafficking of minors, as well as their implications for CACs. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the state-wide response to Human Trafficking and how CACs can access and collaborate with providers and resources in the Safe Harbor Network.
This training will dedicate one hour to interactive group work. Participants will collaborate in small groups with their Regional Navigator to explore how each agency can collaborate and improve its coordinated response to child trafficking and exploitation. This group discussion will allow for practical discussions on leveraging each agency’s strengths, fostering communication, and building partnerships to protect vulnerable children more effectively.
Register Here
After registering, the Alliance will email you the Zoom link one week before and the day of the training.
Continuing Education
The Alliance will be providing two social work continuing education upon completion of this training. All attendees are expected to attend the entirety of this training. If you are unable to or called away at the last minute to accommodate your client’s needs, please let MaiXi know.

Contact
If you have any further questions/concerns, please contact MaiXi Ye at maixi@minnesotachildrensalliance.org

First Witness Porn, Let's talk About It
2024-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Currently, only 62% of our nation’s states require education on healthy relationships. Adolescents are left to fill in the gaps of what healthy sex looks like by turning to media and pornography’s representation of sexual relationships. As child abuse professionals, we can help families understand the disparities of sexual education and encourage facilitating open and age-appropriate dialogue with youth to empower them to make informed decisions around their sexual health and identity.
Register at First Witness

NCJTC MDT Response to Child Sex Trafficking
2024-10-21 - 2024-10-24 | Hyatt House Denver/Lakewood at Belmar, 7310 West Alaska Dr, Lakewood, CO, 80226, United States
Training Overview
Improve multidisciplinary team (MDT) responses to child sex trafficking cases. Gather information about improving or establishing a formal MDT in your community. Identify gaps and develop short and long-term response plans with the help of subject matter experts. To attend this training, you must be part of a multidisciplinary team and your team members must attend with you, from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 10. Each team member should register individually. To make your team easily identifiable, all team members should use the same name for their team leader during the registration process. If you need assistance in building your team, please contact our office at the number/email below.
This 3.5 day team-based training will guide existing Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) to improve their response to Child Sex Trafficking (CST), as well as assist those who seek to establish a formal MDT in their communities to more effectively respond to CST cases. Subject matter experts will work with teams to identify gaps and develop short and long-term response plans.
To attend this training, you must be part of a multidisciplinary team and your team members must attend with you, from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 10. Each team member should register individually. To make your team easily identifiable, all team members should use the same name for their team leader during the registration process. If you need assistance in building your team, please contact our office at the number/email below.
Attendance at a course such as System Response to High Risk Victims-Child Sex Trafficking (HRV CST) or Investigative Strategies in Child Abduction Cases (ISCAC), or have a working knowledge of child sex trafficking is highly recommended.
Upon completion of this training, you will be able to:

Differentiate between responses to traditional child abuse and child sex trafficking cases
utilize the components of an effective MDT for child sex trafficking
Recognise and locate youth at risk victimization
Create a plan that encompasses strengths, challenges and a direction for your MDT response to child sex trafficking

Register at NCJTC
Register by Friday, September 6, 2024
Tuition/instructional costs, as well as course materials, are provided by the Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program. For in-person training, attendees are responsible for making and funding their costs of attendance, including but not limited to lodging, travel, meals, incidentals, etc.
The Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program (MEC Training and TA) through funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, is able to provide lodging assistance to a limited number of non-federal attendees. This assistance is based on need and is not guaranteed to every applicant. Priority will be given to those from historically underserved communities. Lodging assistance will cover the cost of room and tax for the nights of October 20, 21, 22 and 23, 2024. Class ends at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Lodging arrangements for those who are approved for lodging assistance will be made by MEC Training and TA. If you would like to apply for lodging assistance, please click HERE.

Zero Abuse Project Keeping Faith 2-Day Basic Course
2024-10-21 - 2024-10-22 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
This course empowers faith communities to recognize and respond to cases of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Included are discussions detailing the impact of child abuse on a victim’s sense of spirituality and offering concrete suggestions for working with medical and mental health professionals to assist a child in coping with maltreatment. The course also discusses ideal child protection policies for a faith-based institution, including handling a situation in which a convicted sex offender seeks to join a congregation. A review of various child abuse case scenarios and a discussion on appropriate and inappropriate responses allows for real-life problem-solving and feedback.
Why is this training important for every faith community?

