NICWA Training Institutes
“The training institute was the most welcoming and greatest training I’ve had. I was able to learn valuable information to take back to my tribe.”
Past institute attendees agree: NICWA’s training institutes are cost-effective professional development opportunities that help you remain current in your knowledge of the ever-changing field of child welfare. Join us for our upcoming training institutes. These interactive and energetic courses are taught by dynamic trainers who are experts in the field of Indian child welfare.
Attendees will receive CEUs with a certificate upon completion. We are currently hosting both in-person trainings in various locations across Indian Country and virtual trainings on Zoom. The instructor will implement instructional design created specifically for effective adult learning. Participants will experience large and small group learning, participate in facilitated discussion groups, and work through case-based exercises. This approach is made possible virtually by video conferencing which allows breakout groups and live chat sessions. For virtual training you will need a computer, internet access, speakers, and a microphone (or telephone) in order to access the virtual training.
Trainings are led by professionals with an extensive experience working with tribal communities. Participants will also enjoy the opportunity to network with other attendees from tribal, state, and national agencies located throughout the country. Contact training@nicwa.org for registration information.
June Training Institute
St. Paul, Minnesota
Positive Indian Parenting
Child Protection Teams in Indian Country
September Training Institute
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA
Cross-Cultural Skills in Indian Child Welfare
September Training Institute
Virtual
Positive Indian Parenting
January Training Institute
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA
Tribal Customary Adoption
April Training Institute
Seattle, Washington
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA
June 6–8, 2023
St. Paul, Minnesota
Positive Indian Parenting (Full)
Child Protection Teams in Indian Country
The training will be held at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront:
11 Kellogg Boulevard East
St. Paul, MN 55101
Reservations by phone: (651) 292-1900
Special event rate: $149 plus tax. When making reservations, individuals must refer to the “NICWA
Training Meeting- June 2023” room block to receive the discounted rate. Rates are guaranteed until May
9, 2023, or until sold out. After that date, the hotel will charge at the prevailing rate (if space allows). The
rate includes a standard fitness center, minifridge, and free WiFi. Valet Parking is available for a fee.
September 12–14, 2023
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Topics include:
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA
Cross-Cultural Skills in Indian Child Welfare
The training will be held at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel
1 N Broadway Avenue,
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Special event rate: $99 plus tax. When making reservations, individuals must refer to the “NICWA
Training Meeting” room block to receive the discounted rate. Rates are guaranteed until August 21, 2023,
or until sold out. After that date, the hotel will charge at the prevailing rate (if space allows). The rate
includes a 24-hour fitness center, swimming pool, and free WiFi. Self-parking is available for $10 a day.
September 18-21, 2023
Topics include:
Positive Indian Parenting
The training will be held virtually
January 9–12, 2024
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tentative Topics include:
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA
Tribal Customary Adoption
Registration Coming this fall
The training will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque:
201 Marquette Avenue Northwest
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Online Reservation link coming this fall
Reservations by phone: 505-247-3344
Special event rate: $129 plus tax. When making reservations, individuals must refer to the “NICWA
Training Meeting-Jan 2024” room block to receive the discounted rate. Rates are guaranteed until
December 9, 2023, or until sold out. After that date, the hotel will charge at the prevailing rate (if space
allows). The rate includes a fitness center, free wifi, and airport shuttle service (based on availability and
on a first come first serve basis). Self-parking is currently available for $17 per day.
April 10–12, 2024
Seattle, Washington
Tentative Topics include:
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA
Registration Coming this late fall
The training will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport:
18740 International Boulevard
Seattle, Washington, 98188
Online Reservation link coming late fall
Reservations by phone: 206-246-8600
Special event rate: $169 plus tax. When making reservations, individuals must refer to the “NICWA
Conference” room block to receive the discounted rate. Rates are guaranteed until March 15, 2024, or
until sold out. After that date, the hotel will charge at the prevailing rate (if space allows). The rate
includes a fitness center, complimentary wireless internet, and airport shuttle service (based on
availability and on a first come first serve basis). Self-parking is currently available at a rate of $35 per
day.
Institute Descriptions & Training Objectives
Enhancing Basic Skills for Tribal/First Nations Child Welfare Workers
This training is geared toward tribal/first nations child welfare workers who want to improve on their basic skills. The training will strengthen the workers’ capacity to work with children and families by developing effective interviewing skills, assessment, service planning, case planning, and service coordination. Participants will learn the essential elements for successfully working with substance-abusing families in child welfare. Following these core practice skills, the participants will learn about writing effective court reports; the basic values, principles, and standards for child and family-centered practices; and case records and documentation.
