DCF Interns – Engaging Families Class

During this training a number of different approaches to understanding and engaging families are explored in the context of conducting purposeful visits in child protection services.  The role that family centered practice plays in assessing and working with families is reviewed via lecture and small group activities covering topics of cultural competence/humility, genograms, culturagrams and person-in-environment assessment.  Solution focused questions are reviewed and participants apply them to CPS scenarios.  The importance of awareness of self and others is emphasized as part of a discussion on working through barriers and resistance.  Techniques for interviewing children are reviewed.  Engaging fathers and assessing for maternal gatekeeping without invalidating the protective role of a mother is discussed and practiced during role play.  Expectations regarding minimum contact standards and utilization of supervision are also reviewed.  

Enrollment in this class is limited to interns currently placed in a DCF office or facility