The Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation is excited to announce our fourth annual Pathways to Positive Parenting Training Seminar for professionals serving children, families, and expectant parents. This full-day training event brings together social workers, case managers, parent educators, teachers, nurses, and other professionals to hear experts discuss effective tools and strategies to support the individuals they serve.

UPDATE: This event has sold out. Please email office@mecfny.org to be placed on the waitlist.

Agenda

9:00 Registration and Coffee

9:15 Opening Remarks

9:30 - 12:30 Keynote Presentation

Toxic Stress in Childhood and How to Heal from Adversity : Renee Hettich, LMSW, Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York

• This presentation will engage practitioners of all skill levels in learning about trauma-responsive care for children from adversity. Participants will explore the impact of trauma and toxic stress on a child’s developing mind, reframe children’s behavior using a trauma-responsive and brain-based analysis, and learn techniques that promote neuroplasticity and neurogenesis so to heal children from traumatic histories. Renee not only has decades of professional experience, but has also been parenting children with adverse histories for almost 25 years as a foster, adoptive, and kinship parent. Her unique perspective will provide valuable insight into this topic.

12:30 - 1:30 Lunch provided

1:30 - 4:30 Breakout Workshops

Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care: Renee Hettich, LMSW, Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York

• All practitioners (new and experienced) are at risk for vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. This workshop will give individuals an opportunity to self-reflect and recognize the impact their clients’ traumas have on them (vicarious trauma). Participants will also develop strategies to prevent vicarious trauma and design a self-care plan to mitigate the impact of compassion fatigue. Learners will be engaged through lecture and case examples, but most importantly in personal reflection and the development of an individualized plan for the prevention of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

Working Across Cultures: Lauren Ford, LMSW, SATRI at Northern Rivers Family of Services

• This workshop will explore approaches that can be used for effectively communicating, listening, and developing an awareness of clients from different cultures and diverse backgrounds. Utilizing cross-cultural perspectives, participants will explore diversity within a community and specific populations. A particular focus on the needs of refugee and other immigrant populations will be covered.

FAQ

How much does this event cost?

This event is free for professionals serving children, families, and expectant parents. Registration is required to attend.

Will lunch be provided?

YES! Please remember to let us know of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you register so we can pass it along to the caterer.

Can I receive Continuing Education credits for the training?

YES! Pending approval, MECF is excited to offer free continuing education credits to Licensed Social Workers and Licensed Mental Health Counselors. Eligible participants will receive 6.0 credit hours. In order to receive credit hours, you must attend the entire training seminar and sign in and out. All information needed will be provided at the event.

Pending approval, Social Work Continuing Education hours are available through a partnership with University at Albany School of Social Welfare. University at Albany, School of Social Welfare is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers, #0011.

Pending approval, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Continuing Education hours are available through a partnership with UAlbany School of Social Welfare and School of Education. University at Albany, School of Social Welfare and School of Education, Continuing Education Program is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors, #MHC-0039.

Where do I park?

There will be free reserved parking spaces for attendees at the Hearst Media Center at 645 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211.

If you have any other questions, please email us at office@mecfny.org.

We look forward to a full day of engaging and informative lectures and workshops. Please join us!