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 be able to identify ways to demonstrate respect and appreciation for children’s culturally related needs. 2. Participants will develop an understanding of how to engage in self-reflective practices to support the awareness of biases that might interfere with provision of care. 3. Participants will be able to identify the impact that diversity-informed fostering has on children’s self-concept.

This training will discuss ways in which DCFS Child Welfare staff can build bridges with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers. Not only will this improve DCFS collaboration with CASA, but this will also improve outcomes for children and youth in foster care. CASA volunteers work alongside foster care and adoption caseworkers, foster families, and service providers to ensure the child’s needs are prioritized throughout their time in foster care. Together DCFS foster care and adoption Specialist in collaboration with CASA can help children find safety, security, and a permanent home. OBJECTIVES: Improve communication and collaboration with CASA volunteers to ensure the best outcomes for children in foster care Understand the rolesand responsibilities of DCFS and CASA Develop partnerships that advocate for the best interest of children in court hearing and Family Team Meetings

Child poverty remains a critical challenge, affecting families across the nation. To create lasting change, we must come together as a community. Join us as we explore strategies, resources, and collaborative approaches that empower families living in poverty. Together, we can build resilience and foster well-being for children and their caregivers. Course Objectives: • Identify key challenges faced by families living in poverty and their impact on child wellbeing. • Explore effective strategies and resources that empower families and promote resilience. • Understand the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building sustainable community engagement.

Harm reduction is a framework and a set of strategies used to meet the needs of youth and young people engaging in or experiencing in unsafe behaviors and circumstances including commercial sexual exploitation. This presentation will review the philosophy of harm reduction and why it is an effective strategy for youth-serving professionals when working with sexually exploited youth. Five high risk behaviors or experiences will be discussed (active exploitation, substance misuse, violent relationships, leaving care without permission, and dangerous cell phone/social media use). Practical applications of harm reduction will be reviewed through lecture, reflection, and discussion.

This training provides guidance on taking a public health approach to bullying prevention through the use of long-term, community-wide prevention strategies. This course is focused on long-term bullying prevention strategies. It is not intended to provide prescriptive step-by-step interventions. Research-based do's and don'ts for addressing bullying on the spot as well as common strategies to avoid bullying will be discussed.

The rise of cyberbullying has raised concerns regarding the frequency of bullying, depression, and even suicide among children and adults. This course provides participants with a basic overview of cyberbullying, warning signs that children may be involved in cyberbullying, and how to report cyberbullying. Additional topics include: effects of cyberbullying on victims and bullies, guidelines for addressing cyberbullying cases, and prevention strategies.