Institute for Practice Improvement
The Washington Association for Children and Families (WACF) proudly introduces the Institute for Practice Improvement, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children, youth, and families. The Institute provides targeted technical assistance and training, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to foster best practices and drive systemic improvements. Through this initiative, WACF reaffirms its commitment to strengthening child and family services and creating lasting, positive change.
If you are interested in a training but require financial assistance please fill out our Training Scholarship Application.
UPCOMING TRAININGS
Affirming Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse (TNGD) Youth in Out-of-Home Care
Date: Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual - Zoom
Presented by: Angela Weeks
Cost: $20 for members / $30 for non-members (Purchase 2 of the LGBTQ+ trainings offered in January 2026 and get the 3rd training free.)
Continuing Education Credits: 3 Hours
This session provides best practices for supporting transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse (TNGD) youth in foster care, group care, and other out-of-home systems. Participants will learn the fundamentals of gender-affirming care, review findings and recommendations from the Safe Havens II Report, and explore current social work guidelines. The training also addresses strategies for navigating placements to ensure safety, affirmation, and belonging for TNGD youth. Attendees will gain access to a range of practical resources for serving this population, educating others, and fostering inclusive care environments. Opportunities for discussion and questions about current issues will also be included.
Assessing LGBTQ+ Affirmation in a Potential Foster Home
Date: Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual - Zoom
Presented by: Angela Weeks
Cost: $20 for members / $30 for non-members (Purchase 2 of the LGBTQ+ trainings offered in January 2026 and get the 3rd training free.)
Continuing Education Credits: 3 Hours
This topic examines how to evaluate whether a foster home provides affirming care for LGBTQ+ youth. It highlights the importance of caregivers’ attitudes, language, and practices that validate a young person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Key areas of assessment include the home’s commitment to safety and inclusivity, openness to ongoing learning, willingness to connect youth with supportive resources, and ability to foster a sense of belonging. The goal is to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth are placed in environments where they are respected, celebrated, and supported in their development and well-being.
Supporting Families of LGBTQ+ Youth
Date: Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM PST
Location: Virtual - Zoom
Presented by: Angela Weeks
Cost: $20 for members / $30 for non-members (Purchase 2 of the LGBTQ+ trainings offered in January 2026 and get the 3rd training free.)
Continuing Education Credits: 3 Hours
This topic addresses how to engage and strengthen families as allies in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. It highlights the importance of family acceptance, strategies for helping caregivers process their emotions, and ways to reduce risks of rejection. Participants will also learn about promising family-focused programs that foster resilience and connection, equipping families to affirm their children while navigating community or cultural worries.
Ethics in Everyday Practice: Protecting Clients and Ourselves
Date: Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM PST
Location: Virtual - Zoom
Presented by: Dr. Frederic Reamer
Cost: $25 for members / $35 for non- members
Continuing Education Credits: 2 Hours
Services for children and families come with myriad ethical challenges. In this webinar, Dr. Frederic Reamer will explore complex ethical issues and practical strategies designed to protect clients, practitioners, and employing organizations. The webinar will include challenging ethics cases and explore practical steps that professionals can take to manage ethical issues skillfully. Key topics will include boundary issues, dual relationships, conflicts of interest, confidentiality exceptions, privileged communication, informed consent, clients’ rights, use of online and digital technology, termination of services, documentation challenges, and impaired professionals, among others. The webinar will include discussion of relevant ethics standards, statutes, regulations, and case law, along with practical strategies designed to prevent litigation and licensing board complaints.
PAST TRAININGS
If you were in attendance at a past training and would like to access past trainings, handouts and materials please visit our training archive.
A Conversation About the Keeping Families Together Act Hosted on December 3rd, 2025
Engagement of Family & Youth Hosted on October 30th, 2025
Trauma Informed Care- Understand & Reduce Trauma Reactions in Children Hosted on September 10th, 2025
Empowering Supervisors: Coaching, Communication and Retention Hosted on June 11th, 2025
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Child and Family Services: Ethical and Risk Management Challenges Hosted on April 30th, 2025
Staying Mission-Focused during uncertainty: A key to workforce stability and wellness Hosted on April 9th, 2025
Motivational Interviewing: An Introduction Hosted on February 12th and 13th, 2025
Secondary Trauma & Self-Care Hosted on December 4th, 2024
TBRI- Trust-Based Relational Intervention Hosted on October 30th 2024
Discussing the Current Child Welfare Landscape: National and Federal Priorities, Requirements, and Trends Hosted on September 18th 2024
Investing in People: Equitable Approaches to Staff Development and Retention Hosted on August 13th 2024