The Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) is a cooperative project between the Department of Health & Human Services' (DHHS) Office of Child & Family Services - Child Welfare Services, and the Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine.
Established in 1989, the mission of CWTI is to enhance the professional development and organizational effectiveness of state and community child welfare providers and caregivers in order to improve the quality of services delivered to the children and families of Maine.
Activities include a wide range of training and educational outreach programs, organizational development activities, policy analysis and development, strategic planning, and the creation of customized training and informational systems.
Our programs are offered to OFCS-CWS (Office of Child and Family Services - Child Welfare Services) child welfare staff, all foster and adoptive parents, and OFCS-CWS contracted agencies.
295 Water Street Augusta, Maine 04330
(207) 626-5200 ∙ 866-354-0084 (toll-free)
(207) 626-5282 (TTY) ∙ (207) 626-5088 (Fax)
www.cwti.org
To View class location and date information, click on the program title
Important Information
Registration Forms
To effectively process your application, please use the on-line registration system on the Staff Education and Training Unit website. At the SETU website, www.maine.gov/dhs/setu/setu.htm, click on “ On-line Registration Form”. Please be sure to include the “Program Title”, “ID#”, and “Location”.
For foster and adoptive parents, where you are asked to add information such as supervisor name, supervisor phone number and approval date, just put the letter "x' in each of those fields. If you get an error message because something was left off the registration form, just click on the back button/arrow and all your information will be there. Clicking the back button/arrow will also allow you to register for multiple programs because the only information you will have to change is the title, date, code number and location of the program." If you need additional information about registration, please call the Staff Education Training Unit (SETU) at (207) 287-9355.
Registration Confirmation and Denials
Once you have registered on-line, or by mail or fax, you may visit the SETU website, www.maine.gov/dhs/setu/setu.htm to learn whether you have been accepted into the program or whether you are on a “waiting list”. You will be notified prior to the program if your registration has been accepted. You will not receive a denial notification if a course is full.
No Show Policy
We continue to experience a significant problem with people who register for and are confirmed for training programs, but who do not attend or call to cancel. If registrants ‘no show’ or fail to cancel out of any two CWTI-sponsored training programs, they will not be eligible to register for/attend any CWTI-sponsored training in the following year. If you cannot attend a program for which you are registered, contact SETU at (207) 287-9355 or email at dhs.setu@maine.gov.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If severe weather is predicted, SETU will make every effort to notify scheduled participants of the cancellation and/or rescheduled date. SETU cannot be responsible for notifying you if you have not registered for a program that ends up getting canceled. If you have questions about whether or not a program will run, please contact SETU at (207) 287-9355.
Cancellations Due to Low Enrollment
In the event of low enrollment, SETU/CWTI may reschedule a training date and/or site. Only those registered for the program will be notified. SETU/CWTI cannot be responsible for travel or other costs associated with un-registered participants.
Foster/Adoptive Parent Reimbursement For Training Related Expenses
The training programs in this catalog are free (no registration fee) to adoptive and foster parents, non-profit agencies, and DHHS staff.Mileage for training will be reimbursed to foster and adoptive parents at the state rate (currently $0.36 per mile). Foster parents working with private agencies must submit reimbursement requests directly to their agency.Childcare costs, up to a maximum of $6.50 per hour, will be reimbursed to adoptive parents receiving adoption subsidy, and to DHHS foster parents. A signed receipt from a childcare provider with the date, hours and hourly rate, as well as the childcare providers social security number, must be submitted to receive reimbursement. Foster parents working with private agencies must submit reimbursement requests directly to their agency.Reimbursement requests for mileage and childcare must be submitted on University of Maine System Travel Expense Vouchers provided at the program. Submit to Attn: AFFT In-Service, CWTI, 295 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Expense vouchers must be submitted within 30 days of the training. Expense vouchers received after this time will not be honored. Foster parents working with private agencies must submit reimbursement requests directly to their agency.
Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required for all training-related expenses exceeding $100.00. Some training-related expenses require prior approval from DHHS Office of Child and Family Services (OCSF) staff before reimbursement can be made. Approval must be obtained via the “District Allocation and Authorization Form for Foster and Adoptive Parents Training” (Contact Jeannine Bouchard, JBouchard@usm.maine.edu or 626-5278 if you need a copy of the form). The District Allocation Form should be used in the following circumstances:
- If there is a registration fee If total training-related expenses exceed $100.00 If the parent is requesting reimbursement for more than one childcare provider
- If the parent is requesting reimbursement for overnight lodging/meal(s) expenses
Special Needs/Accommodations
If you need any special services, assistance or accommodations to participate fully in these programs, please be sure to specify the need on the registration form.
Refreshments
For daylong programs we will offer coffee, tea, and muffins whenever possible. Lunch is not provided, and some workshops may ask that you bring your own and work through the lunch hour. For half day and evening programs we will offer beverages whenever possible.
About the Presenters
CWTI Adoptive and Foster Family Educators and Training Specialists present these workshops; CWTI staffs have many combined years of training, child welfare, and parenting experiences.
Continuing Education Units
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are recorded for participants who are formally registered and who complete at least 80% of the program. One CEU is equal to 10 class hours. CEUs are a nationally recognized unit of measurement for in-service training. EACH PARTICIPANT SHOULD MAINTAIN A PERSONAL RECORD OF TRAINING COMPLETED.
Staff Education and Training Unit (SETU)
442 Civic Center Drive, SHS 11
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
(207) 287-9355 · (207) 287-9351 Fax
(207) 287-9234 TTY · 888-720-1925 Toll Free (deaf/hard of hearing)
Website: www.maine.gov/dhhs/setu/setu.htm
E-mail: dhs.setu@maine.gov
District Allocation Process, Authorization Form, Worksheet
The District Allocation and Authorization Form is a two-page document that is filled out by the foster/adoptive parent, or in some circumstances by a caseworker/MCF Regional Coordinator involved with the family, prior to particular training events.
A District Allocation and Authorization Form must be filled out and processed for each training event in the following circumstances:
a) If there is a registration fee for training, and the foster/adoptive parent wants to have that fee paid or reimbursed by BCFS, then the Program Administrator in that parent's District must authorize the use of District Allocation Account Funds.b) If the total anticipated expenses for the training exceed $100 the foster/adoptive parent must get a caseworker/MCF Regional Coordinator and Licensing/Adoption/MCF Supervisor's authorization.
c) If a foster/adoptive parent must use more than one childcare provider, the parent must get a caseworker/MCF Regional Coordinator and Licensing/Adoption/MCF Supervisor's authorization before attending the training. If child care expenses, added to other training-related expenses such as mileage, equal $100 or more, then the parent would need to get authorization as noted in circumstance (b) above.
d) When a foster/adoptive parent's situation requires overnight lodging/meals, the parent must get a Licensing/Adoption/MCF Supervisor's authorization.If the circumstances listed above do not apply, then no District Allocation and Authorization Form needs to be filled out or processed. There is a worksheet on this website that can assist foster/adoptive parents to anticipate what their expenses would be to attend a particular training. Each section on the worksheet helps a parent arrive at the estimated totals, and helps the parent to decide whether he/she would qualify for reimbursement in that area. The totals from the worksheet would then be written on the front of the form, and this information would be passed through the appropriate staff within the foster/adoptive parent's local District office for approvals.
Once the foster/adoptive parent has received the appropriate signatures, the form should be sent to Attn: AFFT In-Service, CWTI, 295 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330. When foster/adoptive parents attend training sponsored by CWTI, they will be provided with University of Maine System Travel Expense Voucher forms at the training site. It is on these expense vouchers that foster/adoptive parents submit their actual training-related expenses (mileage, child care, registration fees, and if applicable, lodging/meals expenses) with receipts. When the expense voucher is received at CWTI, it is matched up with the District Allocation and Authorization Form and the paperwork is processed. If the necessary approvals via the District Allocation and Authorization Form have not been obtained, this delays reimbursement, and in some cases, could mean that unauthorized expenses cannot be reimbursed.
