Foster Care Training

This training focuses on helping professionals and youth learn to develop strong communication skills and express themselves confidently through storytelling and public speaking. Participants will explore how storytelling techniques can be used to help youth develop skills of resiliency, strong support tools, empower youth, enhance mentorship, and create spaces where young people feel heard. Podcasting will be utilized as a platform where professionals and youth can share their experiences, hear their own voices, and refine their storytelling skills for greater impact. This training helps youth-service providers develop tools to help youth improve their communication skills, grow in confidence, course correct, and develop more effective public speaking techniques.

This training will support emotional regulation for autistic children and youth in care. Through hands-on interactive activities and dynamic discussion, participants will learn strategies to address perspective-taking, sensory, executive functioning, and problem-solving. This training will discuss and explore the concept of emotional regulation and how using creative tools can calm the mind and body, increase self-control, teach flexibility, and build healthy social connections. Through interactive, hands-on, arts-based activities, participants will discover practical techniques that promote physical and emotional regulation and reduce the frequency and duration of emotional dysregulation.

This training will support emotional regulation for neurodivergent children and youth in care. Through hands-on interactive activities and dynamic discussion, participants will learn strategies to address perspective-taking, sensory, executive functioning and problem-solving. This training will discuss and explore the concept of emotional regulation and how using creative tools can calm the mind and body, increase self-control, teach flexibility and build healthy social connections. Through interactive, hands-on, arts-based activities, participants will discover practical techniques that promote physical and emotional regulation and reduce the frequency and duration of emotional dysregulation. Register Here

One of the most significant challenges for those supporting system-involved youth (SIY) is to effectively coach them to manage their own personal energy towards re-parenting themselves in a way that can deepen their inner security while navigating conflict with those they live, work, play with as well as with those that have power over them. In this training, we will explore the coaching of self-regulation and self-advocacy techniques that aim to foster increased inner well-being and win/win relational outcomes for SIY. The aim of this workshop is to foster young people’s transformational behaviors that are sustainable and lead to healthy community engagement and improved outcomes, as well as strengthen their […]

This training will support emotional regulation for neurodivergent children and youth in care. Through hands-on interactive activities and dynamic discussion, participants will learn strategies to address perspective-taking, sensory, executive functioning and problem-solving. This training will discuss and explore the concept of emotional regulation and how using creative tools can calm the mind and body, increase self-control, teach flexibility and build healthy social connections. Through interactive, hands-on, arts-based activities, participants will discover practical techniques that promote physical and emotional regulation and reduce the frequency and duration of emotional dysregulation. Register Here

This specialized training is designed for professionals who provide care and support to individuals whom exhibit challenging or potentially assaultive behavior. Participants will gain essential skills and strategies for effectively managing high-stress situations and preventing violent behavior. The course covers recognizing early signs of escalation, employing de-escalation techniques, and maintaining control through clear, assertive communication. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe environment for both the system involved youth and the caregiver while fostering mutual respect. Through interactive exercises, role-playing, and real-world case studies, participants will develop practical skills to safely navigate difficult situations, reducing the risk of conflict and ensuring the well-being of all involved. Participants will leave this […]

This training presents the agency’s model for understanding the experience of children presenting severely dangerous or disruptive behaviors. This training focuses on the importance of recognizing the underlying needs that drive crisis behavior and recognizing how developmental level plays into crisis response. This training also explores the how relational disruption impacts foster youth/youth in care. Didactic presentation, group discussion and small group exercises are utilized.

This training will challenge participants to describe their core beliefs and philosophies when working with youth and to discuss how those beliefs impact their interactions with the children they serve. The training will provide participants with opportunities to review counseling frameworks that could improve safety, and connectedness of youth while supporting them in learning new skills that will be sustainable and translatable to any environment.

Participants working with youth involved in child welfare will learn how behavioral issues among Neurodivergent children and youth can be a form of communication for unmet needs. The training will address how Neurodivergence shapes behavior in order to approach youth with more compassion and a better understanding of their struggles and experience as a neurodivergent individual.

In this course, participants will gain a generalized concept of MI. Participants will be introduced to the spirit of MI, Righting Reflex, and OARS (open-ended, affirmations, reflections, and summary). Participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups, engage in various activities, and receive tangible examples to use during their work with system-involved youth and families. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

This is a live instructor-led remote course, with pre-requisites to complete before the course date. Instructors will email you in advance of the course date with additional details to complete pre-work online. Mental Health First Aid is a certification course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. The content is applicable for supporting any person, however special emphasis will be placed on how to use […]

Trainees will gain knowledge and ability to implement a client-centered discussion collaboratively with a child, youth or adult that leads them toward their own motivations for positive change by exercising OARS: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summarizing. Register Here

This course will focus on the nuanced application of Motivational Interviewing fundamentals when working with adolescent clients. Attendees will learn about the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing, the four processes, OARS (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries), the different forms of communication (change talk, sustain talk, discord), and change plans. Attendees will apply these concepts with the practice of adolescent-friendly Motivational Interviewing interventions that nurture agency and independence. The course will conclude with a discussion around how to increase caregiver (family, school staff, other adults) support around the adolescent’s treatment focus. The training will include large group discussion, breakout groups, and practice with concrete MI exercises.

This 2-part training (4 hours total) class is tailored for professionals who serve caregiver adults of developmentally disabled youth in foster care. The training will focus on understanding the unique emotional and physical needs of these children, with an emphasis on fostering realistic expectations and offering kind encouragement to their development.

