Parenting is challenging, particularly when you are parenting a child from a hard place. TBRI ® Empowering Principles will provide an in-depth look at ways to empower your children by meeting their unique physical needs and creating an environment in which they can succeed. This session includes information on sensory processing and practical tools and skills to help children regulate their emotions and behaviors. This multi-disciplinary training is designed to give caregivers, volunteers, and professionals who serve children and families the knowledge and practical skills they need to bring hope and healing.

REGISTER HERE

CWLA has partnered with Welcome2Reality, LLC to present the engaging four-part training series, Dear Black Male. We invite you to join us for a training that will provide an overview of the history and culture of African Americans with a focus on recognizing cultural mistrust, issues faced, and perceptions of Black males. Through lecture and discussion, participants will identity how efforts to adequately provide for Back males can be linked to the fight for larger social justice goals for themselves and their communities. Participants in this training will:

• Develop an understanding of the importance of the role of the historian in interpreting African American history;
• Expand their knowledge and awareness of the disproportionality of Black males who are institutionalized and the impact it has on communities;
• Learn the most common mistakes professionals make when working with Black males and how to avoid them; and
• Engage in dialogue to identify strengths-based practices and interventions that foster family health and resilience.

This training is open and welcome to everyone. The training format will incorporate lecture, discussion, video, and group activities. The following topics will be covered during the four (4) two-hour training sessions:

Trainers:

Anthony Gay, BA is the Director of Curricula Development at Welcome2Reality, LLC. Anthony is passionate about teaching and conducts research, develops training modules /curricula, and facilitates training. Anthony spent several years as a full-time trainer, developing or co-authoring training modules on fatherhood, professionalism, cultural competency, trauma, working with adolescents, family-centered assessment, and human trafficking. For over ten years, Anthony has been focused on improving communities by advocating for equality for fathers. Anthony is a member of a national fatherhood network that shares resources and ideas to improve fathers’ and families’ outcomes. Anthony is a leader in the realm of fatherhood in Connecticut and hosts numerous fatherhood themed events throughout the year, promoting positive fatherhood. As a result of his dedication, Anthony has received numerous awards recognizing his work with fathers and families.

Qur-an Webb, MSW is the Director of Operations at Welcome2Reality, LLC. Qur-an has been in the social work field for over 20 years and is the Connecticut Chapter Lead for Media Literacy Now, which focuses on education around media literacy. In this role, Qur-an was instrumental in getting Public Act No. 15-94 and Public Act No. 17-67 passed in Connecticut, which now mandates school systems to educate the safe use of social media and computer programming instruction, and in creating an advisory council related to digital citizenship, internet safety, and media literacy. He also works as an independent contractor and is an adjunct instructor. Qur-an is the vice president of the Association of Black Sports Officials. In this role, Qur-an advocates for the rights of and opportunities for Black sports officials and pushes for equality among officials. He also provides training and professional development opportunities domestically and internationally for the company.

REGISTER HERE

Traumatic events can happen to us at any age. When children and teens got through traumatic events that lead to PTSD, their reactions may be different from adults. Learn how to recognize PTSD symptoms in your child or teen.

REGISTER HERE

As we enter the remaining weeks of 2024, many of us are reflecting on the things that we are grateful for, such as: friends, family, and memorable moments. Some look forward to seeing the colorful fall foliage, while others get excited to experience their first taste of winter. Regardless of your preference, as one year closes out, another one begins.

Although this time of year can be filled with gift giving, decorative ornaments, and comfort food, there are other pieces that can be less pleasant: traffic, long shopping lines, and the remembrance of those no longer with us, to name a few. In many places, it is dark when you wake up for work and dark when you get out of work. Over time, these things can impact your mental and physical health overall. When these variables are coupled with challenging or high-stress work environments, it can be easy for anyone to become increasingly overwhelmed. This may show up in work performance, decision making, and with peer-to-peer relationships.