93% of sex offenders describe themselves as being ‘religious’
20% of 2864 church leaders knew of at least one convicted sex offender who was attending or was a member of their church (Christianity Today 2010)
Child abuse Survivor Quote: “I went online to every faith community in my area trying to find a place in which I felt safe to worship. None of them gave me any information about safety policies in their community so I just gave up trying.”

Intended Audience
Clergy, chaplains, youth ministers, faith leaders, counselors and other members of a faith community who may work with children or families impacted by child abuse.
Presenters

Victor Vieth, Chief Program Officer, Education and Research, Zero Abuse Project
Alison Feigh, Director, Jacob Wetterling Resource Center
Pete Singer, Executive Director, G.R.A.C.E.; Founding Director, Care in Action, Minnesota

Register through Zero Abuse Project
***Group Discount: Buy 4 registrations get the 5th registration free. When selecting this option for purchase, the cost of 5 tickets is set to equal the cost of four full registrations and one free registration. Must purchase all registrations at the same time. Group registrations are not eligible for cancellation or refund (substitutions for registered participants may be made at any time).
To pay by credit/debit card
To pay for your registration by credit card, please select the first ticket option ( “Credit Card payment”), and then use the pay option “PayPal” – you DO NOT NEED a PayPal account to pay with a Credit Card. When you click “Place your Order”, you will be taken to a page that will allow you to pay by credit/debit card. If you need an invoice to issue payment, please select the 2nd ticket option (“Pay via an Invoice”).
To pay by invoice
If you select this ticket option to register, you will be emailed an invoice within 2 weeks of your registration. There is an additional nominal charge to use this payment method.
To direct the invoice to be emailed to someone else in your agency, please email our Senior Program Manager, Suzanne Severson (suzanne@zeroabuseproject.org) with this information.
Cancellation Policy
A $75.00 cancellation fee will be imposed for cancellations made up to 3 working days prior to a scheduled training – no refunds are allowed less than 3 working days prior to a scheduled training. If available, a registration transfer to another scheduled training within 6 months may be made for a $25.00 administrative fee.

MACMH Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive For Autonomy
2024-10-18 12:30 - 14:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
This course is presented from a neurodiversity affirming lens, from a presenter with lived experience as a PDA person. The objective of this course is to increase understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy, as it relates to Autism. This will help clinicians better support families with PDA and/or Autistic members. Participants will have a better understanding of PDA, how to differentiate it from other conditions, and how to support PDAers in an effective way.
Learning Objectives

Understand the impact of perceived demands on the nervous system.
List at least two potential differential diagnoses for autism with a PDA profile.
Identify at least one way to effectively support a PDAer.

About the Presenter
Jessica Mertins, LICSW has a masters of social work from the University of St. Thomas/Saint Catherine University and is currently an outpatient therapist, licensure supervisor, and Neurodiversity Specialist at Fernbrook Family Center. She trains from a perspective that blends her lived experience as a neurodivergent person, her professional experience, and her research and learning from other lived experience educators.
Register through MACMH

MENTOR | Cultivating Wellness and Resilience: The Power of Hope
2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Join for an interactive webinar to discover the power of hope and its transformative impact on individuals, organizations, and communities. Our expert panelists will share research and practical strategies to cultivate hope in yourself and those around you. In this webinar, you will participate in a HOPE inventory to measure your level of hope, gain practical tips and techniques to foster hope in your daily life and work, and network with others who are passionate about building a more hopeful future. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the pathway to a more fulfilling and resilient life.
Register Through MENTOR

CalTrin The Cannabis landscape: Public Health and Policy Implications
2024-10-16 13:00 - 14:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
This presentation will provide a background in how cannabis products have evolved in the wake of legalization in many U.S. states, including descriptions of different modes of use, changing THC content, and market trends. The problem of unregulated hemp-derived products, such as Δ8-THC, will be touched on. The presenter will describe how cannabis use impacts physical and mental health, who is at greatest risk of harm, and how policy changes and consumer education could help reduce risks.
Learning Objectives

Recognize at least three types of cannabis products available in legal adult consumer markets in the U.S.
Describe three ways in which cannabis use affects health
Discuss different cannabis policies that could reduce harm from use