This course will focus on the utilization of Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills when working with system-involved youth and their caregivers. This course will provide practical skills and strategies to resist the righting reflex when met with resistance. Participants will increase their understanding of the righting reflex. The content explores MI four guiding principles, represented by the acronym R.U.L.E. Participants will gain a general understanding of how resistance may show up when working with system-involved youth and their caregivers. The course will provide training participants with strategies on appropriate responses to resistance as well as statements and ways to respond to resistances rather than using the righting reflex. The material will […]

Supporting system-involved youth (SIY) requires extra supports to transcending their negative past experiences and “acting out” that comes with it, to effectively engaging them towards building a life that is constructive, brings value, provides income, inspires joy, and promotes success in social settings, academics, and career related activities, and brings about a feeling of security in the individual that leads to healthy engagement with community. Children and youth with anxious or avoidant spectrum relationship attachment styles may not respond to dopamine releasing praise from an adult. In order to guide these children and youth to “find their way”, a suggested approach would be to utilize restorative actions and strategic core […]

This training will explore the effects of trauma and stress and strategies for regulation. As helping professionals we see how dysregulation can impact a youth’s ability to learn, have healthy relationships and be their best selves. This training will review the neurosicence behind the stress/trauma response including explanations of hyperoursal, hypo arousal and the window of tolerance. The trainer will provide tools to explore the importance of developing emotional vocabulary and sensory awareness with youth in order to identify the regulation tools that will be effective for them. Multiple strategies for increasing regulation will be shared. Strategies will be shared that can be used with youth and families to explain […]

This course supports providers in deepening their understanding of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and provides them with tools to help these youth regulate and interact in socially appropriate ways. Providers will define important terms related to ability, neurodiversity, & see how ADHD fits into these frameworks, as well as embody helpful tools to use with youth. We will explore self-regulation, mindfulness, focusing, & destigmatizing tools to support youth with ADHD in each provider’s individual context.

As incidents of childhood bullying increase across the country, adults must learn and gain skills to recognize bullying behavior and to support those who feel the need to engage in bullying behavior. This workshop focuses on defining bullying behavior, types of bullying, and the factors that may influence and contribute to the development of bullying behavior. Participants will explore how childhood development (social, cognitive) and brain development influences negative behaviors. In addition, concepts and activities related to bullying prevention will be discussed.

Youth suicide is not merely an individual crisis—it’s a community one! This interactive workshop explores the underlying factors contributing to youth suicidality, particularly exploring the biopsychosocial model to articulate risk and protective factors. Using a trauma-informed, person-centered lens, participants will examine the root causes of suicide and explore tailored support strategies that are responsive to youth’s needs. Youth suicide is not merely an individual crisis—it’s a community one! This interactive workshop explores the underlying factors contributing to youth suicidality, particularly exploring the biopsychosocial model to articulate risk and protective factors. Using a trauma-informed, person-centered lens, participants will examine the root causes of suicide and explore tailored support strategies that are […]

After many years of working with foster and adoptive families, it is clear that there are a few key things that have helped families find greater ease at home. This training provides some understanding of the way that system-involved youth (SIY) with trauma histories and/or attachment disruptions can have differing brain and body chemistry, including differently developed sensory integration systems. Understanding a SIY as a sensory being can provide important hints at finding ways to soothe and connect with them. This training is designed to rethink classic trauma triggers and behavioral recommendations -and to offer strategies that can truly be helpful to SIY and families to navigate daily family life. […]

As professionals we are often invited to slip into conversations about the people who consult us when they are not present. This training will focus on the real and possible effects of these second, or dual, dialogues. Participants will read and discuss a brief article written by Johnella Bird (“Professional Talk”) that outlines the dangers of this dual dialogue.

This course provides an overview of racial bias within school systems and ways to address it. Participants will gain an understanding of what racial bias is, how it manifests in schools, and its impact on students. They will also learn strategies for addressing racial bias in school systems and advancing racial equity. The workshop will emphasize the importance of cultural competence trainings for educators. Overall, professionals working with system-involved youth will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address racial bias within their school systems and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, […]

There is a large need in California for serving monolingual Spanish Speaking LatinX families through service delivery. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough bilingual providers to meet the growing need. Therefore, it is imperative to build on our knowledge and skills in working with translators and interpreters in the field while remaining therapeutic and culturally responsive. In this workshop, we will review the best practices that the literature addresses when providing linguistically appropriate and culturally responsive services with the use of translators and interpreters.

Learning systems can be intimidating. It can be a challenge for caregivers to navigate. So, we want to equip service and care providers with the knowledge and skills to better advocate for at-risk and system-involved youth. The training will provide a description of child and caregiver rights, common challenges caregivers face and how we can overcome those challenges. We will discuss services available. This training will be provided in English and Spanish for bilingual providers. Register Here

There is a growing awareness of youth and young adults being exploited in the commercial sex industry and many system-involved youth can find themselves caught up in it. This training will provide an overview of commercial sexual exploitation that includes prevalence, risk factors, pathways of entry, recruitment and ways to support trafficked youth. This training will be provided in English and Spanish. Register Here

This training will support emotional regulation for neurodivergent children and youth in care. Through hands-on interactive activities and dynamic discussion, participants will learn strategies to address perspective-taking, sensory, executive functioning and problem-solving. This training will discuss and explore the concept of emotional regulation and how using creative tools can calm the mind and body, increase self-control, teach flexibility and build healthy social connections. Through interactive, hands-on, arts-based activities, participants will discover practical techniques that promote physical and emotional regulation and reduce the frequency and duration of emotional dysregulation. Register Here

This training is a reflective and interactive session designed to help program staff support youth in service delivery by exploring core concepts of culture, identity, and ethnicity. Through identity mapping, real-life scenarios, and culturally responsive tools, participants deepen their self-awareness and learn how to engage youth with cultural humility. Techniques include group dialogue, role-play, and guided reflection—grounded in principles of cultural humility and inclusion.