PDF VERSION of the District Allocation Form
Word Version of the District Allocation Form
Core Trainings
The Child Welfare Training Institute's Core Training Program seeks to train OCFS staff and foster parents in some of the most critical issues facing families involved in the Child Welfare system. Information delivered through training will allow caseworkers and other Child Welfare Professionals to accurately assess and intervene in difficult client families. These training sessions are mandatory for all casework staff within their first two years of completing CWTI Pre-service training and are open to all staff and foster parents. Priority is given to caseworkers who have recently completed CWTI's Pre-Service training and have not yet had formal training in these subjects. Historically seven courses have been offered: Losses, Moves and Attachment; Batterer's Intervention and Domestic Violence; Dynamics of Sexual Abuse; Dynamics of Substance Abuse; Medical Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect; Trauma and Childhood; and Documentation and Writing Skills. Other courses are added to or replace the original seven as OCFS and CWTI identify emerging critical issues; Current Best Practices in Mental Health and Adverse Childhood Experience are two such programs. The CWTI Core Training Programs for the coming year are:
Adverse Childhood Experience: Trauma, Traumatic Effects of Separation and Placement
Childhood abuse and neglect, growing up in a home with substance abuse, mental illness, parental loss, crime, or where domestic violence is present, are all examples of Adverse Childhood Experiences. This workshop will provide the causes and effects of adverse childhood experiences and what can be done to foster the well being of this at risk population.
ID: CW203
Presenter:Eileen Fair
Date: April 4,2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Maine Principal's Association
CEU: .6
Human connectedness-Lighting the fire of Urgency
This training will highlight the need to focus on the "urgency of permanency" and values of Family Finding practice. Participants will gain knowledge and skills in the use of such tools as public data base searches, engagement and planning practices to involve fathers and other relatives in decision making and planning for the future safety, well-being and permanency of children in foster care.
ID: CW205
Presenter:Eileen Fair
Date: November 28, 2007
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Florian Hall, Commerce Center Drive, Augusta
CEU: .6
Medical Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect
Dr. Ricci, Medical Director of the Spurwink Child Abuse Clinic in Portland, will lead this full-day workshop, which will describe and examine the medical indicators of child physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Dr. Ricci will also provide information to help caseworkers understand when to seek further medical evaluations and tests, and how to give meaning to information obtained, in light of what we know about the dynamics of child abuse and neglect.
ID: CW201
Presenter: Dr. Larry Ricci
Date: March 14,2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Florian Hall
CEU: .6
Psychotropic Medication in Children and Adolescents
This workshop will explore the current various types of medication children are prescribed, as well as their effectiveness. Participants will gain a better understanding of the usages of psychotropic, antidepressant, and stimulant medications, as well as the possible side effects, and long-term consequences of use. The overall goal of this workshop is to share best practices and treatment methods of the mental health profession with the child welfare profession.
ID: CW202
Presenter: Lindsey Tweed
Date:
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Florian Hall
CEU: .6
Documentation Skills for Foster Parents
One of the challenges facing all foster parents is knowing when, how and what to document regarding the children in their care. This introductory training focuses on the essential content of foster parents’ notes and records. While a variety of forms are shown, emphasis at this training is on the content, not the format, of documentation. This is an interactive, hands-on workshop at which participants will have an opportunity to review a variety of documentation styles and practice documentation skills in small groups. This workshop is appropriate for all foster parents and may be particularly useful to those foster parents who find keeping those journals and records to be a challenge.
ID: CW206
Presenter: Gloria Banach
Date: October 23, 2007
Time: 9:00am-4:00pmLocation: Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, 116 Main Street
CEU: .6
ID: CW207
Presenter: Doreen Allen
Date: January 5, 2008 , Saturday, (Snow date January 19, 2008)
Time: 9:00am-4:00pmLocation: Muskie Education Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 11, Augusta
CEU: .6
ID: CW229
Presenter: Bonnie Lovett
Date: February 28, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, 116 Main St, Presque Isle
CEU: .6
Explosive Children: Introduction to Collaborative Problem-Solving
This workshop is about helping inflexible, easily frustrated children and their parents think and interact more adaptively. Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS) is a model presented by Ross W. Greene, Ph.D. in his book The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children. Participants will be introduced to a way of responding to a child’s behaviors that takes away blame and shame and results in fewer meltdowns.
