Please reach out to training@nicwa.org with any questions or concerns.
Past institute attendees agree: NICWA’s training institutes are cost-effective professional development opportunities that help you remain current in your knowledge of the ever-changing field of child welfare. Join us for our upcoming training institutes. These interactive and energetic courses are taught by dynamic trainers who are experts in the field of Indian child welfare. Attendees will receive CEUs with a certificate upon completion. We are currently hosting both in-person trainings in various locations across Indian Country and virtual trainings on Zoom. The instructor will implement instructional design created specifically for effective adult learning. Participants will experience large and small group learning, participate in facilitated discussion groups, and work through case-based exercises. This approach is made possible virtually by video conferencing which allows breakout groups and live chat sessions. For virtual training you will need a computer, internet access, speakers, and a microphone (or telephone) in order to access the virtual training. Trainings are led by professionals with an extensive experience working with tribal communities. Participants will also enjoy the opportunity to network with other attendees from tribal, state, and national agencies located throughout the country. Contact training@nicwa.org for registration information. See below for modules offered at this training institute.
Positive Indian Parenting
Our most popular training, Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) prepares tribal and non-tribal child welfare personnel to train American Indian and Alaska Native parents using a culturally specific approach. The materials presented during this training draw on the strengths of historic Indian child-rearing practices and blend traditional values with contemporary skills. Storytelling, cradleboards, harmony, lessons of nature, behavior management, and the use of praise are discussed.
Working with Substance-Abusing Families
This multi-day training provides an overview of working with substance-abusing families from both direct service and systems collaboration points of view. Parental substance use disorders are a factor in many child welfare cases. The trainer will discuss how to deal with this issue and how systems collaboration can make successful outcomes possible. A collaborative model that engages child welfare, the courts, and behavioral health providers will be discussed. Participants will learn five essential roles for working with substance-abusing families and how their work can be accomplished through partnering on the parent’s recovery. Cross-cultural skills in Indian Child Welfare Working effectively with Native youth and families in American Indian/Alaska Native child welfare requires knowledge and information on the diverse cultural nuances and history of tribal communities. Each tribe is diverse in nature, but there are common parallels shared among tribal cultures. Utilizing NICWA’s Relational Worldview Model as a framework, this training will provide guidance on how to build cross-cultural skills and implement culturally responsive services to connect with tribal communities you serve.
