Scope of Work
You will submit one proposal for each course you would like to submit. If you have questions, please email us at [email protected].
Submission Guidelines
- Complete the online Course Submission Form and provide all requested information.
- Deadline for receipt of Course Proposals is 11:59 pm on December 6, 2023.
Trainer Responsibilities
- For in-person trainings, you will give all A/V, room set-up and other logistical requirements to CWPTA at least one week before the training.
- Virtual trainers will work with CWPTA to meet logistical requirements.
- You will give your presentation in the allotted time, allowing for questions.
- You are giving permission for CWPTA to house your presentation in a repository for access.
- You will submit your PowerPoint at least one week before the training.
- You will provide 3 to 5 “reflective questions” on how to apply the skills that participants learned during the training.
** Submission of the course description form means that you understand and agree to these responsibilities.
Selection Process
The Coalition’s Board approved CWPTA Workgroup will evaluate all received proposals and may conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates if necessary. The CWPTA Workgroup will be looking for engaging proposals that:
- Promote improvement in skill development and expand knowledge bases of contracted child welfare providers.
- Embrace Adult Learning which would include, but is not limited to providing foundational information, engaging in critical thinking, and practicing opportunities or application.
- Use evidence-based practice models.
- Are consistent with HHS Model of Practice and the Child and Family Service Review (CFSR) outcomes.
- Demonstrate cultural competency by focusing on skills and knowledge that value diversity and understanding, respond to cultural differences, and increase awareness of provider’s cultural norms.
- Embrace the delivery though an equity lens.
- Reflect IV-E eligibility
Questions may be directed to: Katie Lucas 515-244-0074 ext. 3 or [email protected].
Course Catalog Summary
Child Welfare 101 provides comprehensive training and education for professionals working in child welfare agencies, including those in Iowa. The primary goal is to equip child welfare workers with the knowledge and skills required to promote child safety, permanency, and well-being. Professionals entering the field will be better prepared to meet the complex challenges they will encounter while working in child welfare and contribute to positive outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Extending Beyond Safety & Risk approach extends beyond mere supervision and includes elements of emotional, social, and physical support. In essence, understanding basic care functions in child welfare means not only safeguarding a child's physical safety but also nurturing their emotional and social development while adhering to routines, maintaining good communication, and being adaptable. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded, safe, and supportive environment for the child in your care. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Professional Boundaries aims to provide child welfare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and maintain appropriate relationships with clients while upholding ethical standards. This training helps workers recognize and navigate the complex situations they encounter in child welfare, which involve sensitive, personal, and emotionally charged issues. This training is essential to ensure ethical conduct and maintain the trust and integrity of the child welfare system. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Professional Social Work Ethics is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and challenges in child welfare practice. This training is typically delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, case studies, discussions, and practical experience in the field. The training's primary goal is to prepare child welfare professionals to make informed, ethical decisions and provide compassionate, effective services while upholding the highest standards of professional social work ethics. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Disclosures: How to Respond without Creating More Trauma: training aims to equip professionals and caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle such situations sensitively and in an appropriate manner without creating more trauma or fear for both the child and the person they disclose to. This ensures that the child's safety and emotional well-being are the top priorities. Minimizing secondary trauma is essential to sustain a healthy and effective support system. It is important that professionals, caregivers, and individuals understand the potential impact of their work on their well-being and have the tools and resources to manage it effectively. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Cultural Humility aims for the professional practitioner to be well versed in current research related to cultural diversity. This provides an overview of cultural humility and helps participants recognize the importance of honoring children’s cultural identity and respecting families from varying races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientation, gender, and economic statuses. Openness to a child’s sexual orientation and gender identity and expression and viewing these differences from a strengths-based perspective is highlighted. This theme shares strategies for parents who are fostering or adopting to respect as well as navigate differences in values from the children and families, while acknowledging imbalances of power and inequities.