Based on popular demand and direct requests from colleagues working in the human services field, CWLA is happy to again offer the How to Succeed Against Compassion Fatigue training. This learning opportunity will encourage active participation and shared learning. The following areas will be discussed:

• Contributing factors that can create/exacerbate compassion fatigue in the workplace
• Examples of what compassion fatigue can look like for direct service staff, supervisors, and managers
• How compassion fatigue can impact agency morale, client relationships, and assessments
• Tips, strategies, and suggestions on ways to take a proactive approach to reducing compassion fatigue with early identification techniques that promote psychological safety

Trainer: Marcus Stallworth, LMSW, CWLA Director, Training and Implementation

REGISTER HERE

Parenting is challenging, particularly when you are parenting a child from a hard place. TBRI ® Empowering Principles will provide an in-depth look at ways to empower your children by meeting their unique physical needs and creating an environment in which they can succeed. This session includes information on sensory processing and practical tools and skills to help children regulate their emotions and behaviors. This multi-disciplinary training is designed to give caregivers, volunteers, and professionals who serve children and families the knowledge and practical skills they need to bring hope and healing.

REGISTER HERE

CWLA has partnered with Welcome2Reality, LLC to present the engaging four-part training series, Dear Black Male. We invite you to join us for a training that will provide an overview of the history and culture of African Americans with a focus on recognizing cultural mistrust, issues faced, and perceptions of Black males. Through lecture and discussion, participants will identity how efforts to adequately provide for Back males can be linked to the fight for larger social justice goals for themselves and their communities. Participants in this training will:

• Develop an understanding of the importance of the role of the historian in interpreting African American history;
• Expand their knowledge and awareness of the disproportionality of Black males who are institutionalized and the impact it has on communities;
• Learn the most common mistakes professionals make when working with Black males and how to avoid them; and
• Engage in dialogue to identify strengths-based practices and interventions that foster family health and resilience.

This training is open and welcome to everyone. The training format will incorporate lecture, discussion, video, and group activities. The following topics will be covered during the four (4) two-hour training sessions:

Trainers:

Anthony Gay, BA is the Director of Curricula Development at Welcome2Reality, LLC. Anthony is passionate about teaching and conducts research, develops training modules /curricula, and facilitates training. Anthony spent several years as a full-time trainer, developing or co-authoring training modules on fatherhood, professionalism, cultural competency, trauma, working with adolescents, family-centered assessment, and human trafficking. For over ten years, Anthony has been focused on improving communities by advocating for equality for fathers. Anthony is a member of a national fatherhood network that shares resources and ideas to improve fathers’ and families’ outcomes. Anthony is a leader in the realm of fatherhood in Connecticut and hosts numerous fatherhood themed events throughout the year, promoting positive fatherhood. As a result of his dedication, Anthony has received numerous awards recognizing his work with fathers and families.

Qur-an Webb, MSW is the Director of Operations at Welcome2Reality, LLC. Qur-an has been in the social work field for over 20 years and is the Connecticut Chapter Lead for Media Literacy Now, which focuses on education around media literacy. In this role, Qur-an was instrumental in getting Public Act No. 15-94 and Public Act No. 17-67 passed in Connecticut, which now mandates school systems to educate the safe use of social media and computer programming instruction, and in creating an advisory council related to digital citizenship, internet safety, and media literacy. He also works as an independent contractor and is an adjunct instructor. Qur-an is the vice president of the Association of Black Sports Officials. In this role, Qur-an advocates for the rights of and opportunities for Black sports officials and pushes for equality among officials. He also provides training and professional development opportunities domestically and internationally for the company.

REGISTER HERE

The OJJDP FY25 Enhancing Youth Defense funding opportunity seeks to implement youth defense system efforts that strengthen and improve the representation of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. This program supports organizations providing public defense services through a combination of direct grants and national training and technical assistance to implement sustainable system improvements that result in improved youth outcomes, reduced recidivism, safer communities, cost savings, and increased public confidence in the juvenile justice system.

This webinar will provide a general overview of the program, the goals and objectives, a discussion about the application process, and a Q&A opportunity for participants.

REGISTER HERE

Morning Session: 

Strategies for Engaging Non-offending Caregivers and Addressing Professional Challenges in Child Sexual Abuse Cases 

Child sexual abuse remains a pervasive societal issue, with nonoffending caregivers playing a crucial role in ensuring effective case outcomes and supporting child victims’ recovery. This workshop explores the complex dynamics of culpability, belief, and support in child sexual abuse cases, emphasizing the indispensable role of nonoffending caregivers from initial disclosure through forensic interviews, legal investigations, prosecution, and treatment. 

