Child Welfare Trainings

The Wayne State University School of Social Work is collaborating on a state-wide effort to support and expand trainings for Michigan's child welfare workforce. Below you will find a list of trainings included in our series. Please be sure to check back frequently as new trainings will continue to be added. 

For questions regarding these events, contact the Office of Continuing Education at 313-577-9348 or ce_ssw@wayne.edu.

Obtaining CE's

Continuing education credit hours will be offered at each training.

Fee for trainings offering CE's:

  • All MDHHS workers and MDHHS contracted private agencies: $0
  • Others: $10 for 1 CE courses and $45 for 3 CE courses
  • Students: $5 for 1 CE courses and $15 for 3 CE courses

Process:

  • Attendees must log into their Zoom account with their full first and last name
  • Attendees must stay for the entire event 
  • Attendees must complete the sign-in sheet via the link posted in the Zoom chat
  • Attendees will receive an email after the event with a link to the online store listing for payment and to complete the post-training quiz

Upon completion of payment and passing of the quiz, attendees will receive their CE certificate via email within 7 - 10 business days. For questions regarding these events, contact the Office of Continuing Education at 313-577-9348 or ce_ssw@wayne.edu.

Upcoming trainings

Training #11: Working with and Supporting Transgender Youth

October 11, 2023 from 1:00 - 4:15 pm EST on Zoom
Attendees will receive the Zoom link upon completion of the RSVP
3 Continuing Education Clock Hours available (details above)

Trans and gender-questioning youth are an underserved population, and often providers are not given the information and resources needed to work with these youth and their caregivers effectively. Presented by Rebecca Gerlach, LMSW CAADC, this course aims to equip child welfare workers with the tools to better support these youth by providing resources and educating them on risk and protective factors that impact them. By taking this course, you can increase your awareness and ability to help. We will incorporate both group activities and varying-sized discussions throughout the presentation.

Training #12: All Eyes on Them: Navigating the Special Education Process from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

November 10, 2023 from 1:00 - 4:15 pm EST on Zoom
Attendees will receive the Zoom link upon completion of the RSVP
3 Continuing Education Clock Hours available (details above)

This workshop will discuss the most effective ways to collaborate with school staff to ensure a successful IEP (Individual Education Plan) process. Presenter Alan Johns, LLMSW, MSW will cover how to address the unique needs of children, including social-emotional, academic, and medical concerns, through appropriate eligibility, services, and accommodations in the school setting. Participants will also learn about additional school support services and get an overview of the Special Education and 504 processes. This training will include role play, small group discussion, and interactive games.

Training #13: Secondary Trauma - Compassion Fatigue and How to Recognize it

March 6, 2024 from 1:00 - 4:15 pm EST on Zoom
Attendees will receive the Zoom link upon completion of the RSVP
3 Continuing Education Clock Hours available (details above)

Compassion fatigue is a prevalent issue experienced by many helping professionals. Adijat Ogunyemi, DSW, LMSW will focus on promoting wellness within the child and family system. Participants will learn to identify warning signs and risk factors for burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma and how to develop an effective self-care plan. 

Training #14: Identifying Anti-Racist Behaviors in Child Welfare Practices 

February 15, 2024 from 3 - 4 pm EST on Zoom
Attendees will receive the Zoom link upon completion of the RSVP
1 Continuing Education Clock Hours available (details above)

Identifying anti-racism in child welfare practice is crucial. It strives to eliminate discrimination and racism while breaking down systemic barriers that cause inequality and harm to marginalized communities. When implemented in child welfare practice, anti-racism promotes fairness, cultural understanding, the ability to challenge biases and stereotypes, empowerment and self-determination, and trauma-informed care. Presenter Megan Hicks, MS, PhD will help child welfare workers gain a deeper understanding of how to incorporate anti-racism into child welfare practice and apply these principles in everyday life.