This training will offer practical information to help participants better provide culturally responsive support to system impacted youth and families. This course will review the concept of cultural humility, originally developed by Doctors Melanie Tervalon and Jann Murray-Garcia (1998) to address health disparities and institutional inequities in medicine. The facilitator will also explore the concept of intersectionality, coined by American Civil Rights Advocate and Professor Kimberly Krenshaw. Specific ways that providers can introduce conversations about culture with system impacted youth and families will be introduced. There will also be review of child-friendly developmentally appropriate ways to invite cultural conversations with children. Participants should expect to leave with tools for integrating […]

Cultural competency training was the focus of many providers who were serving increasingly more diverse population, with the idea that if they could become more culturally sensitive or competent, that they could provide better care for their patients. While the intention was a good one, the dynamic it often set up was that they were still the expert, the client was ‘the other,’ and ultimately that the providers knew better than the clients and what the clients’ experience was and needs were. Through a process of self-reflection, identifying our different locations of identity, which parts have been historically excluded and which parts of our identity have been historically included, participants […]

“When people say “there needs to be accountability”, more often than not, people are looking for consequences and punitive action. To truly understand accountability, we need to move away from these punitive definitions, and look more deeply into what true accountability looks like for each individual and the group. This workshop focuses on fostering open communication and cultivating a practice of accountability with systems-involved youth. Leaning on the wisdom of restorative justice practice and practitioners, this workshop will use videos to learn about how to think of accountability in more expansive ways. Participants will explore strategies to help youth deepen authentic connection, enhance courageous communication, and unpack the true meaning […]

Exploring change as both a process and an ongoing practice is a journey of reflecting on personal experiences throughout our lives and the institutions we exist within. By using the Four Levels framework, participants will spend each session of the series at one of the levels: personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural. PERSONAL LEVEL: Understanding Identity and Socialization By starting with ourselves as individuals, we can take intentional steps to identify experiences and systems that impact our roles and identities. We will challenge the ways we have been socialized and professionalized to maintain the status quo and how this extends into our work with youth and families in care. INTERPERSONAL LEVEL: […]

Exploring change as both a process and an ongoing practice is a journey of reflecting on personal experiences throughout our lives and the institutions we exist within. By using the Four Levels framework, participants will spend each session of the series at one of the levels: personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural. PERSONAL LEVEL: Understanding Identity and Socialization By starting with ourselves as individuals, we can take intentional steps to identify experiences and systems that impact our roles and identities. We will challenge the ways we have been socialized and professionalized to maintain the status quo and how this extends into our work with youth and families in care. INTERPERSONAL LEVEL: […]

Exploring change as both a process and an ongoing practice is a journey of reflecting on personal experiences throughout our lives and the institutions we exist within. By using the Four Levels framework, participants will spend each session of the series at one of the levels: personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural. PERSONAL LEVEL: Understanding Identity and Socialization By starting with ourselves as individuals, we can take intentional steps to identify experiences and systems that impact our roles and identities. We will challenge the ways we have been socialized and professionalized to maintain the status quo and how this extends into our work with youth and families in care. INTERPERSONAL LEVEL: […]

In this training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, participants will gain a generalized understanding of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and its benefits for youth and families who are system involved or at high risk of system involvement. Participants will be introduced to the spirit of MI, Righting Reflex and OARS (open-ended, affirmations, reflections and summary). Participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups, engage in various activities, and receive tangible examples to use within their efforts to support youth and families who are system involved or at high risk of system involvement. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and […]

This introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, will provide trainees an overview of domestic violence. The training will provide a general overview for trainees to understand the trauma caused by domestic violence and how it impacts system involved youth outcomes. The training covers the cycles of violence and how to describe this to system involved youth and families. During this training, participants will discuss and share resources for domestic violence related issues such as survivor, perpetrator and children. The training will discuss how the cycle of violence has negative risk factors for children and how to hold these discussions when working with system-involved youth and families. Trainees will be able […]

This training will review the basic principles, techniques, and popular theories related to family centered services. This training is best suited for providers who have an interest in learning more about family centered services, particularly if most of their service delivery has involved individual based models. Through this training, we will review how to engage and conceptualize presenting issues through a family systems lens. We will also discuss cultural considerations, including how presenting issues in families may be a result of sociopolitical factors and their intersection with the identity of individuals of a family. Participants will learn relation skills to work with youth and their families in various situations.

The Alameda ACT 2025 series will be provided ONLINE via Zoom. At the time you register, you will receive an email confirming your registration. Please be sure to include your email address when you register so that we can email the Zoom link and any training materials to you prior to the training. The email with the Zoom link, instructions, and training materials will be sent to you at least one day prior to the training days.

With a growing awareness of the numerous forms of trauma, it’s essential for social service providers to have a basic understanding of trauma as well as understand principles of trauma-informed care. Join us to learn how to provide trauma-informed care to youth and families on your care plans. Register Here

Many system-involved youth struggle to regulate their emotions, particularly anger. Youth often acknowledge their need for anger management skills. This workshop will provide you with strategies to talk with youth about anger management and how to support them. Register Here

Learning systems can be intimidating. It can be a challenge for caregivers to navigate. So, we want to equip service and care providers with the knowledge and skills to better advocate for at-risk and system-involved youth. The training will provide a description of child and caregiver rights, common challenges caregivers face and how we can overcome those challenges. We will discuss services available. This training will be provided in English and Spanish for bilingual providers. Register Here

There is a growing awareness of youth and young adults being exploited in the commercial sex industry and many system-involved youth can find themselves caught up in it. This training will provide an overview of commercial sexual exploitation that includes prevalence, risk factors, pathways of entry, recruitment and ways to support trafficked youth. This training will be provided in English and Spanish. Register Here

When caring for and supporting foster youth you can often face challenges of crises, placement instability, or system pressures. These can lead to quick decisions or unintended consequences for youth and families, especially when the needs and strengths of youth are not maintained as a guiding force. This training focuses on the importance of self-reflection, humility and self-care as a means of building capacity to deliver care for foster youth who experience trauma.