Register through CalTrin

APSAC Child Interview - Where Research Meets Practice
2024-10-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Trauma-informed practice (TIP) is a critical component of child forensic interviewing. TIPs can reduce the negative impact that forensic interviews could have on survivors. They can also help interviewers adapt their memory-based interviews to meet the needs of traumatized individuals. This two-part webinar series will examine the impact of trauma on the brain and help interviewers translate the research on trauma into actionable, client-centered, trauma-informed practices.
Part 1: Trauma, the Brain, and the Investigation
Part one will focus on the impact of trauma on the brain, with special attention given to how trauma affects survivors during investigations and forensic interviews. This knowledge is key to minimizing interviewer biases and errors.
Part 11: Trauma-Informed Practice
Part two will focus on the four pillars of a trauma-informed approach to forensic interviewing: Safety, Predictability, Empowerment, and Compassion (SPEC). By learning TIPs for child forensic interviews, participants will be empowered to conduct more effective client-centered interviews.
About the Trainer
Dr. Hugues Herve is the President and Practice Director at The Forensic Practice, the lead author of the StepWise 360 approach to conducting forensic interviews, and a registered clinical psychologist who specializes in forensic psychology. By utilizing expertise in psychology, human behavior, memory, and evaluating truthfulness, Hugues advocates for the advancement of investigative, assessment, and decision-making practices to promote the safety and wellness of our communities.
Register at APSAC
Member Registration: $100
Non-Member Registration: $120

CalTrin Concrete Support
2024-10-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
During this session, we will discuss everyday strategies for increasing access to concrete support for families. This session will be presented in an engaging lecture format.
Learning Objectives

Review how Concrete Support helps keep families strong and prevents child abuse and neglect
Identify key strategies and everyday actions that help families access Concrete Support
Explore what it means to help families develop tools and skills in a strengths-based way
Share Protective Factors resources for providers and families

Pre-Work

Review the Center for the Study of Social Policy Strengthening Families website
Read about Strengthening Families and the Strengthening Families Framework (CSSP) (2pp)
Review The Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework Handout (CSSP)

Register through CalTrin

First Witness Interviewing Individuals with Disabilities
2024-10-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
This session will explore how interviewing children and adults with disabilities differs from interviewing individuals without disabilities and will review best practices. Attendees will learn how to adjust the physical space for individuals with physical, mental, and/or developmental disabilities, as well as how to adjust their interview question structure and phrasing. This session will begin with an overview of best practices surrounding working with individuals with disabilities in general. It will then dive into forensic interviewing best practices and applicable research on interviewing children and adults with disabilities.
Register at First Witness
DHS Scholarship Eligibility
Scholarships are available for county, tribes, and other local professionals responsible for child maltreatment investigations and prosecutions in the State of Minnesota. When selecting from our payment options, choose “I am applying for a Minnesota Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHS) Scholarship.” Recipients are responsible for any other costs of attending this training, including travel, lodging, and meals. Scholarships are provided through the Minnesota Department of Human Services using state and federal funds provided through a Children’s Justice Act grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We will notify you following registration whether or not you will receive a scholarship.

OJP Recognizing Trauma in Older Adults and Adopting Trauma-Informed Principles: Implications For Law Enforcement
2024-10-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Whether it occurred recently or decades ago, trauma can influence the interactions that elder justice professionals, including law enforcement, have when working with older victims. In this webinar, attendees will learn how trauma affects behaviors and emotions and the signs and symptoms of trauma observed in older adults. Attendees will learn how understanding trauma can improve engagement with older victims and create more positive outcomes for law enforcement investigations. A detective with the Cambridge Police Department will discuss how and why the entire department adopted trauma-informed practices.
Register Through OJP

CalTrin Expanding Social Supports to Achieve Better Outcomes
2024-10-08 11:30 - 14:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Did you know that having social connection and support in your life makes you live 3.7 years longer than someone without support? Come to the Social Support workshop to learn what you can do to increase your lifespan and have a happier and healthier life. During this fun and interactive workshop, you will learn about why we all need support in our lives. You will also utilize hands-on tools to assess, plan for, and develop social connections and support. Practical tools and techniques will be shared during the training to promote the expansion of support systems and connections. Typically, system professionals do not recognize the development of support systems as an important component of their role. When families are struggling, access to support is often the answer to success. This training is ideal for anyone working with youth and families that could benefit from creating a robust support system.
Participants will

Understand the value and benefits of social support
Utilize tools to assess social support
Practice skills to enhance social support

Who should attend: All staff of family resource centers (FRCs), child abuse prevention councils (CAPCs), community-based organizations, and other child- and family-serving systems.
Pre-Work
Watch You Can Save Someone’s Life Today | Dr. Julie Radlauer-Doerfler | TEDxMiami (12:51)
Register through CalTrin
This is an interactive training. Please be prepared to participate in activities such as group discussion, break out rooms, and/or demonstration. Your training experience will be best with the use of a web cam, audio, and a training environment conducive to active participation.
This training will NOT be recorded.
California privacy laws mandate consent for recording conversations using AI applications. To ensure a respectful and secure learning environment for all participants, AI assistants are not allowed in CalTrin training. We value an accessible learning environment. If you require an accommodation to support your learning, please email us at least three business days before the training.
By registering for a CalTrin training, you consent to be added to the CalTrin mailing list.

