Quarterly Report_Q2 FY2026
Program Updates
Core Trainings
Workforce Core
The newly redesigned Workforce Core Training (WFC) launched in Q1 FY2026. The Alliance, DCYF and Partners for Our Children are working together to evaluate Workforce Core’s initial four cohorts – 9/16, 10/1, 10/16, and 11/1.
During this period, the Partners for Our Children evaluation team has been gathering data from learners (N=44), facilitators, evaluators, DCYF observers, and supervisors via learner experience surveys, supervisor surveys, pre- and post-assessments, facilitator check-ins, and simulation observations. Data will be shared in Q3 FY2026. The Alliance, DCYF and Partners for Our Children will convene a workgroup in the spring to review evaluation findings, which will inform decisions regarding any necessary revisions to the training.
Caregiver Core Training
All six eLearnings were completed, and three of the six were approved and sent out for translation. The remaining three eLearnings were sent to the DCYF steering committee for final approval, and once received also will be sent for translation.
Note: CCT launched on Jan. 23, 2026.
Internal Processes and Policies
The team has finalized multiple documents recently to support curriculum development and facilitation.
Actor Guide: This outlines the recruitment and onboarding of actors working with The Alliance’s simulation training program and identifies their responsibilities.
Alliance Connector: This document is a resource that gives an overview of internal Alliance skills and knowledge available. These areas of expertise were self-identified by staff and include lived experience. This information can be used in the curriculum development process as well as other circumstances that benefit from a unique perspective.
Policy Updates SOP: This SOP identifies how to incorporate policy and practice changes that come from DCYF. This procedure ensures all policy and practice updates are logged and tracked for impacts to curricula
Recent Launch Feedback Overview
Two courses launched in Q1 for which we have preliminary survey findings, which can help guide initial adjustments if needed.
“Guiding Engagement Through Conflict” and “Pathways to Permanency: Guardianship to Adoption” both received positive feedback around engagement and content.
Learners noted that “Guiding Engagement Through Conflict” would benefit from longer, deeper discussion time, which evidences the value they found in the content, and they also praised the facilitation, highlighting the individual’s kindness and energy.
Feedback for “Pathways to Permanency” included appreciation for learning details about processes, and the opportunity to share experiences. Some did note that there may be more content or collaboration than the allotted time can support.
Supervisors Conference 2025
The 2025 Supervisors Conference was a virtual two-day event held Oct. 7 and 8. View the full agenda here.
Keynotes included:
- “How Trust Works,” with author and scholar Peter H. Kim;
- “Surviving the Work: Recognizing and Buffering the Impacts of Vicarious Trauma,” with LICSW Lori Eastep; and
- “Blending System and Community ” with Heather Cantamessa, Director of Family Impact at Akin, a parent who was involved in the child welfare system.
The event focused heavily on workshops/breakouts in response to planning committee content recommendations. Those sessions highlighted tools, practice and soft skills such as leadership, and also built on information shared in keynotes.
The event also included a session called Silo Demo, which offered attendees a way to connect and network virtually by engaging breakout groups in questions around how they support their teams and what brings them joy in their work.
"[Heather Cantamessa's] story was so raw and really helped me to see how the parent struggles, not that they want to but because sometimes they are overwhelmed. Really great information and insight for me."
"[Silo Demo] was the best session out of all of them. Helpful, relevant, and appreciated hearing from other supervisors, gaining their experiences and knowledge, as well as different perspectives."
"The [Unstuck: Mechanics for Moving Forward] session was incredible. I thought the presenter communicated the information well, the information was very helpful and I felt that I could start using this right away. I would like further, more in-depth training in this area."
By the Numbers
Course Launches
Click each title for a description of courses launched this quarter.
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.
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.
This eLearning course provides an overview of the permanency pathways that support both reunification and early planning for legal permanency after a child’s removal.
Courses in Progress
These courses are currently in development:
- Extended Foster Care
- 1.1 Introduction to Intake
- 1.2 Screening in Intake
- 1.3 Disproportionality
- 1.4 Interviewing in Intake
- 1.6 Screening for DV in Intake
- 1.7 Working with LE in Intake
- 1.8 Screening Provider Related in Intake
- Pathways to Permanency 1.5: Post Permanency Support
- CPS In-Service Module 1: Assessing Safety
- CPS In-Service Module 3: Investigations and complex Investigations
- CFWS In-Service: Assessing Safety
- CFWS In-Service: Engaging Families
- CFWS In-Service: Family Assessment
- Human Trafficking Training (CSEC)
- Healthy Sexual Development
- WA State ICW
Training Summary
* Data for Q2 Workforce Core completions is not available. Tracking is still being finalized.