Featuring two case histories of adult survivors, the session provides a window into the lasting impact of caregiver support on the long-term healing and outcomes for child victims. Participants will learn strategies to address challenges in engaging nonoffending caregivers, navigate professional frustrations, and apply trauma-informed approaches to foster caregiver involvement and kinship support in investigations. 

This workshop underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in investigations and interventions, identifying it as essential for the welfare of the child and family. Participants will also discuss the intergenerational aspect of child sexual abuse, addressing recidivism within families and the need for culturally sensitive practices to prevent and break abuse cycles. 

In discussing implications for research, practice, and policy, the workshop advocates for a holistic, evidence-based approach that considers the complex, intergenerational nature of child sexual abuse cases. Participants will explore ways to advance research, foster supportive policies for nonoffending caregivers, and enhance collaborative, trauma-informed practices among professionals involved in child abuse investigations and treatment. 

1. Participants will learn at least 3 practical, trauma-informed strategies to support and engage nonoffending caregivers.

2. Participants will be able to identify at least 3 approaches for managing frustrations in these complex cases.

3. Participants will gain insights into the importance of cultural sensitivity in investigations and be able to identify at least 3 culturally sensitive interventions.

Afternoon: 

Get in the Zone: Strengthening Support for Families and Professionals 

This interactive session equips professionals with the skills and confidence to implement No Hit Zones—a straightforward, impactful tool proven to strengthen families and address the leading risk factor for child abuse: corporal punishment. Participants will explore how No Hit Zones, successfully established in churches, daycares, hospitals, and child advocacy centers, are transforming child protection efforts and creating safer, more supportive environments. Through case histories featuring outcomes from adult survivors, along with evaluation results and forthcoming research, attendees will gain insight into the tangible impacts of NHZs. 

This workshop offers practical strategies to prevent children from entering formal care, reduce professional burnout, enhance kinship care, and support investigative processes. Presenters will delve into community partnerships, innovative approaches for engaging families, and strategies for addressing poverty, while emphasizing collaboration with other family-serving systems, such as education, health, housing, and childcare. 

The workshop will highlight the critical role of cultural sensitivity in investigations and interventions, essential for achieving positive outcomes and long-term welfare for children and families. By equipping caregivers with resources and effective alternatives, this session aims to empower child protection professionals to make informed decisions that safeguard children’s future and reduce recidivism. 

Advocating a holistic approach to child maltreatment prevention, this workshop underscores the need for ongoing research to support evidence-based practices and policies that assist caregivers and foster a collaborative, trauma-informed framework among child welfare professionals. 

1. Participants will be able to identify at least 3 benefits of using No Hit Zones in preventing child abuse.

2. Participants will learn at least 3 trauma-informed communication techniques to effectively engage caregivers.

3. Participants will learn at least 3 culturally sensitive alternatives to support a child’s well-being.

REGISTER HERE

Parenting is challenging, particularly when you are parenting a child from a hard place. TBRI ® Empowering Principles will provide an in-depth look at ways to empower your children by meeting their unique physical needs and creating an environment in which they can succeed. This session includes information on sensory processing and practical tools and skills to help children regulate their emotions and behaviors. This multi-disciplinary training is designed to give caregivers, volunteers, and professionals who serve children and families the knowledge and practical skills they need to bring hope and healing.

REGISTER HERE

The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council has partnered with The Arc of Louisiana to host a series of training opportunities to learn about navigating Louisiana’s complex service delivery system. Trainings are open to all, but individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families are encouraged to attend. Attendees will learn about:

• Addressing existing barriers,
• Identifying service gaps, and
• Identifying inadequacies in both the I/DD and Behavioral Health service systems

Ten training opportunities will be hosted across the state for individuals with I/DD and their families as well as one web-based training for professionals. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn more about the systems and supports available for individuals with I/DD and Behavioral Health needs.

REGISTER HERE