This training is part of the Kin-first Academy and is designed for family finding staff who are committed to promoting permanency and kin-first practice. Through a combination of interactive lectures, experiential and reflective exercises, participants will gain practical insights and strategies from implementing kin-first cultural practices in their role as family finding and engagement experts. Gathering information about relatives and engaging a youth's greater network of kin is imperative at first contact with the child and family. Participants will learn the importance of creating a mindset shift about families to shift their engagement practice with families, thereby yielding better outcomes that align with a kin-first approach. It is strongly recommended that you complete the Kin-first Academy: Foundation, Values and Impact course before taking this class.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Recognize and practice the four core skills in Motivational Interviewing; Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries (OARS) to elevate communication skills.
- Apply family engagement strategies with trauma-responsive approach.
- Understand the trust building process and learn tools to engage with families by responding to their needs in a supportive and cooperative relationship.
- Acknowledge current strengths and biases in cultural responsiveness and jump-start the development of new skills and understanding.
- Analyze and assess current family engagement skills and strategies and create a plan for professional growth.