Using Cultural Intelligence to Enhance Trauma-Informed Care and Healing-Centered Engagements
2024-10-02 12:00 - 13:30
Training Overview
The Minnesota Children’s Alliance (the Alliance) is excited to have Brandon Jones, executive director at the Minnesota Association of Children’s Mental Health and chair of the Alliance’s board of directors., to present on Leadership Training Series to explore the dimensions of strong leadership and develop or strengthen your skills to guide your team.

This training will provide participants with a learning opportunity to move forward with Understanding, Equity, and Diversity Inclusion work. Most have had training and learning opportunities in “Cultural Competence,” but there continue to be struggles and issues finding the best ways to connect and treat our client populations. This training will provide participants with a learning opportunity to move forward with understanding Equity and Diversity Inclusion work in a Trauma-Informed Framework.

About the Presenter
Brandon Jones, serving as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, brings a wealth of expertise in consulting and therapy. His focus areas encompass Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Historical and Intergenerational trauma, Social/Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Leadership, and the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Brandon’s academic journey boasts a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University, and a master’s in Psychotherapy (MFT) from Adler Graduate School. His distinction as a 2013 Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow also speaks to his dedication to leadership excellence. His life ethos is encapsulated in the motto: “Live life with Purpose on Purpose”.

Registration is Free!
Registered attendees will receive a Zoom link 1 week and 1 day before this training event starts.
The Alliance believes trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally responsive services are essential to helping children heal. We continue to offer virtually the highest quality training, with nationally renowned speakers.
Continuing Education Credits
Social Work credits will be available for all eligible participants providing services in Minnesota, US.

First Witness Safe & Strong Communities
2024-09-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-17 08:00 - 17:00
Training Overview
This training is offered to adults in youth-serving agencies, churches, sports leagues, and beyond. Participants learn how to recognize, respond to, and report child abuse. More than mandated reporting, we delve into the dynamics of child abuse, how to respond to a child in a trauma-informed way, red flags of child abuse, child resilience, a Safe and Strong body safety curriculum, and more.
Register at First Witness
This training meets the mandated reporter training requirements listed in Minnesota State Statutes (260E.065).

MACMH Empowering Refugee Youth: Harnessing Interpersonal Neurobiology to Navigate Trauma
2024-09-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Interpersonal neurobiology will be introduced as a framework by which clinicians and educators can understand how to work best with refugee youth with trauma backgrounds. The biology of trauma and relationships within the context of refugee experiences will be addressed in depth.
This training will address school-aged children and adolescents and is appropriate for Juvenile/Restorative Justice, social services professionals, school system professionals, and mental health professionals.
Learning Objectives

Participants will learn how interpersonal neurobiology conceptualizes the human experience within the context of trauma and development.
Participants can apply key principles of interpersonal neurobiology when working with refugee youth.
Participants will be able to articulate and identify interventions that promote healthy functioning in refugee youth with trauma backgrounds.

About the Trainer
Zamzam Dini, LAMFT is a trauma therapist and licensed associate marriage and family therapist. She is also a PhD candidate in Family Social Science, specializing in Couple and Family Therapy at the University of Minnesota. Zamzam’s research focuses on refugee trauma and the intergenerational transmission of trauma in refugee family systems. Zamzam is also a second-generation Somali refugee.
Register at MACMH
There is 3 hours of CEHs.

First Witness Understanding and Overcoming Complex Interview Dynamics
2024-09-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
This presentation will discuss youth’s unique and individual needs in the forensic interview. Participants will be able to identify recommendations and considerations of multiple intersectionalities that can present in the forensic interview such as: Children with Disabilities, Diverse and Cultural Backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ Youth, and Children with no Non-offending Caregiver.
Register at First Witness
DHS Scholarship Eligibility
Scholarships are available for counties, tribes, and other local professionals responsible for child maltreatment investigations and prosecutions in the State of Minnesota. When selecting from our payment options, choose “I am applying for a Minnesota Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHS) Scholarship.” Recipients are responsible for any other costs of attending this training, including travel, lodging, and meals. Scholarships are provided through the Minnesota Department of Human Services using state and federal funds provided through a Children’s Justice Act grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We will notify you after registration whether you will receive a scholarship.