Co-Caregiving is an important topic for expected and caregiving system involved youth, as well as caregivers of system involved youth. When caregivers are not able to co-care, it creates tension and pressure for the caregivers as well as the youth. So, it’s important to learn to learn the strategies to help improve outcomes for youth. Join us as we discuss strategies to effectively co-care. Register Here

This training will provide attendees with information about Awareness and Prevention on the topic of Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) in the US and local communities. Attendees will be provided with valuable tools and resources that empowers them to make a difference in the effort to eradicate exploitation of children.  Register Here

This training will support emotional regulation for neurodivergent children and youth in care. Through hands-on interactive activities and dynamic discussion, participants will learn strategies to address perspective-taking, sensory, executive functioning and problem-solving. This training will discuss and explore the concept of emotional regulation and how using creative tools can calm the mind and body, increase self-control, teach flexibility and build healthy social connections. Through interactive, hands-on, arts-based activities, participants will discover practical techniques that promote physical and emotional regulation and reduce the frequency and duration of emotional dysregulation. Register Here

Crisis Prevention Interventions focuses on early intervention and non-physical methods for managing disruptive and aggressive behaviors. Trainers will explore effective communication techniques and the physiological responses that occur during moments of aggression, along with the core philosophy of Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security, which underpins the training. Human service professionals worldwide have participated in CPI programs to learn proven strategies for safely managing situations involving anxious, hostile, or violent behavior, all while preserving therapeutic relationships with those under their care.

Part 1 of Crisis Prevention Interventions focuses on early intervention and non-physical methods for managing disruptive and aggressive behaviors. Trainers will explore effective communication techniques and the physiological responses that occur during moments of aggression, along with the core philosophy of Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security, which underpins the training. Human service professionals worldwide have participated in CPI programs to learn proven strategies for safely managing situations involving anxious, hostile, or violent behavior, all while preserving therapeutic relationships with those under their care.

Part 2 of Crisis Prevention Intervention focuses on building a stronger foundation in Crisis Prevention Interventions. This phase of training will enhance participants’ ability to apply these strategies effectively in real-world situations. The emphasis will be on identifying early warning signs and taking proactive steps to de-escalate potential crises before they turn violent. Additionally, the training will cover advanced communication techniques and strategies for staying calm and in control during high-pressure moments. Participants will also learn how to maintain the integrity of their professional relationships while ensuring the safety of themselves and those they care for. This well-rounded approach prepares human service professionals to effectively navigate the challenges of working […]

This training equips resource families with essential knowledge and practical strategies to advocate effectively for system-involved youth within educational settings. Participants will explore key themes, including the unique educational challenges faced by foster youth, understanding legal rights, and building collaborative relationships with schools. Through case studies, role-playing, and actionable tools, attendees will develop skills to navigate school systems, address academic and behavioral concerns, and create advocacy plans tailored to the needs of the youth in their care. By attending this training, resource families will gain confidence and tools to ensure system-involved youth receive the educational support they need to thrive. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video […]

This presentation will help participants understand the benefits of enhancing skills and resources for those that work with foster youth. Participants will learn strategies for navigating complex feelings often associated with child welfare professionals: isolation, lack of support, lack of efficacy, time and work-life balance. They will have tools for increasing professional impact, prioritizing never-ending workloads, and making progress on youth goals that sometimes feel unattainable.

This training is designed to introduce prospective Resource Families to the Child Welfare System and the role of a resource parent. Participants will receive an overview of the steps to becoming a resource parent with Alternative Family Services.

This training is designed to introduce prospective Resource Families to the Child Welfare System and the role of a resource parent. Participants will receive an overview of the steps to becoming a resource parent with Alternative Family Services.

This training is designed to introduce prospective Resource Families to the Child Welfare System and the role of a resource parent. Participants will receive an overview of the steps to becoming a resource parent with Alternative Family Services.

This training will cover who are Mandated Reporters and their responsibilities to report child abuse, types of child abuse and neglect, accidental vs purposeful abuse and what, when and where to report abuse. Protection for reporters and penalties for failure to report. This training is intended for those that work with children and youth within the child welfare system or are at-risk of entering. This includes child welfare workers, resource parents, youth sports coaches, youth mentors, teachers and volunteers/staff working with this population. Register Here

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. Issues specific to sexual exploitation of youth, including the difficulty in identifying youth at risk, can make the provision of appropriate services a challenge for systems that serve the youth. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

The speaker discusses the many risks that youth especially those in foster care may encounter in their communities, schools, churches, on social media, and at public events, with a particular focus on the threat of commercial sexual exploitation. Foster parents will gain practical strategies to help keep youth safe, including how to talk with them about these dangers, teach them to recognize warning signs, and ensure strong, consistent supervision. The session also emphasizes the importance of building trust and maintaining open communication to help youth feel supported and protected.

The speaker discusses the many risks that youth especially those in foster care may encounter in their communities, schools, churches, on social media, and at public events, with a particular focus on the threat of commercial sexual exploitation. Foster parents will gain practical strategies to help keep youth safe, including how to talk with them about these dangers, teach them to recognize warning signs, and ensure strong, consistent supervision. The session also emphasizes the importance of building trust and maintaining open communication to help youth feel supported and protected.

This training is designed to prepare resource families to work with youth in the foster care system. Participants will receive a better understanding of the foster care system structure and explore how to provide a well-planned, safe, and secure environment designed to meet children’s individual and unique needs, and how to create an environment that promotes children’s social emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Participants will continue to review; Interim Licensing Standard, Child Growth and Development, Medication Guidelines, Discipline, Working with Biological Families and understanding the Effects of Trauma.

