Child Welfare Training Toolkit

The entire Training Toolkit can be delivered in a series, or each module can be delivered individually as a stand-alone training. Each module is approximately 2 hours in length and contains materials that can be adapted to meet the needs of child welfare trainers for in-person workshops or more formal training sessions. This flexibility allows the facilitator to determine the best format and timing for the training, according to the needs of the agency and staff. The special topics, in particular, lend themselves to brown-bag or lunchtime trainings.

Each module includes a Facilitator’s Guide with training goals and learning objectives, a PowerPoint presentation, resources, and references. The PowerPoint presentation contains talking points and key details in the notes section of the slides. These talking points are not intended to serve as a script to read aloud to attendees, but rather as key points to highlight while presenting. Facilitators are encouraged to infuse their own content knowledge, expertise, and real-world experience to bring the training to life. Discussion questions and experiential activities are integrated throughout the training sessions.

Intended Audience

The Training Toolkit contains information considered foundational for child welfare practice. The content is general enough for all child welfare workers, but it should be tailored to the audience’s experience and role in child welfare practice (such as investigations, in-home services, or ongoing case management) to enrich the learning opportunity.

Facilitator Qualifications

Facilitators should be knowledgeable about substance use disorders, mental health, and child welfare systems. They should be familiar with the laws and policies that affect child welfare agency decision-making to ensure that the information is presented in the proper context. If the facilitator does not have specific knowledge in substance use disorders or mental health, he or she should partner with local substance use and mental health treatment agencies for support.

Terminology

Field-specific terms are used during the course of this training. To understand the purpose and intended meanings of these terms, please review the Glossary. This glossary is also a useful resource for training participants.

Resources

A list of resources related to the content is included in each module. To review the resources from all modules, please download the master Resources.

Adaptation

The content of the toolkit is intended to be supplemented to include local context, policy and practice information to enrich the learning experience. NCSACW suggests the use of the following acknowledgment:

This resource was adapted by INSERT NAME from a technical assistance tool developed by the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW). NCSACW is a technical assistance resource center jointly funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Children’s Bureau (CB), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Points of view or opinions expressed in this presentation are those of INSERT NAME and do not represent the official position or policies of SAMHSA or ACYF.

For examples of toolkit adaptation or technical assistance to plan and implement the training modules in your jurisdiction please contact the NCSACW.