Panelists discuss the ways the Quality Parenting Initiative touches each part of a child's team including Case Managers, Foster Parents, Birth Parents, and Community Partners. Panelists share their personal experiences with QPI and how it as affect their time within the child welfare system.

This course will provide information on abuse and neglect to make it easier for child welfare staff to communicate with medical professionals and determine accuracy of the explanation of the injury and/or neglect. Learning Objectives: - Acquire a basic understanding of medical terminology and human anatomy - Be familiar with the various soft tissue injuries and signs of abuse or neglect - Be familiar with the bones and fractures and their possible mechanisms of injury - Demonstrate an understanding of patterns of neglect - Be familiar withe the patterns of sexual abuse: signs of sexual abuse, grooming of the victim, and the dynamics of disclosure - Be familiar with the allegations of abuse and neglect - Demonstrate the proper technique in which to document abuse, neglect, and other childhood maladies - Acquire skills of documentation of the abuse/neglect that will be sufficient to support decision

To support DCFS's commitment to implementation of quality practice, we are offering trainings on planful transitions. The training has been developed for DCFS by Dr. Charles Zeanah and Dr. Julie Larrieu of Tulane University. It will provide intensive information on the development of transition plans that are thoughtful and based upon the needs of each child; providing staff with practice skills to formulate plans that will support successful transitions and permanency. Among the targeted practice areas to be addressed include importance of and strategies for engagement of families and children in the plan development, assessing appropriateness of the planned move, preparing all parties for the move and need for transition, and securing buy in from all involved parties.

Planning for Safety in Cases When Parental Substance Use Disorder is Present reviews safety factors related to parental substance use disorders (SUDs) and unique considerations when planning for safety. Learning Objectives: - Provide an overview of strategies to increase protective capacities and factors for families affected by SUDs - Assess ongoing safety and create safety plans for families when parental substance use is a factor - Apply knowledge of cultural factors to improve engagement of families during the assessment of child safety - Implement a collaborative approach with formal and informal supports to improve family outcomes - Develop comprehensive plans for ongoing safety at case closure

This course is a part of the "Foster Parent Training: An In-Depth Exploration of Advanced Topics Trainings will provide in-depth discussion of topics relevant for providing developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, care for children involved with the child welfare system. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will understand that using positive discipline creates a rewarding experience for children that will encourage desired behaviors. 2. Participants will understand that positive discipline provides opportunities to enhance communication and connection with children. 3. Participants will understand that positive discipline ultimately empowers children to develop positive habits and routines. 4. Participants will learn positive reinforcement strategies.

Poverty isn�t just about financial scarcity; it profoundly shapes the way children�s brains develop. Growing up in disadvantaged environments can affect the brain cognition, structure, and overall well-being. The presentation will delve into research that reveals the short and long-term affects poverty and explore the brain's remarkable capacity for change. Join us as we bridge neuroscience and social justice, equipping participants with knowledge to create positive outcomes for vulnerable populations. Course Objectives: � Understand the neurological impact of poverty � Examine the brain's capacity for change � Connect neuroscience with social justice