Trauma 101
Many child welfare agencies are “trauma informed”, but we need to be trauma competent. This module aims to help you build knowledge and then apply it, which will ultimately transform systems and create healing. Being trauma competent is an important shift in thinking that eliminates blame and moves toward healing. It will take fundamental shifts in the way we see families, the role of workers, based in our belief that it can indeed change. We’ll explore how we got to this place of inequity in child welfare, how each of us individually are complicit, and learn to show up in healing ways.
Applying Trauma Informed Practices for Youth in Care
Children and youth who are separated from their families and caregivers suffer from relational trauma; and without addressing this grief, loss, and trauma, children are less likely to form healthy relationships, leading to lifelong challenges. Through our research with the University of Minnesota Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, we know what to do differently to change these outcomes. In this module, we look at practices and interventions for building trust and stability, youth's sense of self, and supportive connections to promote healing.
What is an UnSystem?
It takes time and intensely focused effort to lay the groundwork for the huge shift in mindset required to align system partners’ visions, engage in community-wide collaboration, create a shared language, and build the urgency to construct a prevention-based, family-driven system. This module introduces the concept of an UnSystem, building a framework for change, and provides strategies to promote family resilience and wellbeing.
Ten Ways to Build Wellbeing
Workforce wellbeing relates to all aspects of working life, from the quality and safety of the physical environment, to how workers feel about their work, their working environment, the climate and work organization. The aim is to make sure workers are safe, healthy, satisfied and engaged at work. The goal of wellbeing is not a thing we do, it’s who we are, and is embedded into every aspect of work culture. This module provides strategies for sustainable wellbeing practices and building a framework for wellbeing.
How to Build an UnSystem
Guiding change may be the ultimate test of a leader. While leaders can be invigorated and inspired to implement change and embrace the new way of work, they often misunderstand what it takes to bring it about. In this module, we talk through what to expect when implementing change, the role of a leader in the change process and effective ways to pushback.
Peeling Back Bias
Explore how bias influences perceptions and values when working with children and families in this module, while gaining practical strategies to identify bias in your work and develop culturally responsive practices to better support the diverse communities you serve.