Non-In-Service Classes

Comprehensive Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) Training
This training is intended to give you the information you need to provide Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) testimony in Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Indian Child Welfare cases. This training provides an overview of background information on the history and impacts of colonization on Native American and Alaska Native children and families that led to the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, an introductory level overview of the Indian Child Welfare Act and Washington Indian Child Welfare Act, an overview of DCYF Dependency Cases, and a detailed look at QEW purpose, qualifications, and procedures.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 18, 19
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

* Domestic Violence in Child Welfare
In this course, you’ll learn more about the policy and legal guidance for child welfare work with families experiencing domestic violence. More importantly, you’ll learn the best practices for this work and get to practice applying these best practices.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

The Effects of Historical and Present-Day Trauma on the Social Determinants of Health
This training examines how adverse childhood experiences become normalized and perpetuated through social construction, how it can and does inform our decision making, and ways we can partner with our tribal partners to improve outcomes and promote wellness.
1-4 p.m. Aug. 31
Non-DCYF Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

Engaging Youth in Group Care: Building Supportive Relationships
In this course you will learn about the types of grief and loss and what impact each may have on a youth, including the teen’s ability to attach. Learning how to promote healthy relationships is an important component of this training, as so much of building a supportive relationship lies with developing a sense of security. With than in mind, you also will learn about developing “felt safety,” which happens when a youth truly believes they are safe; and developing structure and nurture, essential components of safety and healing.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 5
All Staff Register Here

Engaging Youth in Group Care: Identity-Affirming Care
This session of Engaging Youth in Group Care equips you with practical strategies to support youth in developing strong, positive identities. You will explore how to affirm and incorporate each youth’s race, culture, sexual orientation and gender identity into the group care environment. Through reflection, discussion and real-world scenarios, the course builds skills for identity-affirming care. The goal is to foster safety, connection, and resilience by ensuring every young person feels seen, respected and supported in their identity.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 12
All Staff Register Here

Engaging Youth in Group Care: Challenging Behaviors
This module provides group care staff with tools and strategies to respond effectively to youth who display rejecting, testing or disruptive behaviors. You will explore how trauma, disabilities and sensory processing needs shape behavior.
Using the Regulate–Relate–Reason framework, the course offers response strategies such as logical consequences, environmental modifications and positive reinforcement. You will also explore the impact of secondary trauma and identify self-care practices to prevent burnout and support sustainable, compassionate caregiving.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 19
All Staff Register Here

Engaging Youth in Group Care: High-Risk Behaviors
This module equips group care staff with practical tools to respond to high-risk behaviors often seen in teens, such as sexual acting out, physical aggression, unsafe internet use, self-harm and suicidal ideation. You will explore the developmental and trauma-related roots of these behaviors, as well as how to approach them using the Regulate–Relate–Reason framework. The course emphasizes proactive planning while also recognizing the importance of building youth capacity for discernment, consent and digital literacy.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 26
All Staff Register Here

Infant Safety: Assessing the Infant’s Environment
Assessment of every environment in which an infant lives and sleeps, as well as all individuals providing care, is critical to ensuring the safety of this vulnerable population. Emphasis will be placed on developmental needs, attachment, and the infant’s relationships.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 13
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

Informed Decisions Through Critical Thinking
During this training, you will enhance your decision-making in child welfare by employing objective evidence, identifying behavior patterns, considering family perspectives and utilizing collateral information. This course will explore techniques for integrating new information effectively and recognizing biases, such as confirmation bias, to enhance decision-making abilities.
1-4 p.m. Aug. 17
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

Right Response: Level 3
The RIGHT RESPONSE Level 3 Workshop is primarily prevention training. This 11-hour certification provides basic skills including Prevention, De-escalation, Postvention, and Physical Safety skills. Attendees learn about self-awareness, reflective thinking skills, positive behavior support, basic and advanced de-escalation skills, self-protection, and proactive alternatives which can prevent dangerous incidents and increase safety. Attendees that complete the workshop receive a two-year certification.
Region 6 Training Hub, Tumwater: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 25, 26
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

Strategies for Interrupting Oppression
This course reminds you how to critically examine race and racism, how implicit bias can negatively impact an organizations culture and efficacy, and how to effectively employ strategies to interrupt them. It also helps you learn how to employ Courageous Conversations to better address and mitigate racial bias.
1-4 p.m. Aug. 20
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

Supporting LGBTQ+ Children, Youth and Families
This course will focus on providing information and engaging in conversation about LGBTQ+ children, youth and families. You will learn about identifying and addressing systemic institutional and personal biases when serving LGBTQ+ children, youth and families. Activities and self-reflection exercises will prepare you to return to your work and create a welcoming, safe and affirming space. Included in this training is updated terminology, resources, and current data/statistics.
1-4 p.m. Aug. 10
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

* Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) for DCYF
TBRI for DCYF Staff is a foundational level training for DCYF workforce. This introductory training will help you learn the basic approaches of the three TBRI Principles (Connecting, Empowering and Correcting) by engaging participants in group activities and discussions based on real-life scenarios. TBRI uses effective techniques that help you help children gain a sense of belonging through connection, empowering and correction. TBRI tools are designed to create and heal connection and empower and encourage children to realize their own capability.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 18
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

Understanding Chronic and Complex Neglect
This course takes a deeper dive into the dynamics of chronic and complex child neglect. You will consider effective ways to engage and assess families where neglect is present and how to evaluate each child’s unique characteristics, including how each child’s needs are impacted by neglectful behaviors and conditions in the home.  We will look at how the impacts of substance misuse, unaddressed mental health concerns, domestic violence and cognitive challenges may interrupt the parent/child relationship resulting in unmet child needs. 
1-4 p.m. Aug. 24
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC

Washington State Indian Child Welfare (WICW) Training
This training is designed to deepen your understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act’s legal foundations, its historical significance, and its vital role in ensuring that Native American/Alaska Native children remain connected to their Tribal communities. Learners will also explore Washington State’s Indian Child Welfare Act, in addition to DCYF’s Indian Child Welfare policies and procedures. Through the use of case scenarios and videos, you will be provided with multiple opportunities for practical application of topics such as Reason to Know, Active Efforts and Tribal collaboration.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 27, 28
Non-DCYF Staff Register Here in Intellum
DCYF Staff Register Here in TLC