Pro.Dev Training Series
Professional Development Training That Comes to You.
CAFCA is pleased to announce our new Professional Development Training Series (we call it Pro-Dev), which offers FREE monthly virtual sessions on a variety of topics relevant to the field of child welfare. Whether you want to advance your career, be better at your job, or simply hone your skills in a particular area, these training sessions are educational, informative, enlightening and even empowering. Each session takes place on the Zoom virtual platform, and the series launches in September of 2024. Upcoming topics and schedules are listed below. Again, these trainings are FREE and registration is NOW OPEN.
November 2024 Session – Sponsored by OMNI Family of Services
IMPACTUL RELATIONSHIPS: A trauma-responsive approach to building connections
Presented by: Michelle Wingate, M.S.– Learning Ambassador, OMNI Family Institute
Bridget Kucharski, MPA– Trainer & Consultant, OMNI Family Institute
Wednesday, November 20 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Overview: Through engaging discussions and practical strategies, participants will explore how trauma can shape interactions and perceptions, influencing both personal and professional relationships. Attendees will learn how to create safe, supportive environments that foster trust and connection. We will explore the why behind challenges faced by youth impacted by trauma, empathy, and understanding individual experiences, equipping participants with tools to navigate challenging dynamics and promote growth.
December 2024 Session
BABIES AND TODDLERS AND PRE-SCHOOLERS…OH MY!!!
Presented by: Michele Provost, LCSW, IMH-E Parents as Teachers Program Director Parent Possible; Beth Edwards, MD, MS, CFLE-P Parents as Teachers Program Manager Parent Possible
Wednesday, December 18 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Overview: This workshop will inform attendees about the Parents as Teachers program, including model components, the unique model approach, and the projected outcomes for families and children. Attendees will have an opportunity to see and experience the program in action by using interactive components from the curriculum in small groups. Attendees will also learn in which Colorado communities the program is offered, how families they work with can benefit from these services, and how to learn more.
January 2025 Session
FOSTERING ADOLESCENT SKILLS THROUGH MENTORING
Presented by: Michel Holien, Director of Dissemination, Fostering Healthy Futures
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Overview: Fostering Healthy Futures® (FHF) programs build on youth’s strengths and assets through mentoring and skills training to promote healthy development. FHF serves children and youth with current or previous child welfare involvement due to one or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This session will describe the program in detail, highlighting methods that led to high rates of program engagement and strong outcomes.
February 2025 Session
SHOWING UP FOR OURSELVES: Secondary Trauma and Creating Wellness
Presented by: Rebecca Carpenter
Child Placement Agency Director / Wellness Committee Chair | Savio
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Overview: Self-Care is touted as a be-all end-all to address secondary trauma. But if it works, why do so many of us still feel the symptoms? This session will look at what makes up secondary trauma, and how taking a wellness, rather than a self-care approach, can make the difference.
March 2025 Session
EASY EQUITY
Presented by: Michael Sykes, BA, MA in Special Education EDS in Adminstration and Leadership Equitable Solution
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Overview: Easy Equity session supports teams and individuals moving forward in their equity journey by centering themselves and their needs through intentional affirmation, mindfulness, and manifestation practices to create the reality they wish to have.
April 2025 Session
EFFECTIVELY ENGAGING PARENTS AND FICTIVE KIN IN THE PERMANENCY PROCESS
Presented by: Stacy Gonzalez, Senior Training Manager, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in Special Education EDS in Adminstration and Leadership Equitable Solution; Anna Cohen, Youth Connections Manager, Raise The Future
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Overview: This session will uncover why it is crucial to engage biological parents, kin and fictive kin in the permanency process for youth lingering in foster care; it will show how to move beyond kin notification requirements into true engagement and how the child welfare team can support this engagement to improve permanency outcomes for youth.
Colorado Association of Family & Children’s Agencies (CAFCA) is a non-profit membership association founded in 1982. CAFCA is an active member of Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and National Association of State Associations for Children (NOSAC).
CONTACT US
Phone: 720.560.3810
Email: info@
Address: P.O. Box 653,
Evergreen, CO 80439
CAFCA advocates for children and families who are at risk by supporting agencies and professionals in providing highest quality care, treatment and access to opportunities.