This training is designed to prepare resource families to work with youth in the foster care system. Participants will receive a better understanding of the foster care system structure and explore how to provide a well-planned, safe, and secure environment designed to meet children’s individual and unique needs, and how to create an environment that promotes children’s social emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Participants will continue to review; Interim Licensing Standard, Child Growth and Development, Medication Guidelines, Discipline, Working with Biological Families and understanding the Effects of Trauma.

This training is designed to prepare resource families to work with youth in the foster care system. Participants will receive a better understanding of the foster care system structure and explore how to provide a well-planned, safe, and secure environment designed to meet children’s individual and unique needs, and how to create an environment that promotes children’s social emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Participants will continue to review; Interim Licensing Standard, Child Growth and Development, Medication Guidelines, Discipline, Working with Biological Families and understanding the Effects of Trauma.

Solution-focused strategies of support are becoming more popular with social service providers as services are getting shorter in duration. Solution-focused strategies of support focus on solutions rather than problems. The training will provide an overview of solution-focused strategies of support, key concepts and strategies to implement solution-focused support. Register Here

Unfortunately, many families of system-involved youth experience toxic stressors and as we’ve grown in our knowledge about trauma, we know that toxic stressors can have negative implications on one’s physical and emotional health. Join us as we talk about toxic stressors and how it impacts families of system-involved youth. We’ll also discuss strategies to lessen the effects of toxic stressors. Register Here

Unfortunately, toxic stressors are all too common. Families that are system-involved tend to experience higher rates of toxic stressors compared to the general population. Join us to learn how to support caregivers of system-involved youth cope with toxic stressors. Supporting caregivers is important because the better the caregiver is supported, the better they’ll be able to support their children and youth in care. Register Here

Youth are growing up in the digital age. The Internet has opened the door to many harms from recruitment into the commercial sex industry, cyber bullying, etc. So it’s crucial for caregivers to know what dangers youth face online so they are more equipped to talk with them about Internet safety. Register Here

When system-involved youth experience trauma it can impact not only their emotional, relational and physical health but it can also impact their spiritual health. Youth may find themselves turning away from religion or turning towards it. Given that religion and spirituality are important aspects of many lives, it’s important for social service providers to learn how trauma impacts one’s relationship with God, spiritual practices and engagement in their spiritual communities. Register Here

Given that alcohol consumption is prevalent amongst adults and youth, it’s important for social service providers to understand the potential harms associated with alcohol misuse as it can impact relationships, learning and work performance and even prenatal development. This training will provide an overview of alcohol misuse amongst youth and adults and strategies to consume alcohol responsibly. Additionally, the training will discuss fetal alcohol exposure conditions, including discussions illuminating its scope, risk factors, screening and how to provide supports. Register Here

In this training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, participants will gain a generalized understanding of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and its benefits for youth and families who are system involved or at high risk of system involvement. Participants will be introduced to the spirit of MI, Righting Reflex and OARS (open-ended, affirmations, reflections and summary). Participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups, engage in various activities, and receive tangible examples to use within their efforts to support youth and families who are system involved or at high risk of system involvement. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and […]

Trauma and substance use can go hand in hand for many system-involved youth, young adults and caregivers. This training will provide an overview of the connection between trauma and substance use and the effects of substance use on trauma symptoms. Lastly, the training will cover strategies to support individuals struggling with both trauma and substance use. Register Here

Peer pressure impacts many at-risk youth. Developmentally, teens are seeking approval from their peers, placing them at heightened risk for succumbing to social influence. Join us as we provide an overview of adolescent development and the impact of social influence on teens. This training will equip participants to have conversations with youth about peer pressure as well as strategies to teach them for how to navigate peer pressure. We’ll also talk about running away and how that relates to adolescent development and social influences. Register Here

This introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, will provide trainees an overview of domestic violence. The training will provide a general overview for trainees to understand the trauma caused by domestic violence and how it impacts system involved youth outcomes. The training covers the cycles of violence and how to describe this to system involved youth and families. During this training, participants will discuss and share resources for domestic violence related issues such as survivor, perpetrator and children. The training will discuss how the cycle of violence has negative risk factors for children and how to hold these discussions when working with system-involved youth and families. Trainees will be able […]

Many system-involved youth struggle to regulate their emotions, particularly anger. Youth often acknowledge their need for anger management skills. This workshop will provide you with strategies to talk with youth about anger management and how to support them. Register Here

The training was developed by Seneca Family of Agencies in collaboration with Skye Nashelsky. The training ensures participants are presented with the Federal and State laws and mandates for reporting suspected child abuse. The laws will be shared and reviewed in detail with participants. The training is also based on research regarding risk factors that may lead to abuse and reviews childhood stages of development in order to help determine whether a child’s behavior or physical symptoms are

There is a growing awareness of youth and young adults being exploited in the commercial sex industry and many system-involved youth can find themselves caught up in it. This training will provide an overview of commercial sexual exploitation that includes prevalence, risk factors, pathways of entry, recruitment and ways to support trafficked youth. This training will be provided in English and Spanish. Register Here

The purpose of this training is to create a renewed and heightened awareness of boundary issues in work with foster youth. Having boundaries is not just a matter of being professional. Appropriate boundaries are a key ingredient in providing the children in our care with the highest quality of care, which often times requires us to build trusting and healing relationships with them. Frequently the relationships we build with clients can have ambiguous boundaries, making it important to develop an awareness of possible danger signs for boundary issues that might result in poor practice or which might be red flags for potential exploitation of clients.

The purpose of this training is to create a renewed and heightened awareness of boundary issues in work with foster youth.

The purpose of this training is to create a renewed and heightened awareness of boundary issues in work with foster youth. Having boundaries is not just a matter of being professional. Appropriate boundaries are a key ingredient in providing the children in our care with the highest quality of care, which often times requires us to build trusting and healing relationships with them. Frequently the relationships we build with clients can have ambiguous boundaries, making it important to develop an awareness of possible danger signs for boundary issues that might result in poor practice or which might be red flags for potential exploitation of clients.