By the end of the training, professional practitioners should have a deep understanding of cultural diversity, cultural humility, and the importance of respecting and honoring the cultural identity of children and families. They will have ample opportunity to practice curiosity, vulnerability, and self-awareness of one’s own cultural identity and privilege(s). They should also be equipped with practical strategies to navigate differences in values and address power imbalances and inequities in child welfare, all with a focus on promoting the well-being and best interests of children in care. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Separation, Grief, and Loss training helps participants understand the impact of separation and 
ambiguous loss, and the different ways children grieve. Life-long grieving and the importance of providing opportunities for grieving is explored. Participants will understand loss and fractured attachments with birth family members and previous placements; recognize the importance of establishing and maintaining essential relationships with and for children; and understand the impact of frequent moves and the importance of managing transitions for children. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Trauma Related Behaviors training helps participants learn how chaos, threat, neglect, and other adversity during development can alter the developing brain and that, in turn, can change the ways children think, feel and act. This training is dedicated to equipping child welfare professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively support and advocate for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. Participants will understand the major stress-responses we use to cope with perceived and actual threat and the reasons for and range of adaptive symptoms from inattention and distractibility to avoidance and shut-down. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Human Trafficking training is a comprehensive program designed to equip child welfare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively recognize, respond to, and combat human trafficking within the context of child welfare services. This training program is aimed at enhancing the capacity of child welfare agencies to protect vulnerable children and youth from falling victim to trafficking and to provide appropriate support and intervention when trafficking is suspected or confirmed. This training program is essential to help child welfare professionals protect vulnerable children and youth from exploitation and to ensure that those who have experienced trafficking receive the care and support they need for recovery and reintegration into society. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Recognizing Signs of Suicidality and Self-Harm is a crucial program designed to equip child welfare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and respond to signs of suicidality and self-harm in children and youth. This training aims to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children within the child welfare system. By addressing the objectives, we enhance the capacity of child welfare professionals to provide children and youth within the system with the necessary support, care, and protection. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Identifying & Helping Children with Sexually Reactive Behaviors training equips child welfare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and address sexually inappropriate behavior in children while safeguarding their well-being. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Domestic Violence training's primary goal is to equip child welfare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to effectively address and respond to cases involving domestic violence, with a focus on protecting the well-being and safety of children. It should encompass a comprehensive curriculum that educates child welfare professionals about the dynamics of domestic violence, its impact on children and families, and how to effectively intervene in such cases. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Autism training is designed to educate child welfare professionals about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and how they can better serve, and support children and families affected by autism within the child welfare system. The training may cover a range of topics, including understanding the characteristics of autism, effective communication strategies, and available resources and services. These objectives are designed to equip child welfare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective and supportive services to children with autism and their families while working within the child welfare system. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Mental Health Considerations provides a basic understanding of mental health disorders and conditions that commonly occur in childhood. Content is shared to illustrate that not all ‘survival’ behaviors or symptoms of grief are connected with mental health disorders. This training aims to empower child welfare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support children's mental health effectively and to ensure that they receive the necessary care and services. It emphasizes the importance of a holistic and compassionate approach to child welfare that takes into account the mental well-being of children under their care. Commonly administered psychotropic medications are described and information about how to obtain consistent, adequate, and appropriate access to mental health services is highlighted. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Impact of Substance Use is designed to provide child welfare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the critical issue of substance use and abuse within families and its profound impact on children. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address and mitigate the adverse effects of substance use and abuse in the context of child welfare services. And ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of children in these circumstances. Proposed Objectives are linked.
The Promoting Safe Driving Practices program is designed to equip child welfare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the safety of children and families during transportation and travel. It emphasizes the importance of safe driving practices, including proper child passenger safety measures, effective communication, and crisis management while on the road. Proposed Objectives are linked.
CPR and First Aid training is designed to equip child welfare professionals, including foster parents, case workers, and others involved in the child welfare system, with the necessary skills to respond effectively in emergency situations. The training provides instruction on life-saving techniques, such as CPR, as well as basic first aid procedures. CPR and First Aid training helps ensure that child welfare professionals are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies, ultimately safeguarding the welfare of the children in their care. Proposed Objectives are linked.
De-escalation Skills should be comprehensive and practical, designed to equip child welfare professionals with the knowledge and techniques required to effectively manage and defuse tense situations. Proposed Objectives are linked.
Questions may be directed to: Katie Lucas 515-244-0074 ext. 3 or [email protected].
Thank you for your interest!
