Training

Our team is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of tribal youth and families across Washington state by ensuring the effective implementation of culturally responsive practices and adhering to state and federal ICWA laws. OTR collaborates with Washington state tribes to provide access to training and resources in partnership with state entities. Training and professional development are essential for building capacity within tribal communities.

The Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) training prepares tribal and non-tribal child welfare personnel to train Native parents using a culturally specific approach. Developed by the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), this culturally based training is grounded in traditional Native teachings about child rearing.

DCYF is offering PIP Train-the-Trainer trainings at no cost. Trainings are designed to prepare facilitators to educate and support Native parents using a culturally specific approach. This culturally based training program provides a manual that contains instructional materials for eight sessions, each grounded in traditional Native teachings about child rearing. 

Download our Training Flyer for more information. 

Jan. 13-16, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Virtual Training

  • Last day to register is Dec. 20, 2024, to ensure training materials are mailed to you in time.
  • Training space limited to the first 24 registrants.
  • Complete the Registration Form to secure your spot. 

March 3-6, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Virtual Training

  • Last day to register is Feb. 7, 2024, to ensure training materials are mailed to you in time.
  • Training space limited to the first 24 registrants. 
  • Complete the Registration Form to secure your spot. 

May 20-22, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In-Person Training

  • Address: Puyallup Tribal Health Spirit House: 2009 E. 32nd St. Tacoma, WA 98404
  • Last day to register is April 28, 2024. Training materials will be provided at the venue.
  • Training space limited to the first 32 registrants.
  • Complete the Registration Form to secure your spot.  

Additional Details:

  • Registration preference will be given to Tribes, Native Serving Organizations, and Recognized American Indian Organizations in WA State and to the first two registrants per Tribe or Organization.
  • CEU credits will be available for all three of these training courses. 
  • Each participant that completes the training will receive a certificate of completion.
  • Participants must sign in for each day/session of the training to complete the training. 
  • This training will require active participation. All virtual attendees will need to have their microphone and camera in working condition. All attendees will be practicing curriculum facilitation skills which will include session presentations on curriculum learned throughout the training. 

If you have questions, or require an alternate format for this information, need language interpretation services, or need another accommodation or modification to participate in this event, please contact Shannel.Squally-Janzen@dcyf.wa.gov.

This 2-day virtual training is intended to give participants the information they need to provide Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) testimony in DCYF Indian Child Welfare cases. The training provides an overview of the history and impacts of colonization on Native American and Alaska Native children and families that led to the passage of the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), an introduction to federal and state ICWA policy, an overview of DCYF dependency cases, and a detailed look at QEW purpose, qualifications, and procedures. Participants will review two precedent-setting cases for Washington state and understand how QEW testimony can impact court cases. This training is comprised of 9.5 hours of group learning, including 3.5 hours of simulation for court testimony.

Training Dates:

  • Feb. 5-6, 2025 | Virtual
  • April 15-16, 2025 | Virtual
  • June 11-12, 2025 | Virtual

To register:

For questions, contact Sarah Lewis at szlewis@uw.edu.

The ICYF conference is a free, online event which gathers caregivers, tribal partners, caseworkers, early learning providers, and juvenile rehabilitation staff to learn together and improve our shared practice.

Recordings from the 2024 ICYF conference can be found on DCYF's YouTube channel. 

The Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Policy training reviews the recent revisions that have been made to Washington State ICW policies and procedures. The training covers the history of ICW in Washington State, including the state’s 40-year partnership with our 29 Federally Recognized Tribal Nations and our shared goal of improved outcomes for Indian children and families involved in the child welfare system.

How to access the training: 

Visit The Alliance’s training page for a list of training dates. Non-DCYF staff will need to request enrollment to register.

Tribal partners are encouraged to complete the 30-minute online ICW training prior to attending the in-person training. Sign into The Alliance website and search for "DCYF Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Policy Roll Out (eLearning)" to take the course. We recommend using Chrome to access this online training.

For more information, please contact Brandy Otto at brandy.otto@dcyf.wa.gov.