Evidence-Based Practices for Professionals Working with Youth [6 CEUs]

Evidence-Based Practices for Professionals Working with System Involved Youth and Families

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW

Date: October 28, 2025

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Virtual – Zoom

Agency: City College San Francisco

Participants must complete registration via the City College of San Francisco website in order to gain full access to the training course.

COMPLETE REGISTRATION HERE: https://ccsf-extension.pdx.catalog.canvaslms.com/browse/contracted/title-iv-e/courses/mw014j-evidence-based-practices-for-professionals-working-with-system-involved-youth-and-families-6-ceus-tive031-202580

Description

This 2025-updated training equips professionals with leading-edge, research-backed interventions for working effectively with youth and families involved in systems like juvenile justice, child welfare, and behavioral health. Participants will explore not only “what works,” but also how to tailor these best practices through trauma-responsive, culturally competent, and cross-system collaborative frameworks—especially valuable in the evolving landscape of child welfare and justice services. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Learning Objectives

• Understand and differentiate between current evidence sources—such as OJJDP’s Model Programs Guide, SAMHSA’s Evidence-Based Practices registry, Results First Clearinghouse, and System of Care models—and apply them effectively to service planning.
• Integrate trauma-informed frameworks and collaborative System of Care strategies into practice, promoting family engagement, cultural responsiveness, and holistic support.
• Recognize and apply well-supported interventions such as Aggression Replacement Training, Parent Management Training, restorative practices, and Positive Youth Justice within your context. Understand how to adapt them with fidelity to local populations and needs.

Trainer Bio

Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW (#128392), is a nationally distinguished Black social worker, consultant, published author, educator, and facilitator with extensive expertise in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Marya Wright Consulting LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies supporting these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her Master of Social Work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in child welfare policy and research, and her Bachelor of Social Work from San Diego State University, with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where she focused on advancing equal opportunity and justice within the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes relationship-building, networking, and stakeholder collaboration to address the social and economic challenges her clients face, advocating for justice and peace. She has served as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the National Phi Alpha Honor Society. Additionally, she is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and its California Chapter.

Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Since January 2020, she has taught sociology and social work courses at Cal State East Bay, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program, teaching generalist practice, human behavior and the social environment, and advanced practice with children, youth, and families.