The New York Foundling & APSAC Webinar Series on Controversial Topics
2024-09-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-07-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
APSAC and the New York Foundling are presenting webinar series on controversial topics. See below for more information and dates on each webinar.
Webinar Series
Online Sexual Abuse of Children and Youth
Presented by David Finkelhor, PhD. | Wednesday, February 14, 2024 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT/2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
This workshop will review recent research on the varieties of online abuse of children, and highlight misconceptions and stereotypes that inhibit effective practice and awareness. It will discuss prevention strategies, and put particular emphasis on the evidence-based track record of comprehensive prevention education. It will suggest better prevention messages and content and flag areas where additional work needs to be done in crafting effective responses. It will put Online abuse in the context of all the varieties of child victimization and draw out the implications.
“Just the Facts”: Best Practices for Minimal Facts Interviewing
Presented by Thomas Lyon, JD, Ph.D | Wednesday, March 27, 2024 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT/2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Complexities of Child Serious Injury and Death Investigations
Presented by Vincent J. Palusci, MD, MS and Leigh Bishop, JD | Thursday, May 9, 2024 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT/2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
This webinar is designed to train multidisciplinary professionals about the investigation of serious injuries and fatalities in infants and toddlers and how to integrate investigations with medical and forensic findings. Participants will learn how to collect and interpret key findings in order to reach appropriate case determinations – free of social bias – and with all disciplines conducting thorough investigations and communicating clearly with each other to achieve the most accurate and just results on behalf of the child and the offender.
Is Cannabis Legalization Really Impacting the Maltreatment of Children? The Highs and the Lows
Presented by Stacie LeBlanc, JD, MEd and Darrell Armstrong, Eds-MFT, MDiv, DDiv | Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT/2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Are Black and Hispanic Children Over-Reported, Over-Substantiated and Over-placed Compared to White Children? The Data Say “No”
Presented by Brett Drake, PhD | Tuesday, September 10, 2024 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT/2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Are Black and Hispanic children “overreported” to Child Protective Services (CPS)? We present national data from CDC, the Census and the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect. We compare racial differences in child maltreatment reports to racial differences in a range of known risks (e.g. poverty) and outcomes (e.g. infant mortality). We found that Black children are being reported to CPS at a rate lower than would be expected given their high exposure to risks and high levels of non-maltreatment negative outcomes. Hispanic children are reported to CPS at a rate lower than their risk exposure would suggest, but similar to their rates of negative outcomes, such as infant mortality. This is consistent with the well-known “Hispanic Paradox”. We also used bivariate and multivariate statistics to determine if Black and Hispanic children are substantiated or placed more than White children once reported. There were only small differences by race/ethnicity. In recent years, multivariate models show Black children are substantiated and placed slightly less often than Whites, while Hispanic children and White children are substantiated and placed at similar rates.
Why and How White Child Protection Advocates Must Talk to Black Parents About the Harms of Corporal Punishment?
Presented by Stacey Phatton, PhD | Tuesday, December 17, 2024 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT/2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Register through APSAC
Cancellation/Refund Policy
No cancellation and no refunds. Registration is transferable. Requests for transfer to a future event will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

MACMH Secondary Trauma & Compassion Fatigue
2024-09-10 12:30 - 14:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
This training will focus on Secondary Trauma/Compassion Fatigue, Mental Illness, PTSD, & Pathology of Secondary Trauma and will cover plausible interventions that can assist with lessening the distress associated with Secondary Trauma and Helper Resources.
Learning Objectives

Define Secondary Trauma
Assessing the severity of secondary trauma
Treatment of secondary trauma

About the Trainer
My name is Irwin Thompson, LICSW. I am an African American Mental Health Therapist; The client population/s I serve are predominately African American Individuals and Groups. I work with Children, Adolescents, and Adults; and I provide culturally specific services to African American Individuals and Groups. Some of the topics I address when working with African American Individuals and Groups are: Loss of Language, Re-connecting to an Intellectual Heritage, Black Pain, and De-Stigmatizing Mental Illness.
Register at MACMH
There is 2 CEHs available.

