Special Topics

This Strive Online course series provides family time providers with practical strategies for managing complex situations that arise during Family Time. The series includes eight focused trainings, including two new courses, that address key factors influencing safety, quality, and effectiveness. Courses may be completed in any order, and a certificate of completion is issued for each course.

Conflict Resolution & Verbal De-Escalation with Parents
Examines how trauma impacts communication and behavior and provides evidence-informed tools for de-escalating conflict while maintaining safety and professionalism.

(New!) Engaging Parents in Virtual Family Time
Builds provider confidence in facilitating structured, trauma-informed virtual Family Time. Covers essential components, provider roles and responsibilities, and strengths-based strategies to support engagement and emotional regulation.

Family Time: Pre-Service Training for Contracted Providers
Required DCYF pre-service training outlining expectations, roles, and procedures related to Family Time and sibling visits.

Maintaining Confidentiality During Family Time
Reviews legal and ethical confidentiality requirements in child welfare, including responsibilities, exceptions, and practical strategies for managing common confidentiality challenges.

Parental Substance Use and Family Time
Addresses substance use within the context of Family Time and provides strategies for maintaining child safety and supporting positive visit experiences.

Understanding Family Dynamics
Explores how family dynamics influence child behavior and Family Time interactions, with practical approaches for responding to challenges and supporting healthy parent-child relationships.

Understanding Grief and Loss in Child Welfare
Examines the impact of grief and loss on children, parents, and caregivers, and presents trauma-informed strategies for supporting families during Family Time.

(New!) Writing Behaviorally Anchored Reports
Strengthens provider skills in objective Family Time documentation. Focuses on using neutral, behavior-based language aligned with DCYF guidelines to support supervision and court decision-making.

The training also covers many DCYF-required topics and is free for Washington State family time providers. This self-paced online option is a cost-effective way to standardize family time training for staff.

To learn more, visit our training webpage or email striveonline@wa.edu for a free registration link.