Minneapolis Public Schools School Social Workers Trauma Training 2008-2009 Below are the proposed dates, workshop topics, training objectives, and methods for the 2008-2009 school social workers staff development meetings for the Minneapolis Public Schools. Trainings will be conducted by Ambit Network, formerly known as the Minnesota Child Response Center (MnCRC). Training objectives are designed to help school social workers meet their professional practice standards as articulated by the Minnesota School Social Workers Association (MSSWA), the Minneapolis Public Schools Social Work Standards, and the services described in the Social Work Manual published by the MSSWA and MN Department of Education. The content of the training sessions are based upon the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Welfare Trauma Training Toolkit, as well as other sources available through NCTSN and Ambit Network. 1
Training Dates Topics Objectives By the end of the session, participants will be able to: August 26th 4 hours September No Meeting 1. Overview of trauma and traumatic Stress Definition Types Prevalence (Nat l; MN; Mpls) 2. Effects of Trauma within a Developmental Framework Unique developmental needs Risk and protective factors Culture and contexts 3. Ways in which trauma-informed practice can prevent/ mitigate traumatic stress 1. What do children who experience trauma need? Introduction to: Maximizing Children s Sense of Safety Assisting Children with Overwhelming Emotions Helping Children Make New Meaning of their Trauma History and Current Experiences 1. Define and recognize the signs of traumatic stress 2. Describe the effects of trauma on children and families 3. Understand how trauma affects social-emotional, behavioral, biological, and cognitive development at different developmental stages 4. Identify the ways in which culture affect one s experience and understanding of trauma 5. Understand how the impact of traumatic stress can be prevented/ mitigated by trauma-informed response of SSWs 1. Understand the need to: a. Increase Child s Sense of Safety b. Promote Emotional/ Behavioral Regulation c. Help Children and Families Make New Meaning of their Trauma History and Current Experiences d. Identify/ foster Supportive Relationships 2. Begin to identify ways in which SSW s can assist with these Methods Vignettes Discussion Video Clips Collaborators: Centro Guided On-line Discussion of Assigned Reading/Postings 2
October 20 th 8:30-10:30 2 hours 1. Brief re-cap of children s needs: safety, emotional/ behavioral regulation, new meanings, and supportive relationships 1. Recognize when a trauma informed screening is necessary when collaborating with teachers and school partners Group Discussion Case Vignettes 2. Trauma-Informed Screening and Assessment in Schools Reconsidering Key Risk/Protective Factors: a. School Influences b. Family/ Life History c. Current Environmental Stressors 2. Utilize effective components of trauma screening, including identifying risk and protective factors 3. Recognize children s diverse responses to trauma, including reenactments, identify trauma reminders and understand how secondary symptoms (e.g. truancy, school avoidance, cutting) may mask trauma as part of the screening and consultation process 4. Begin to utilize trauma screening tools 5. Consider cultural parameters in the screening process November 3 rd 8:00-12:00 4 hours 1. ABC s of Psychological First Aid 2. Overview of Empirically Supported Treatment Approaches TF-CBT CBITS 1. Understand components of effective, evidence-based interventions for children & families 2. Begin to apply knowledge of Group Discussion Case Vignettes 3
PCIT & PMT 3. Trauma-Informed Referrals: Linking Students to Outside Agencies trauma and effective intervention strategies when consulting with teachers, staff, and families (e.g., relaxation techniques, coping strategies) Collaborators: Washburn Centro Tubman Family Alliance 3. Practice effective counseling and response skills when working with individual children who have experienced trauma December No Meeting January 23 rd 8:30-12:30 4 hours 1. Using Assessment/ Screening Data & evidence-based practices to develop behavior plans and pre-referral interventions 2. Consulting with teachers and staff to implement effective practices in classrooms Creating physically and psychologically safe environments Connecting children with supportive adults and peers Addressing cumulative risks 4. Utilize NCTSN Referral Tool to help identify and coordinate appropriate outside referrals 1. Use a trauma-informed approach when determining pre-referral interventions 2. Use information gained from screenings to develop appropriate behavior intervention plans (BIPs) 3. Consider special needs of children when making trauma-informed decisions Children with Disabilities Homeless Youth GBLT Break Relax! Vignettes Discussion Video Clips 4
3. Initiating school trauma-assistance teams and systematic action plans 4. Collaborate with and coach teachers and staff working with children who experience trauma (e.g., recognize signs, understand needs, reframe problems, contact others for help) 5. Collaborate with teachers on creating psychologically and physically safe classrooms, establishing supportive relationships, and providing consistent structure 6. Collaborate with school members to increase the general education and awareness of trauma and traumatic stress 7. Collaborate with school personnel to begin to develop a plan for providing systematic services for children who experience trauma (e.g., develop a team, conduct needs assessment, locate resources, and develop action plan) February No Meeting March 6 th, 8:30-11:30 3 hours 1. Providing support and education to families 1. Identify ways to provide support and guidance to families and caregivers Relax! Vignettes 5
2. Managing Professional and Personal Stress 2. Understand and prevent secondary trauma 3. Begin to use relaxation techniques and other strategies for coping with professional stress Discussion March 6 th 1:00-3:00 April 22nd 1) 10:00-12:00 2) 12:30-2:30 May 5 th 1) 10:00-12:00 2) 12:30-2:30 Case Consultation Case Consultation Case Consultation Face-to-Face Face-to-Face Face-to-Face *Please Note: Social workers will be contacted with training and consultation location information. 6