First Witness | Recantation: Why Does It Happen and What Do We Do?
2024-08-21 11:30 - 13:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
This presentation will discuss the dynamics behind recantations of child abuse disclosures, both in forensic interviews and outside of forensic interviews. This session will review frequently asked questions about recantation, such as “why does recantation happen?”, “can we avoid recantation?” “how do we minimize the likelihood of recantation”, and “what do we do now?”. Participants will leave with an understanding of recantation and child abuse dynamics, follow-up recantation forensic interviews, and next steps for investigative team members in child abuse cases that involve full and partial recantations/retractions of children’s statements.
Register Through First Witness

Historical Trauma, Toxic Stress, and Indigenous Communities
2024-08-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Join us as we “Connect the Dots” in understanding how ongoing Historical Trauma and Toxic Stress not only directly impact our Indigenous Communities, but our broader society as well. As helping professionals, it is our duty to understand the neuroscience and epigenetics behind toxic stress, to understand the current day implications, and to find ways to make paradigm shifts in the way we do the work as well as in the way our systems and policies are impacting our community members. The impact of colonization, historical trauma, intergenerational adversities, childhood trauma, ongoing racism and discriminatory practices continue to challenge us; it is only when we look holistically at what our society, communities, families and individuals need that we will be able to overcome these challenges.
About the Trainer
Linsey McMurrin, a citizen of the Leech Lake Nation of Ojibwe, is committed to the ongoing process of integrating trauma-sensitive, equity driven, restoratively based and culturally responsive approaches into the organizations, institutions, systems and policies throughout our communities and beyond in order to cultivate environments in which everyone can find pathways to healing and success. She believes a firm understanding of the root causes of the contemporary issues we face as a society today is paramount to making true and lasting change that is necessary for individuals, families and communities to thrive. Linsey centers her approach around the importance of building relationship through authentic connection and empathetic listening, as these are the building blocks of cultivating the thriving and inclusive communities we all want for our children, both now and for generations to come.
Registration is Free!

Registered attendees will receive a Zoom link 1 week and 1 day before this training event starts.
We are excited to start the new year with this training. The Alliance believes trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally responsive services are essential to helping children heal. We continue to offer virtually the highest quality training, with nationally renowned speakers.

Continuing Education Credits
Social work continuing education credits will be available for all eligible participants providing services in Minnesota, US.
Cancellation Policy
The Alliance recognizes that sometimes professionals are called away at the last minute to accommodate the needs of our kids. Please contact MaiXi Ye at maixi@minnesotachildrensalliance.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Bikers Against Child Abuse
2024-08-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
The Minnesota Alliance on Crime and the Alliance are partnering together on this training opportunity to learn about Bikers Against Child Abuse.
Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) is a non-profit, 501-C-3 tax exempt organization that exists to provide aid, comfort, safety, and support for children that have been sexually, physically, and emotionally abused. They are dedicated to the principle that one of the basic rights of childhood is to be safe and protected, and when the child’s family or environment have failed them, they stand ready to provide it to them.
BACA recently worked with a family in Dakota county and helped the child, or “hero” as BACA refers to them, through the court process. Orca, the Vice President of the Great Rivers chapter of BACA will present on how BACA works, and Jennifer Malm of Dakota county will discuss the impact these bikers had on the child victim.
Register through MAC
This webinar is free for all to attend. The webinar will be recorded and the recording will be made available exclusively for MAC members.

Understanding and Treating Youth Depressive Disorders
2024-08-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Institute for Human Services (IHS) is presenting a two-hour intermediate level, live virtual course on Understanding and Treating Youth Depressive Disorders. This training is appropriate for social workers, counselors, psychologist, and other helping professionals who treat youth.
This training delves into the realm of youth depression, highlighting various types of major depression. Participants will learn to differentiate between youth who are “down” and youth who have a depressive disorder. This training discusses protective factors that can help depressed youth enhance their overall sense of well-being. Participants will learn interactive techniques designed to help youth explore how to think about the aspects of depression they struggle with. This training will also explore how to handle common challenges and create healthy motivation and provide numerous practical suggestions on how to support individuals grappling with depression. These suggestions are youth friendly and will focus on making small but sustainable lifestyle changes.
Learning Objectives

Differentiate between the youth with the blues and youth depressive disorder diagnoses.
Develop at least three strategies to utilize a youth’s protective factors to help mitigate their depression and enhance overall well-being.
Implement at least three strategies to support young individuals experiencing depressive symptoms.