Enhancing Basic Skills for Tribal/First Nations Child Welfare Workers Objectives
Enhancing Basic Skills for Tribal//First Nations Child Welfare Workers Agenda (example)
Understanding ICWA
This three-day training provides participants with information about the basic legal requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) and the practice issues involved with ICWA’s implementation. A brief history of U.S. Indian policy as it relates to Indian children and families sets the stage for an examination of the specific provisions of ICWA and practice tips for both tribal and state social workers. Participants will also learn how to successfully integrate other federal and state policies with ICWA—such as the Adoption and Safe Families Act—and support developing tribal and state agreements and other systems changes. This training includes information about the recent Bureau of Indian Affairs ICWA regulations and guidelines.
Understanding ICWA Training Objectives
Understanding ICWA Training Agenda (example)
Positive Indian Parenting
Our most popular training, Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) prepares tribal and non-tribal child welfare personnel to train American Indian and Alaska Native parents using a culturally specific approach. The materials presented during this training draw on the strengths of historic Indian child-rearing practices and blend traditional values with contemporary skills. Storytelling, cradleboards, harmony, lessons of nature, behavior management, and the use of praise are discussed.
PIP Training Objectives
PIP In-Person Training Agenda (example)
In-Home Services
This three-day training about tribal in-home services from a system of care strengths-based perspective is a set of family-centered services designed to keep families together. These services help families to improve their functionality and strengthen family values for vulnerable populations. Some topics include family preservation, family services, family support, prevention, and helping families access services. Family preservation services are based on the principle that the greatest priority for the protection of Native children is to strengthen Native families.
In-Home Services Objectives
In-Home Services Agenda (example)
Child Protection Teams in Indian Country
For centuries Native communities have known the value of interdependence and working together to provide child protection to the most vulnerable citizens. This three-day training provides participants with information about how effective collaboration builds greater support systems for children and families at risk for or currently involved in the child welfare system. When programs work together, wrapping their outreach and services around the family, there is an increase in prevention and opportunity for reunification. Participants will learn about the history of child protection and strategies in developing policies and procedures for a child protection team (CPT) or multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in their community.
Child Protection Teams in Indian Country Objective
Child Protection Teams in Indian Country Agenda (example)
Tribal Customary Adoption
This two-day training covers judicial processes for the recognition and certification of customary law regarding the adoption of children. It sets out a culturally-based framework for conducting formal adoptions without the termination of parental rights. The Tribal Customary Adoption training is based on tribal customs and values that can be used by tribes to accomplish culturally-appropriate permanency for children in tribal child welfare programs.
Tribal Customary Adoption Objectives
Tribal Customary Adoption Agenda (example)
Cross-Cultural Skills in Indian Child Welfare
Working effectively with Native youth and families in American Indian/Alaska Native child welfare requires knowledge and information on the diverse cultural nuances and history of tribal communities. Each tribe is diverse in nature, but there are common parallels shared among tribal cultures. Utilizing NICWA’s Relational Worldview Model as a framework, this training will provide guidance on how to build cross-cultural skills and implement culturally responsive services to connect with tribal communities you serve.
Cross-Cultural Skills in Indian Child Welfare Objectives
Cross-Cultural Skills in Indian Child Welfare Agenda (example)
Qualified Expert Witness
This three-day training prepares participants with information about the basic legal requirements of ICWA and will train participants on how to provide qualified expert witness testimony in ICWA cases as well as the practice issues involved.
Qualified Expert Witness Objectives
Qualified Expert Witness Agenda (example)
Working With Substance-Abusing Families
This multi-day training provides an overview of working with substance-abusing families from both direct service and systems collaboration points of view. Parental substance use disorders are a factor in many child welfare cases. The trainer will discuss how to deal with this issue and how systems collaboration can make successful outcomes possible. A collaborative model that engages child welfare, the courts, and behavioral health providers will be discussed. Participants will learn five essential roles for working with substance-abusing families and how their work can be accomplished through partnering on the parent’s recovery.
Working With Substance-Abusing Families Objectives
Working With Substance-Abusing Families Agenda (example)
Additional Information
Please note for all trainings that if registration does not meet the minimum number, the training may be cancelled and registration will be refunded.
Registration fees cover workshop sessions, all materials, and CEUs accredited by the National Association of Social Workers-Washington State.
