The goal of this training is to introduce participants to comfort calls and ice breakers as effective relationship-building tools.

The Community of Practice initiative is designed to help prepare student scholars, employee scholars, and graduated early career scholars for practice in the field of child welfare. It is our belief that social workers are uniquely positioned to practice in the field of child welfare. The Community of Practice initiative is composed of three distinct components: Live interactive sessions by distance technology to provide face-to-face contact and support, ongoing education and exposure to cutting edge practices, and ongoing support in a co-learning environment; Facilitation of mentor/mentee and supportive relationships through structured mentoring opportunities; and Creation of a dynamic knowledge base for access to resources and tools to assist the community with practicing in the field.

This training is to provide DCFS Child Welfare Staff with guidance on how to complete and submit the 29-A when requesting a clearance. The CW Form 29-A is used to request a * Department of Children and Family Services ** (DCFS) State * Repository and/or State Central Registry ** Records (ACESS/TIPS) clearance for the following: Foster/adoptive parent applicants; All adult household members in the foster/adoptive parent applicant’s home; Adoption petition families; Private in and out of state child placing agencies; Potential caregivers * for a child in the custody of (DCFS); ** CASA volunteer applicants; Private adoptive families (Juvenile Court Judge); Safety monitor for a present or impending danger safety plan and, Foster child mentor, tutor and transportation provider applicants when an SCR clearance is required per policy.

Court 101 is designed to be viewed with your foster youth. The training aims to familiarize both you and the youth in your care to the court system. You will be introduced to several people you will meet during the court process while learning about their roles. You will also learn about the types of court hearings a foster child will be a part of including: the Continued Custody Hearing; Adjudication; Disposition; Case Review Hearing; and the Permanency Hearing. The role of a foster caregiver is also discussed as well as their rights and responsibilities. Learning Objectives: - Understand what is meant by "Child in need of care" or CINC - Define the court process and what to expect - Define the different types of court hearings - Recognize the role and responsibilities of the different parties involved in court hearings - Identify steps you can take to be prepared for the court process - Indicate the third parties the child can contact with their questions and concerns

This course will prepare workers to become effective witnesses in court hearings by offering 3 hours of live virtual presentation and discussion and one full day of in-person simulation learning in a real-life courtroom with real-life judges. At the completion of this course, participants will be able to: - Demonstrate an understanding of why testifying in court is an important aspect of DCFS work. - Demonstrate an understanding of how worker testimony can impact outcomes for the child and family. - Demonstrate an understanding of the hearing process when the worker is on the stand. - Demonstrate an understanding of the qualities of an effective witness. - Demonstrate an understanding that preparation for court testimony is essential. - Demonstrate an understanding of different ways to prepare for court. - Demonstrate insight into personal growth areas for effective court testimony, including preparation and witness skill

Building on the topics covered in the "Helping the Grieving Child" course, this program is designed for both caregivers and their children aged eight and older. It aims to engage participants in understanding and processing feelings through journaling, writing, and art-making exercises, all within a safe space for self-expression. Caregivers and children are encouraged to attend together; children must attend with an adult. It is strongly recommended for caregivers to first attend the "Helping the Grieving Child" for a deeper understanding of the grief process and the complexities of loss related to separation from biological parents. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Learn how to openly discuss grief and loss in age-appropriate ways. Learn creative art exercises designed to help grieving children. Discover how to use storytelling and writing to help express grief.