About the Trainer
Jim Still-Pepper, MA, LSW is the Director of Community Based Clinical Services at Allwell Behavioral Health Services Inc., a community mental health center where he has worked for over 3 decades striving to get clinical services out of the centers, and into the community. Jim is the founder of Still Light Seminars LLC, a motivational training and consulting company; he has trained nationally and internationally focusing on mental health, and care of, children and adolescents. He is also an adjunct instructor in Ashland University’s Founders School of Continuing Education. He develops online courses around behavioral interventions and understanding the mental health of students.
Register Through IHS
This training is approved for two social work continuing education credits.
Note: This course is offered via Zoom for a $10 training fee or $20 with 2 CE credits. A few days prior to the session you will receive connectivity instructions via email. To earn CE credits, participants must attend the session in its entirety, remain on camera, complete an evaluation, and pay the training and CE fees at the time of registration. Questions? Email training@ihs-trainet.com or contact our office at 614-251-6000 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT. If you need additional accessibility supports, please contact us in advance of the training to make necessary arrangements.

Creating a Community Action Plan for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
2024-07-30 - 2024-07-31 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
The National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) of Fox Valley Technical College is hosting a training opportunity for professionals in community corrections officer, court system personnel, educators, emergency management, law enforcement, law enforcement support, prosecutors, social workers, Tribes/Tribal partners, and victim service providers.
Join other child-serving professionals to create a plan of action for preventing child sexual abuse of youth in your care. Learn the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse, mandated reporter and stakeholder responsibilities. Identify strengths and weaknesses of current prevention practices, and develop an action plan, using the Strategic Prevention Dashboard, for your organization. This course is open to all members of child-serving organizations such as preschools, after-school care, summer camps, church groups, athletic associations or others responsible for the care of minors.
Upon completion of this training, you will be able to:

Identify signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse
Identify community stakeholders and define their roles in preventing child sexual abuse
Define Mandated Reporter and their legal and ethical responsibilities
Identify strengths and weaknesses of stakeholder current prevention practices
Create an action plan to improve the prevention of child sexual abuse within your organization/agency (internally) and throughout your community (externally)

Register through NCJTC
Register by June 27, 2024.

Impacts of Historical Trauma: How Collective Experience Shapes Current Responses to Systems
2024-07-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Minnesota Alliance on Crime (MAC) is presenting a training with Dr. Anjali Nandi.
This 60-minute webinar delves into the profound impact of historical trauma on various cultural and ethnic communities and explores the ways these traumas intersect with the criminal legal system. Participants will gain an understanding of how historical events have shaped collective experiences and fostered distrust in systems meant to serve and protect. Through a combination of historical context and contemporary examples, this webinar aims to provide a starting point for deeper exploration and understanding. Participants will leave equipped with knowledge to better support clients facing these barriers and to foster a more empathetic and informed approach in their practice.
Register through MAC
This webinar is free for all to attend. The webinar will be recorded and the recording will be made available exclusively for MAC members.

IHS What's new in Foster Licensing for Kin?
2024-07-17 12:00 - 14:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
A new federal rule gives states the flexibility to establish approval standards and policies for kin foster homes that differ from those required for “traditional” foster homes. As a result, many jurisdictions are re-imagining the kinship licensing process to reflect the unique strengths, needs and circumstances of kin caregivers. In this session we will review the new rule – it’s rationale, what it means and what it doesn’t mean. We will explore the recommended model standards created by national organizations and identify some of the key areas states are most commonly addressing as they update requirement for kin foster parents. Time will be built in for discussion and sharing among participants.
This intermediate two-hour live, virtual course is appropriate for social workers, CPS staff and administrators, licensing specialists, and others connected to kinship care.
Learning Objectives

Describe key provisions of the new federal rule on approval standards for kinship foster homes.
Consider how they can integrate into their own work elements of the model standards recommended by national organizations.
Implement state and local updates to the kinship approval process with an awareness of the rationale for a kin-specific approval process.

About the Trainer
Maureen Heffernan, MSSA, LISW-S is an independent child welfare consultant and trainer. She has worked across the United States assisting child welfare jurisdictions to achieve better and more equitable outcomes for vulnerable children, youth, and their families. Her focus areas include kinship care, family search and engagement, youth permanency, foster care, and the recruitment, development and support of foster and adoptive families. She has extensive work experience in public and private child welfare settings, including direct service, supervision, and leadership positions.
Register through IHS
There are two social work continuing credits available ($20).

