Join us for a free Brown Bag lecture series through a Title IV-E partnership between the University of Minnesota’s Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, the Institute for Translational Research in Children’s Mental Health (ITR), the School of Social Work, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Child Welfare Training System (MCWTS). Faculty from the University will be onsite at the Department of Human Services to provide four 1-hour presentations on practice issues related to working with children in out-of-home care. Coffee and dessert will be served. One CEU will be provided for each session.

Seating is limited. You must register for each brown bag session separately.

Presentations

May 11, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Engaging Parents and Children Affected by Traumatic Stress: Updates on Screening and Trauma-Informed Practice—Dr. Abi Gewirtz

The presentation will provide an overview of trauma-informed practice, ways in which providers in diverse settings can learn strategies to support traumatized families. We will overview Minnesota initiatives to develop a trauma screening for children and a continuum of care for child trauma across multiple service settings.

Register for the May 11 Brown Bag

June 1, 1:00 PM-2:00 PM

Proactive Parenting Strategies for At-Risk Children—Dr. Gerry August

The presentation will first examine the critical role of parenting in child development with an emphasis on the specific challenges faced by parents of children at risk for mental health–related problems. We will continue by reviewing and providing examples of basic themes of successful parenting.

Register for the June 1 Brown Bag

June 5, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Girls’ Aggression in Child Welfare Caseloads: Issues and Interventions—Dr. Jane Gilgun

While men and boys are overrepresented in felony-level crimes related to physical and sexual violence, girls also have issues related to violence and aggression. In this presentation, we will describe the types of aggression that girls commit, the conditions in which these events take place, and interventions that could be used in child welfare that show promise of being effective. Responses to the immediate aggressive situation and prevention strategies related to mindfulness-based interventions are key parts of the presentation. The presentation is tailored for work in child welfare where social workers consult in families, schools, and communities about girls’ aggressive behaviors.

Register for the June 5 Brown Bag

June 8, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Self-Injury in Children in Child Welfare at Risk for Developmental Disabilities—Dr. Frank Symons

The presentation will focus on a range of issues concerning self-injurious behavior in children with developmental delays and disabilities including risk factors, early development, and early intervention approaches.

Register for the June 8 Brown Bag