The MCEDV Advanced OCFS Domestic Abuse & Violence Training curriculum was developed to give experienced staff within OCFS the opportunity to critically examine the public health issue of domestic abuse and violence as it presents in their day-to-day work. More broadly, this advanced curriculum is designed to challenge trainees to consider the wider societal and cultural context that supports and encourages violence in intimate partner relationships. The curriculum is designed to build on itself throughout the full 12 hours, and trainees must take the modules in sequential order. This training is not conducted in a live classroom and is not recorded.

(Note: this curriculum meets the following requirements from L.D. 1238 (126th Legis. 2013): "12 hours of coursework in family or intimate partner violence (IPV), including coursework in spousal or partner abuse that addresses screening, referral and intervention strategies, including knowledge of community resources, cultural factors, evidence-based risk assessment and same-gender abuse dynamics.")

Parts A and B of Module 2 are designed to broaden caseworkers' understanding of global topics like oppression and the impact of culture, and to equip caseworkers to better recognize the way these concepts intersect within the wider child welfare system and their day-to-day work. This module is arranged intentionally to analyze these concepts at the macro level by providing trainees with the opportunity and space to pause and consider ways the child welfare system can better achieve its mission of keeping children safe and helping them to thrive. Combined learning objectives for Parts A & B of Module 2 include:

Explain the connection between different forms of oppression and how varying oppressions can create barriers to survivor safety

Define intersectionality and horizontal hostility

Consider particular barriers substance use disorder, mental health issues, and poverty create for survivors

Critically examine systemic oppression and consider ways to address that within child welfare

Define confirmation bias and examine how it presents in child welfare-related work

Explore concepts of gender and gender roles at the global level

Explore the role and impact of culture and what it means to strive for cultural competency

Critically examine systemic oppression and consider ways to address that within child welfare