Victim Advocate and Mental Health Partnerships Peer Consultation Forums
2024-07-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center WRCAC is pleased to begin hosting virtual Victim Advocate and Mental Health Partnerships Peer Consultation Forums. Each forum starts in a large-group format with an introduction to the topic. Participants are placed in Zoom breakout rooms of five to six to allow for small group discussions and resource sharing and support. Participants are encouraged to share work experiences and challenges in small groups and solicit feedback from peers. At the end, participants are brought back together in one large group for a Q&A with the experts.
Targeted Audience
Support and partnerships between victim advocates and mental health staff can be critical elements in serving children and families seen at children’s advocacy centers (CAC). Victim advocates and mental health clinicians are encouraged to attend as a team to provide the best opportunity for joint learning and rich discussion in sharing best practices in the partnership role.
This forum is intended to support and inform those relationships with presentations and discussions on topics that impact both disciplines and help us to understand:

How is the work similar?
How is it different?
Where do things intersect to provide the highest quality and most efficient client care?

Participation is open to eligible clinicians throughout the US.
Facilitators

Amelia Siders, PhD, State Chapter Liaison, Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center
Salli Kerr, Training Specialist, Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center

Learning Objectives
As a result of this forum, participants will:

Receive informal peer consultation around issues of importance
Have the opportunity to share best practices with other advocates and clinicians and develop ways to be supportive of one another in their work
Gain resources and ideas from presenters, clinicians, and advocates to support their work with children and families

Schedule
The Victim Advocate and Mental Health Partnerships Peer Consultation Forms are scheduled as follows:

October 17, 2023 | 9:00am to 10:30am PT – Confidentiality Best Practices
January 16, 2024 | 12:00pm to 1:30pm PT – Screening and Assessment
April 23, 2024 | 9:00am to 10:30am PT – Topic TBD
July 16, 2024 | 12:00pm to 1:30pm PT – Topic TBD

*Please note times vary to accommodate participants from across multiple time zones.
Register through WRCAC
If you have questions regarding this event, contact Kelsey Roberts at kroberts2@rchsd.org.

CAC Model: Working with Children & Non-Offending Family Members
2024-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Webinar
Training Overview
When authorities suspect a child may be experiencing abuse, the child is brought to a Child Advocacy Center (CAC), a safe and child-focused environment. At the CAC, the child recounts their experience once to a trained forensic interviewer who employs sensitive questioning techniques to avoid retraumatizing the child. Subsequently, a team comprising medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health experts, legal representatives, child protective services personnel, victim advocates, and other relevant professionals collaborates to determine the best course of action for assisting the child, guided by the information gathered during the interview. CACs provide a range of services including therapy, medical examinations, courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and more. This collective approach, known as the multidisciplinary team (MDT) response, constitutes a fundamental aspect of CAC operations.
Registration is Free!
Registered attendees will receive a Zoom link one week and one day before this training event starts.
The Alliance believes trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally responsive services are essential to helping children heal. We continue to offer virtually the highest quality training with nationally renowned speakers.
Continuing Education Credits
Continuing education credits will be available for all eligible participants providing services in Minnesota, US.
Cancelation Policy
The Alliance recognizes that sometimes professionals are called away at the last minute to accommodate the needs of our kids.
Contact Info
Please contact MaiXi Ye at maixi@minnesotachildrensalliance.org if you have any questions or concerns.

APSAC Pre-Conference & 31st APSAC Colloquium
2024-06-09 - 2024-06-13 | Sheran Hotel, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
Conference Overview
APSAC’s 31st Colloquium will bring high-quality interdisciplinary learning opportunities to child maltreatment researchers and practitioners across experience levels and professions. Extraordinary plenary speakers will join the colloquium and more than 130 sessions will be available! Sessions will be offered at beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels for professionals in mental health, social work, medicine, nursing, law, education, law enforcement, prevention, research, advocacy, child protective services, and allied fields.
Four days and multiple tracks featuring APSAC’s distinguished mix of research and practice. These sessions will be filled on a 1st come 1st serve basis.
Schedule

Pre-Conference Institutes: June 9 – 10, 2024
APSAC’s 31st Colloquium: June 10 – 13, 2024

Register through APSAC
Early Bird Rates ends on April 1, 2024
Group Registration Discounts
APSAC offers a discount for groups of five or more at a savings of 10% off the regular registration rate for each attendee in the group. Use the discount code GROUPREG to activate this discount. ​
Cancellations/Refund Policy
No cancellations. No refunds. Registration is transferable. Requests for transfer to a future event will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions please email us at nola2024@apsac.org.
