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.

 

January Training Institute

March Training Institute

April Training Institute

January 9–11, 2024

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tentative Topics include:
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA
Tribal Customary Adoption

Register Here

The training will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque:
201 Marquette Avenue Northwest
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102

Online hotel reservations
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.

March 4-7, 2024

Topics include:
Positive Indian Parenting

Add to waitlist.

The training will be held virtually

April 10–12, 2024

Seattle, Washington

Tentative Topics include:
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA

Register Here

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.

June 4–6, 2024

Portland, Oregon

Tentative Topics include:
Positive Indian Parenting
Qualified Expert Witness
Child Protection Teams in Indian Country

Register Here

The training will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
319 SW Pine St.
Portland, OR 97204

Online Hotel Reservations

We have a room block reserved at Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown for June 3, 2024 through June 7, 2024. Booking your room is simple, just select “Book a Room” to receive your group’s preferred rate of $179/night plus tax. Book before May 5th to receive the discounted rate. Please note, the rate will display with additional 3% Portland tourism Improvement District fee when you click the link, estimated taxes will be displayed after.

All attendees that reserve rooms in the group block will receive complimentary guestroom wireless internet access. A code will be provided upon check-in.

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)

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.

For in person trainings participants are responsible for the additional cost of all other meals, lodging, and travel.