This training will support emotional regulation for neurodivergent children and youth in care. Through hands-on interactive activities and dynamic discussion, participants will learn strategies to address perspective-taking, sensory, executive functioning and problem-solving. This training will discuss and explore the concept of emotional regulation and how using creative tools can calm the mind and body, increase self-control, teach flexibility and build healthy social connections. Through interactive, hands-on, arts-based activities, participants will discover practical techniques that promote physical and emotional regulation and reduce the frequency and duration of emotional dysregulation. Register Here

In this training, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities in safety planning with youth & families in the community. The class will review key principles and best practices, and then have an opportunity to apply those to vignettes in small groups, with feedback from the trainer.

This 4-hour course is designed to provide staff serving in Group Homes and STRTP’s the skills to enhance behavior strategies for staff working with traumatized youth and families.

This training is for child welfare professionals and will build confidence around connecting with a youth exhibiting sexualized behavior, acknowledging connection to social support is essential in promoting prosocial behavior, boundaries, harm reduction, and building safety for the youth. The training will bring an understanding of what drives sexualized behavior, and how to build rapport with youth to better understand their trauma history, triggers and individual experience surrounding their sexuality to provide individualized support. Participants will have a better understanding of stigma and bias surrounding sexuality, sexual abuse and sexuality in children and youth.

With the rise in opioid-related deaths across the nation, an informed community response is needed now more than ever. This training will cover the essential components of opioid overdose care and intranasal naloxone (NARCAN) administration in youth.

This training educates parents, caregiver, and youth advocates on the digital threats facing children and their families today

This training session is designed to equip service/support providers working with system-involved youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to address substance abuse issues effectively. The training will focus on understanding the root causes of substance abuse among youth in the system, exploring prevention strategies, and identifying evidence-based strategies for addressing substance abuse. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises to enhance their ability to support system-involved youth in making healthy choices and overcoming substance abuse challenges.

Unfortunately, many families of system-involved youth experience toxic stressors and as we’ve grown in our knowledge about trauma, we know that toxic stressors can have negative implications on one’s physical and emotional health. Join us as we talk about toxic stressors and how it impacts families of system-involved youth. We’ll also discuss strategies to lessen the effects of toxic stressors. Register Here

Unfortunately, toxic stressors are all too common. Families that are system-involved tend to experience higher rates of toxic stressors compared to the general population. Join us to learn how to support caregivers of system-involved youth cope with toxic stressors. Supporting caregivers is important because the better the caregiver is supported, the better they’ll be able to support their children and youth in care. Register Here

Youth are growing up in the digital age. The Internet has opened the door to many harms from recruitment into the commercial sex industry, cyber bullying, etc. So it’s crucial for caregivers to know what dangers youth face online so they are more equipped to talk with them about Internet safety. Register Here

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

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

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

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

Domestic violence is one of the top health concerns in our country today; many youth and adults involved in the mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems have been exposed to it. Domestic Violence (DV) can have a devastating impact on children, families, and our communities.

Domestic violence is one of the top health concerns in our country today; many youth and adults involved in the mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems have been exposed to it. Domestic Violence (DV) can have a devastating impact on children, families, and our communities. Learn how to best recognize symptoms and behaviors related to Domestic Violence and how to best work with children, families, and adults (though the training will primarily focus on work with children and families) affected by DV.

Domestic violence is one of the top health concerns in our country today; many youth and adults involved in the mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems have been exposed to it. Domestic Violence (DV) can have a devastating impact on children, families, and our communities. Learn how to best recognize symptoms and behaviors related to Domestic Violence and how to best work with children, families, and adults (though the training will primarily focus on work with children and families) affected by DV.

When system-involved youth experience trauma it can impact not only their emotional, relational and physical health but it can also impact their spiritual health. Youth may find themselves turning away from religion or turning towards it. Given that religion and spirituality are important aspects of many lives, it’s important for social service providers to learn how trauma impacts one’s relationship with God, spiritual practices and engagement in their spiritual communities. Register Here

Given that alcohol consumption is prevalent amongst adults and youth, it’s important for social service providers to understand the potential harms associated with alcohol misuse as it can impact relationships, learning and work performance and even prenatal development. This training will provide an overview of alcohol misuse amongst youth and adults and strategies to consume alcohol responsibly. Additionally, the training will discuss fetal alcohol exposure conditions, including discussions illuminating its scope, risk factors, screening and how to provide supports. Register Here

This training will help those who support system-involved youth gain a better understanding of the different kinds of eating disorders and the reasons people turn to eating disorders to help them cope. Once that is understood, participants will learn about resources within the community which support recovery as well as how they can help those struggling. They will also learn preventive techniques to stop eating disorders from developing.

Trauma and substance use can go hand in hand for many system-involved youth, young adults and caregivers. This training will provide an overview of the connection between trauma and substance use and the effects of substance use on trauma symptoms. Lastly, the training will cover strategies to support individuals struggling with both trauma and substance use. Register Here

Peer pressure impacts many at-risk youth. Developmentally, teens are seeking approval from their peers, placing them at heightened risk for succumbing to social influence. Join us as we provide an overview of adolescent development and the impact of social influence on teens. This training will equip participants to have conversations with youth about peer pressure as well as strategies to teach them for how to navigate peer pressure. We’ll also talk about running away and how that relates to adolescent development and social influences. Register Here

This introductory training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, will provide trainees an overview of domestic violence. The training will provide a general overview for trainees to understand the trauma caused by domestic violence and how it impacts system involved youth outcomes. The training covers the cycles of violence and how to describe this to system involved youth and families. During this training, participants will discuss and share resources for domestic violence related issues such as survivor, perpetrator and children. The training will discuss how the cycle of violence has negative risk factors for children and how to hold these discussions when working with system-involved youth and families. Trainees will be able […]

In this workshop, we will demonstrate through theory and practice how play therapy can help enliven, sharpen, and make more authentic the therapeutic encounter in a school setting.