ID: CW208
Presenter: Carol Brocker
Date: October 22, 2007
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Location: DHHS Biddeford, 208 Gramah Street
CEU: .3
ID: CW209
Presenter: Lisa Lower
Date: November 13,2007
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Location: DHHS Rockland, 91 Camden Street
CEU: .3
ID: CW210
Presenter: Bonnie Lovett
Date: October 30 2007
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Cancelled
Location:University College at East Millinocket, Katahdin Region Higher Education Center, 1 Dirigo Drive, Suite 1
CEU: .3
ID: CW211
Presenter: Lisa Lower
Date: November 8,2007
Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Location: DHHS Ellsworth, Aspire Room 17 Eastward Lane
CEU: .3
ID: CW228
Presenter: Bonnie Lovett
Date: February 23, 2007
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00Pm
Location: University College, 201 Texas Avenue, Bangor
CEU: .3
Grief and Loss Issues For Children In Care and The Families That Care For Them
Bearing witness to the grief and loss many children in foster care experience can be tremendously emotional for caregivers. We all want to help children through the process as they learn to cope with the difficult changes going on in their lives. This training is designed to help participants understand the complexity of grief experienced by children in foster care, while working through the impact of their own losses. Participants will learn techniques to help children manage their behaviors and emotions through the process as well as the importance of talking to children and validating their feelings
ID: CW 212
Presenter: Gloria Banach
Date: Tuesday, Wednesday,January 23 & Thursday, January 24, 2008
This is a change of date
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Skowhegan DHHS, 98 North Avenue, Suite 10
CEU: .6
Parenting Physically Aggressive Children & Youth
This six-hour training is intended for experienced foster and adoptive parents who are challenged by children with angry, explosive, and aggressive behaviors. The day focuses on specific strategies and skill-building exercises designed to help parents make a plan to respond to aggression, to recognize escalation and prevent explosive outbursts, and to know when additional help might be needed. Other areas addressed include the need for self-care and crisis plans.
ID: CW 213
Presenter: Annette Wilson
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2008
Time: 9:00 - 4:00
Location: DHHS Lewiston, 200 Main St
CEU: .6
ID: CW 230
Presenter: Bonnie Lovett
Date: Thursday, February 21, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, 116 Main St, Presque Isle
CEU: .6
ID: CW 231
Presenter: Jean Bunnell
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: DHHS Portland, 161 Marginal Way, Conference Rms C&D
CEU: .6
Recognizing and Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
FASD is a term describing a range of affects that can occur when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. Children with FASD can experience facial deformities, growth deficits, mental retardation, attention and memory problems, poor coordination and learning disabilities. In this workshop, learn the current terms used to describe this condition and identifying characteristics to look for. Learn how alcohol affects brain development. Hear why it is sometimes difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Learn interventions that can be implemented at home that build on your child’s strengths. This workshop will also more fully explore day-to-day living with a child/youth with FASD. Challenges arising from expectations from school, work, family and peers and other social relationships are explored. Strength-based interventions are identified. Activities such as reviewing case studies, receiving advice from a panel of parents raising children with FASD and/or use of a video of parents are included. Learn how to advocate for your child, what resources are available, and how to sustain yourself and other family member
ID: CW214
Presenter: Bonnie Lovett
Date: Friday, October 26, 2007
Time: 9:00am-4 p.m.
Location: The Alfond Youth Center, Board Room, 126 North Street, Waterville
CEU: .6
ID: CW232
Presenter: Bonnie Lovett
Date: February 12, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4 p.m.
Location: Former BDS office, 169 Lancaster St, Portland, Large Conference Rm
CEU: .6
Resiliency in Foster Care: Can Our Kids "Bounce Back"
This six-hour training will look at the factors that put children at risk for significant challenges in their future, and more importantly, will examine why some children, despite those risk factors, succeed. In addition, we will explore techniques that foster and adoptive parents can use to help children from adverse backgrounds overcome those risk factors and become successful, independent adults. We will look at extensive research done over many years around the world to find out what works! This is a hands-on training with lots of activities and small group work – each participant will be practicing some of the techniques to see which ones might work within their family. It is designed to remind us, as parents, that we do make a difference each and every day.
