Welcome to The Acorn! Each month we share the latest trainings and resources available to child welfare professionals throughout Minnesota.
Updates
July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
Bringing attention to BIPOC mental health is an important piece of the puzzle as we work toward building an anti-racist and equitable society, especially in the context of child welfare. In 2022 we published this article, and it is as relevant now as it was then. Learn more.
Foster Parent Training
If your agency has prospective foster care parents and you want to utilize our Foster Parent Training, the next cohort will begin on Thursday, July 13. After prospective parents meet with a foster care licensor, they will be able to register themselves for training. Step-by-step instructions have been shared with licensors, supervisors, and tribal leaders. If you need a link to that document, or if your agency is new to our trainings, let us know at info@mnchildwelfaretraining.com.
Qualified Individual Training (CWTA X400) | August 2-3
Training is available to prepare clinicians and community members to become Qualified Individuals (QIs). QIs determine whether or not a child’s/youth’s needs can be met within their family or family foster home with community services rather than being placed in a child care institution, known as a Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP). If you have questions or want to express your interest in participating, email ffpsa.qualifiedindividual.dhs@state.mn.us.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training and Certification
The Training Academy will offer this training starting in Fall 2023, as well as certification. Prerequisites include ICWA/MIFPA Ongoing Worker (hosted by TTCP and registered through the MNCWTA Training Portal) or completion of Foundations New Worker Training since 2020. Certification options will also be available to those who have completed MI training or plan to train within a local agency. More information will be provided toward the end of July.
Kristen Viscarra
Communications Graduate Assistant
Kristen is a Phoenix native, and enjoys crocheting, reading, and slow running. She is studying in the Counseling Education Masters Program with the goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor and a school counselor. Previously, she was Dean of Students at a charter school in Arizona where she worked on a media project interviewing teachers about their middle school experiences. Learn more.
Training
The courses below are now available for registration through the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA) Training Portal. Go to our website, www.mnchildwelfaretraining.com, and then LOGIN to the Training Portal using the top-right navigation. From there, select the Training Catalog, where you will find course descriptions and links to register.
Need a Training Portal Profile?
Ask your supervisor to invite you. If you are a tribal leader or supervisor, or you do not need a supervisor to assign your trainings, submit the New Profile Request Form. Be sure to use your most up-to-date email and to only use lowercase letters (for both profile requests and invitations). If you have technical issues, complete the Help & Support form here.
Current Workers and Supervisors
Responsive Child Welfare Practice with LGBTQ Youth (CWTA X210) August 8 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Online
Domestic Violence Co-Occurrence: Partnering and Engaging Parents (CWTA X209) August 10 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Northwest Regional Learning Center
Human Trafficking and Sexually Exploited Youth: Basic Training for Child Welfare (CWTA X205) August 15 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Online
Family Group Decision Making: Overview and Facilitation (CWTA X202) August 22-23 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Each Day | Twin Cities Metro Learning Center
Legal Practice Skills (CWTA X201) August 22 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Online
New Worker Training
Child Welfare Foundations Training (CWTA X100)
Foundations training is only for new county and tribal workers who are involved in child protection, and is assigned by a supervisor or tribal leader through the Training Portal. Participants must be able to attend all dates/times. Remind your employees that they still need to enroll in a course even after you have assigned it to them. Learn more here. A checklist of all new worker requirements can be found here. New workers can begin the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI) CW Professionals (CWTA X401) modules after they register for Foundations.
Accommodation Requests If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in a training, contact us as soon as possible at info@mnchildwelfaretraining.com.
Attendance Learners who miss more than 30 minutes of training will not receive credit. Learners who miss more than 30 minutes of Foundations (new worker) training will need to repeat that specific classroom. If the training takes place over several days, you can only miss 30 minutes total; not 30 minutes per day. Please plan ahead to adjust court dates, on-call shifts, caseload responsibilities, etc. Need to Cancel Your Registration? Our class sizes tend to be small, and we often have a waiting list. Follow the instructions here if you need to drop a course.
Other Trainings and Webinars
SSIS Coffee Talk SSIS users are invited to join the DHS SSIS Business Operations Section Tuesday, July 25, at 9:00 a.m. for a SSIS Open Discussion. Questions are appreciated in advance and can be directed to Heide Moris, SSIS Mentor Program Coordinator.Registration is required.
ICWA/MIFPA Ongoing Worker Training (CWTA X212)
This training is brought to you by the University of Minnesota Duluth Tribal Training and Certification Partnership (TTCP). This is an introductory course to the basics of the history of ICWA and application of ICWA and MIFPA. Course registration is located in the MNCWTA Course Catalog. July 24-25| 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Each Day | Online
2023 Be@School Conference | August 8 Participants will hear current and former students' reflections on their experience with the education system and what they need from adults, particularly related to school attendance. There will be opportunities for discussion and networking with other professionals. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Delta Hotel by Marriott. Learn more and register here.
Permanency & Child Welfare Fall Conference | November 14-16
Join the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare as they revisit and unpack the complexities of permanency. More information and registration coming soon. Opportunities for travel stipends will be made available for up to 130 travelers from Greater Minnesota. If you would like additional information when it becomes available, please complete the travel stipend form on their website.