This course explores legal and ethical issues for licensed professionals working in youth and family services and child welfare. Topics include an overview of liability issues, the sources of procedure in our work, and how to minimize liability. Liability issues specific to youth and family services will be reviewed including consent, confidentiality, and mandated reporting laws. Ethical practice issues in working with youth and families will be discussed. The NASW and CAMFT Codes of Ethics will be reviewed with attention to relevance in youth and family services.

Strength-based, strength-based, strength-based! Wow, this seems to be an important mantra in our field! Since all of us understand our youth in our own ways, I hope that anyone supporting system-involved youth and their families will attend! This training is about how we can remain strength-based when we have to use pathologizing/stigmatizing labels. While I hope that we are all advocating (in our own ways) for important changes that will allow us to be more strength-based and individualized, what do we do NOW to make sure that these negative labels don’t follow our youth in the system of care (foster care, juvenile justice and mental health systems)? This training is […]

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. Often their involvement in foster care becomes a risk factor for victimization. Issues specific to sexual exploitation of youth, including the difficulty in identifying youth at risk, can make the provision of appropriate treatment and services a challenge for systems that serve the youth. This training will address the importance of early identification and will present the Commercially Sexually Exploited Identification Tool (CSE-IT) as a method of screening and identifying of commercially sexually […]

This engaging training introduces the theory of emotional intelligence to participants and gives those who are involved in efforts which support system-involved youth an opportunity to explore and better understand emotions to enhance communication, foster empathy, and create a more collaborative and supportive environment. Participants will leave with knowledge and skills that will help them become more effective in the development of emotional intelligence and help them develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions and the emotions of others involved in efforts which support system-involved youth and families.

This training focuses on how child welfare staff must work together with other staff, the youth and family, outside professionals, extended family, and friends, as well others in order to provide coordinated support for youth in out-of-home care and their extended network.

Participants in this training will be able to define and understand caregiving youth through a trauma informed care, harm reduction and positive youth development lens. This training will utilize strength based, culturally humble and trauma informed philosophy in order to best mitigate substance use, dependency and abuse. Participants in this training will learn to respond to substance use in a way that leverages youth strengths, relationships, community resources and support that lead to the best outcomes for young people.

This 3.5-hour interactive training explores the five senses not just as tools for learning—but as bridges for connection, communication, and healing. Grounded in trauma-informed care and disability justice, this workshop invites participants to move beyond words and consider how sensory input shapes emotional safety, understanding, and relationship-building with system-involved youth and families.

With a growing awareness neurodivergence, it’s important for those who support system-involved youth to learn strategies to effectively support them. This training will provide an overview of sensory sensitivities individuals with neurodivergence can experience. Providers will also learn how to support these system-involved youth in creating a sensory friendly environment at home and how to support them in requesting accommodations at school and work.

This course will provide an overview and introduction to the basics of Supervision for those who may be new to (or preparing to step into) the role. We will begin with an overview of legal and ethical responsibilities of supervisors and best practices in the structure and approach to supervision. Participants will then have an opportunity to discuss some of the most common challenges for new supervisors, including creating a coherent supervisory approach, assessing supervisees areas for growth, and navigating challenges in the supervisory relationship. Participants will end the day with an opportunity for self-assessment and creating a professional development growth plan for continued learning.

This training is designed to invite staff to pay attention to what brought them to this work, the values and beliefs that inform their practices and the social and relational history of these values and beliefs.

This course will review the definition and science regarding Implicit Bias. The training will provide participants with a firm understanding of Implicit Bias, it’s definition, impact, and ways of addressing it in order to keep it from having a negative impact on youth in care.

This training is designed to provide an introduction to Narrative Practices for clinical staff, counseling staff, and non-professionals who work with foster youth.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma can have a profound impact on the lives of system-involved youth and families, but resilience can be nurtured through intentional, trauma-informed practices. This training focuses on key themes for most effectively supporting system-involved youth, including trauma-informed care, resilience-building, and understanding the unique challenges these youth face. Through breakout sessions and group interactions, participants will learn effective strategies and techniques such as active listening, de-escalation strategies, and methods for fostering trust. The training emphasizes practical skills that can be directly applied in interactions with system-involved youth to create supportive, safe, and stable environments.

With a growing awareness of the numerous forms of trauma, it’s essential for social service providers to have a basic understanding of trauma as well as understand principles of trauma-informed care. Join us to learn how to provide trauma-informed care to youth and families on your care plans. Register Here

This training will equip participants with information and tools to effectively support system-involved youth and their families who are anticipating future losses. Anticipatory Grief is the distress a person may feel in the days, months, or even years before the death of a loved one or the impending loss of something highly valued. This pre-loss experience is processed differently than the grief that comes after loss. Whereas bereavement is a process of integration that helps us adapt to loss, anticipatory grief is largely an experience of managing distress and evolving hope that is best supported by increasing resilience and coping abilities.

Child trauma is a risk factor for numerous negative emotional and behavioral outcomes (e.g., depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms). Despite the increased risk, not all youth develop clinically significant problems. Research and clinical practice show that assessing for trauma exposure and related possible symptoms using standardized assessment tools helps clinicians better identify youth who have experienced potentially traumatic events, 2) their symptoms, and 3) whether a trauma-focused intervention is needed. This training will cover the impact of child trauma exposure and detailed description of one structured measure of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms: the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) for DSM-5.

