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.”
About NICWA Training Institutes
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
January 28-30, 2025
Scottsdale, Arizona
Positive Indian Parenting
Cross Cultural Skills
Tribal Customary Adoption
April Training Institute
April 2-4, 2025
Orlando, Florida
Positive Indian Parenting
Understanding ICWA
Institute Descriptions & Training Objectives
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)
Establishing Positive Indian Parenting In Your Community
This one-day supplement to our most popular training, Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) was developed for tribal and non-tribal child welfare or tribal social services personnel who will lead efforts in establishing PIP in their community and work to support trainers to assist in successful implementation in their community. While our three-day Positive Indian Parenting course will prepare attendees to train the curriculum, this one-day class is perfect for supervisors, administrative teams and logistical supporters of the PIP trainers. Topics covered will include securing funding, organizing a training, supporting trainers and how to approach common issues.
Establishing Positive Indian Parenting In Your Community Objectives
Establishing Positive Indian Parenting In Your Community 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)
Foundations of Tribal Child Welfare Casework Practice
This training is designed for tribal and First Nations child welfare workers, front line workers, and newer supervisors who are looking to increase their practical skills on the basics of tribal child welfare.. The training focuses on the day-to-day duties of tribal child welfare, covering topics covered such as engaging and assessing families using the relational world view model, best practices for court preparation including writing reports and providing testimony, children and family engagement, utilizing supervision for success in serving families, and basic case management unique to tribal workers.
Foundations of Tribal Child Welfare Casework Practice Objectives
Foundations of Tribal Child Welfare Casework Practice 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.