Training

Comprehensive Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) Training

Dec. 5-6, 2024

Day 1: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Delridge Training Hub, 4045 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA
Day 2: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA

This two-day, in-person 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 is comprised of 9.5 hours of group learning, including 3.5 hours of in-person simulation for court testimony.

Registration is required. Some classes may have prerequisites.

If you have questions, contact Sarah Lewis at szlewis@uw.edu.

Positive Indian Parenting 

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. 

Indigenous Children, Youth & Families (ICYF) Conference

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. 

Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Policy Roll-Out Trainings 

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.