When caring for and supporting foster youth you can often face challenges of crises, placement instability, or system pressures. These can lead to quick decisions or unintended consequences for youth and families, especially when the needs and strengths of youth are not maintained as a guiding force. This training focuses on the importance of self-reflection, humility and self-care as a means of building capacity to deliver care for foster youth who experience trauma.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. Often their involvement in foster care becomes a risk factor for victimization. Issues specific to sexual exploitation of youth, including the difficulty in identifying youth at risk, can make the provision of appropriate treatment and services a challenge for systems that serve the youth. This training will address the importance of early identification and will present the Commercially Sexually Exploited Identification Tool (CSE-IT) as a method of screening and identifying of commercially sexually […]

Youth in foster care systems are often a part of large, complex teams that incorporate providers, social workers, family, and natural supports. To help bring youth, families, and their systems to the same page, there must be intentional structure for collaborative care. Recent system shifts have allowed more intention around care coordination and facilitated collaboration with youth, families, and systems. This training provides guidance and a framework for group facilitation that can be used by Intensive Care Coordinators, Foster Youth Advocates, and others supporting youth and families in foster care. This training is intended to build the foundations of group facilitation for foster youth who have experienced significant instability such […]

This training is designed to address the self-care needs of those serving children, youth and adults facing and impacted by traumatic life events. Participants are encouraged to verbalize their understanding and connectedness to the multiple aspects of compassion fatigue. By taking a self-inventory, participants will see first-hand, the levels of stress they experience.

This presentation will help participants understand the benefits of enhancing skills and resources for those that work with foster youth. Participants will learn strategies for navigating complex feelings often associated with child welfare professionals: isolation, lack of support, lack of efficacy, time and work-life balance. They will have tools for increasing professional impact, prioritizing never-ending workloads, and making progress on youth goals that sometimes feel unattainable.

This training explores the purpose of actively working with youth in care to help them meet preferred behaviors. The training highlights four things to think about in any given situation before choosing how to support youth: your personal state, the desired outcome, the situation and environment, and which approach to use. Didactic presentation, group discussion, art and visualization exercises are utilized.

This training was designed to help educators, group home staff and other providers to have a clear understanding of how trauma impacts youth and how to best respond. Participants will learn strategies and techniques that can be applied to support youth who have experienced trauma and systemic processes that can be revisited in ways that support youth who have trauma in their history. The trainer will provide information around the impact of trauma on child development, as well as behavior modification and de-escalation skills. Participants will be able to apply these abilities and information in their work with youth in out of home care.

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a well-established psychological concept that describes how people may experience meaningful development in the aftermath of trauma. This training explores how PTG applies to the lives of system-involved youth, including those navigating foster care, juvenile justice, immigration, and family disruption, who are often expected to recover quickly without the tools or support to make sense of what they’ve lived through. Participants will examine how grief, disability, identity, and behavior show up after trauma, and how to recognize growth even when it doesn’t look like healing.

This orientation covers Intensive Care Coordination, a service provided through WCC, in partnership with Alameda County, to offer intensive care coordination to youth and families with high needs. Intensive Care Coordination services are a result of a lawsuit sought to improve the provision of mental health and supportive services for children and youth in, or at imminent risk of placement in, foster care in California. This training will describe how the county child welfare and mental health systems and service providers can work together to address the needs of children/youth and families in the child welfare system. This training identifies specific required components that support the standards and expectations for […]

This orientation covers Intensive Care Coordination, a service provided through WCC, in partnership with Alameda County, to offer intensive care coordination to youth and families with high needs. Intensive Care Coordination services are a result of a lawsuit sought to improve the provision of mental health and supportive services for children and youth in, or at imminent risk of placement in, foster care in California. This training will describe how the county child welfare and mental health systems and service providers can work together to address the needs of children/youth and families in the child welfare system. This training identifies specific required components that support the standards and expectations for […]

There are many challenges that providers will face when engaging foster youth in the early stages of service. For providers who have never worked in homes or communities, this may present challenges for knowing ways to provide a structure and supportive framework for care and services. Attention is paid to helping providers develop strategies for engaging youth in services and with systems of care. Participants learn strategies to learn how to overcome dilemmas and barriers to accessing or engaging youth in treatment.

Resource parent orientation brings an overview to the Child Welfare System and Aldea’s role in serving and protecting children who are foster youth in California. Included in this training are the caregiver’s responsibilities, Aldea’s approval process, competencies for Resource family approval, the application process and home health and safety inspections and making your home ready for receiving a foster youth.

Child sexual exploitation is a major child protection issue for communities across the country. Hidden from view and often unnoticed, vulnerable young girls and boys are recruited, groomed and then abused, leaving them traumatized and without support. Issues specific to sexual exploitation of youth, including the difficulty in identifying youth at risk, can make the provision of appropriate services a challenge for systems that serve the youth. This training is a framework for engaging with sexually exploited youth and will offer suggestions for talking with youth.

This training delves into the multifaceted impact of trauma across various stages of life, from infancy to late adulthood, and how to best support system-impacted youth and families. This training will cover: understanding trauma across the developmental stages, system-involvement and trauma, culturally responsive care, and practical tools for providers. This training will explore trauma’s pervasive effects on mental, emotional, and physical well-being on youth and their families. This training will equip providers with the knowledge and developmentally appropriate tools needed to effectively support clients of all ages, enhancing their ability to foster resilience and promote healing through the lifespan. This training will feature real world case studies, interactive discussions, and […]

This training delves into the multifaceted impact of trauma across various stages of life, from infancy to late adulthood, and how to best support system-impacted youth and families. This training will cover: understanding trauma across the developmental stages, system-involvement and trauma, culturally responsive care, and practical tools for providers. This training will explore trauma’s pervasive effects on mental, emotional, and physical well-being on youth and their families. This training will equip providers with the knowledge and developmentally appropriate tools needed to effectively support clients of all ages, enhancing their ability to foster resilience and promote healing through the lifespan. This training will feature real world case studies, interactive discussions, and […]