Health and Human Services Professionals

Strength-Based (Trauma Informed) Leadership Programs (SBTILP) uses an award-winning three (3) step (hierarchical) model to bring positive transformation to children, youth, teens, families, and professionals. Two examples of programs are Teen Leadership and Conflict Resolution Theater. The highly Interactive programs and keynotes have pioneered using evidenced-based practices; the arts (visual, culinary, performing), games, exercises, discussion, writing, sociometry, role-plays and interactive musicals to engage. 

Happy to discuss the compassionate practices, strategies, and program design that brings positive outcomes to community programs leading to positive transformation.

Here is a link to a wonderful letter written about the impact of the Strength-Based (Trauma Informed) Leadership Programs (SBTILP)

When working with individuals from neighborhoods with high levels of violence or chronic stress, it is often easy for educators and professionals to compile a list of what is wrong with youth. Whether it is family disorganization, unstable housing, drug use, a criminal history, or a myriad of other problems, students who walk through the doors of our schools and organizations often have multiple obstacles to their success.

The Hopeworks Youth Healing Team workshop will discuss ACEs and how adverse childhood experiences can affect one's life trajectory. It also covers how to use a trauma-informed framework to change the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and uses that perspective change to review different ways to engage students with significant trauma histories that have proven to be much more effective than the traditional interventions that may currently be in use.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the impact of ACEs on a person's life trajectory
• Use tools to successful work with individuals who have experienced trauma, including safety plans, self care plans, and "huddle" (Community meeting)

The continuing education section of the NCTSN Learning Center provides free access to NCTSN experts and up-to-date, science-based information in the areas of assessment, treatment and services, training, research and evaluation, and organizational and systems change for traumatized children, adolescents, and their families. 

The Behavioral Health Training and Education Network (BHTEN), funded by the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbilities through the Consumer Satisfaction Team, Inc., offers a myriad of courses related to trauma, ACEs, and resilience. Please see their website for a list of their training options.

Specifically focused on Child Welfare Professionals and Attorneys, the Center for Excellence in Advocacy (CEA) believes that every child deserves a strong advocate. Though education, professional development, and systemic advocacy we work to improve the outcomes of children and families, especially those involved in the child welfare system, by improving the practice of those who work with them. CEA offers trainings related to child advocacy, trauma and resilience, and advanced advocacy strategies for youth with educational, behavioral health, and medical needs. Continuing Education Units for licensed Social Workers, MFT’s, and LPC’s and Continuing Legal Education for Attorneys

The Certificate in Childhood Trauma Studies is an inter-disciplinary/inter-professional training program that aims to develop competent trauma-informed service providers who have the knowledge and skills to work effectively with children and families impacted by childhood adversity.  

Multiplying Connections, an initiative of the Health Federation of Philadelphia (HFP), provides training, consultation, and coaching to organizations and systems working to integrate a trauma informed approach to care. They provide an array of courses designed to build awareness, skills and competencies for trauma informed care. Their portfolio includes workshops for  different levels of professionals within an organization including direct service providers, program directors and supervisors. Courses focus both on hands-on application of trauma informed techniques and strategies to change practices and policies in organizations and systems to better reflect trauma-informed principles.

Lakeside Global Institute offers a wide range of educational courses to provide ongoing professional development for professionals who work in some capacity with children and/or parents. The Trauma Series involves a total of 30 sessions, split among three levels which build on each other: Enhancing Trauma Awareness (6 sessions), Deepening Trauma Awareness (12 sessions), and Applying Trauma Principles (12 sessions). 

This manual contains three documents to support programs, organizations, and/or systems of care in developing and implementing strategies to thoroughly incorporate, in all aspects of service delivery, an understanding of the prevalence and impact of trauma and the complex paths to healing and recovery. Documents included are a: Self-Assessment and Planning Protocol, Services Implementation Plan, and Program Self-Assessment Scale.