ID: CW 215
Presenter: Annette Wilson
Date: Saturday, October 20, 2007
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Portland DHHS, 161 Marginal Way
CEU: .6
Supporting the Work of Reunification
Reunification of children with their families or origin whenever possible is the primary mandate of DHHS. Through lecture, case studies, role-plays and discussion, the role of the foster parent in the reunification process will be explored. Expectations will be examined from the points of view of the foster parent, birth parent, and foster and birth child(ren). The role of the foster parent during visitation and Family Team Meetings (FTM) will be explored.
ID: CW 233
Presenter: Jean Bunnell
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: DHHS Lewiston, 200 Main St Conference Rm D
CEU: .6
ID: CW 234
Presenter: Bonnie Lovett
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: University of Maine at Presque Isle, Allagash Rm, 181 Main St, Presque Isle
CEU: .6
ID: CW 235
Presenter: Annette Wilson
Date: Friday, April 4, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location:DHHS Rockland, 91 Camden St, conference Rms D&E
CEU: .6
ID: CW 236
CANCELLED
Presenter: Doreen Allen
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location:DHHS Sanford, Conference Rms A&B
CEU: .6
ID: CW 237
Presenter: Lisa Lower
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: University College, 201 Texas Avenue, Bangor
CEU: .6
ID: CW 238
Presenter: Lisa Lower
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: DHHS Ellsworth, 17 Eastward Lane
CEU: .6
ID: CW 239
CANCELLED
Presenter: Gloria Banach
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Machias Savings Bank, 4 Center St
CEU: .6
Transitioning from Foster Care to Adoption: A Life-Long Journey
Approximately 80 percent of foster children in Maine are adopted by their foster parents. So, while many foster parents initially feel adoption is not within their life plan, many will change their minds. Additionally, many foster parents feel that since the child has already been living with them, the transition to adoption will be seamless. As many adoptive parents can attest, this is not the case. This workshop is designed to help prepare participants for the new rewards and challenges of being an adoptive parent as well as providing the necessary tools to effectively support family members through this transition.
ID: CW 216
Presenter: Bonnie Lovett
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2007
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Machias Savings Bank, Community Center, 4 Center Street
CEU: .6
ID: CW 240
Presenter: Gloria Banach
Date: March 20th & March 27, 2008
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Location: DHHS Skowhegan, 98 North Avenue, Suite 10
* THIS SIX-HOUR CLASS IS COVERED OVER TWO EVENINGS. YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH EVENINGS TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE.
Working with Children Exhibiting Sexual Behavior Problems
Sexual behaviors that are not expected or considered part of the normal development of children cannot necessarily be considered abusive. This workshop will provide participants with information to help caregivers look at sexuality and sexual behaviors along a continuum to learn which behaviors are of concern and which warrant immediate intervention and treatment. Participants will have opportunities to explore their own attitudes and beliefs and learn specific strategies for helping children learn how to understand their sexuality and how to deal with their sexual behaviors in ways that are socially acceptable, healthy and safe. Participants will learn how to speak to children about sensitive sexual topics or behaviors and create safety plans for the home, school and community while maintaining the child’s right to confidentiality.
* THIS TWELVE-HOUR CLASS IS COVERED OVER TWO DATES. YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH CLASSES TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE.
ID: CW 241
Presenter: Annette Wilson & Lisa Lower
Date: Saturday, May 10 & Saturday , May 17, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: DHHS Lewiston, 200 Main St, Conference Rm D
CEU: 1.2
ID: CW 242
Presenter: Doreen Allen & Gloria Banach
Date: June 4&5, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: DHHS Biddeford, 208 Graham St, Conference Rms A&B
CEU: 1.2
ID: CW 243
CANCELLED
Presenter: Annette Wilson & Jean Bunnell
Date: Saturday June 14th & Saturday, June 28th, 2008
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: DHHS Rockland, 91 Camden St, Suite 103 Conference Rms A&B
CEU: 1.2
ID: CW 244
Presenter: Gloria Banach & Lisa Lower
Date: June 24&June25th
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: University College 201 Texas Avenue, Bangor
CEU: 1.2
