Sign in

Innovations Institute

@innovations-uconn.bsky.social
297 followers 723 following 328 posts

Innovations Institute @ UConn SSW advances research-based, community centered, and transformative solutions for child-, youth-and family-serving public systems, and supports the workforce within these systems. innovations.socialwork.uconn.edu

PostsRepliesMedia
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Transitions are a regular part of young children’s days & they can bring uncertainty, frustration, or challenging behavior. “Supporting Transitions” explores strategies providers, caregivers, & families can use to make daily transitions more predictable, positive, & manageable: s.uconn.edu/piec-ll-6
Supporting Transitions Pyramid Practice Lunch and Learn webinar.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The National Network for Youth’s “Preventing Suicide Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness” resource offers practical strategies to strengthen protective factors, recognize warning signs, and support young people before, during, and after a mental health crisis. 🔗 Read more: s.uconn.edu/nn4youth
Preventing Suicide Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness written on a yellow background, outlining practices and strategies for homelessness service providers and noting you don't need to be a mental-health professional to help.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
When a crisis occurs, families need a plan they can rely on. In a recent #CCFG Skills on the Go short, hosts Covi and Conan share 5 skills for creating a crisis plan that families can understand, shape, and use when they need it most. 🎧 Tune in: s.uconn.edu/ccfg6 #SuicidePreventionMonth
Care Coordination Field Guide podcast episode titled, "Crisis Planning."
001
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Join #SAMHSA tomorrow, September 29, at 1pm ET for “Youth and Family Recovery for the Future,” a free webinar exploring youth recovery, elevating youth voice, strengthening family engagement, and expanding youth and family peer support. 🔗 s.uconn.edu/samhsa-nrm #RecoveryMonth2026
National Recovery Month. Recovery. Hope. Healing.
011
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
📬 As the 988 Lifeline enters its fifth year, our latest Policy Corner in the TA Telegram explores how to strengthen the crisis continuum. 📖 Read more: s.uconn.edu/9-21telegram 🔗 We build on these conversations in our Crisis 365 Academy for Comprehensive Crisis Care: s.uconn.edu/crisis-365
Screenshot from the latest issue of the TA Telegram newsletter's policy corner about the 988 Lifeline.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
📣 #FREDLA’s PPSP Supervisor Training offers tools and best practices for supporting the lived experience and professional growth of Parent Peer Support Providers. 📅 Sept. 30–Oct. 2 | 11 AM–4:30 PM ET ⏰ Registration closes Sept. 28! 🔗Register now: s.uconn.edu/fredla-ppsp #ParentPeerSupport
Parent Peer Support Supervisor Training offered by the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA). September 30 through October 2.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This summer, #UnwrappingWraparound: Innovations in Care Coordination brought six new episodes. Plus, our Care Coordination Field Guide: Skills on the Go shorts shared strategies you can put into practice right away. 🎧 Revisit the series: s.uconn.edu/unwrappingwrap
Summer playlist for the "Unwrapping Wraparound" podcast highlighting episodes on wraparound practice and children's crisis care.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
At #NECBHN2026 last week, #InnovationsInstitute Executive Director Michelle Zabel shared reflections on systems change and the future of children’s behavioral health, including an important reminder: “We are the workforce.” We look forward to continuing this important work together.
Michelle Zabel.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Did you know 2.5M kids in the U.S. are raised in #KinshipCare by grandparents, other relatives, or family friends? This #KinshipCareMonth, we’re listening to, uplifting & standing with kinship families. Explore the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network's toolkit: gksnetwork.org/kinship-mont...
011
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Fall 2026 #Crisis365 sessions are underway & spots remain for your team! Equip frontline teams with trauma-responsive strategies grounded in national crisis standards & real-world experience. $200 per class | Group rates | Register for 3+ courses & save 25% 🔗 s.uconn.edu/crisis-365
Crisis365 fall course dates. Crisis 101 is October 6 and 7, Crisis 102 is October 19 and 20, Crisis 202 is November 2 and 3, and Crisis 203 is December 1 and 2.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Our “Teaching Problem-Solving” webinar shares practical strategies adults can use to help children identify problems, consider possible solutions, and navigate challenges with growing confidence. ▶️ Watch the recording: s.uconn.edu/piec-ll-5
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills Pyramid Practice Lunch & Learn webinar highlight.
010
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
How can we build care with young people—not simply for them? In the latest episode of #UnwrappingWraparound, Johanna Bergan joins Covi & Conan to share tips for engaging young people as equal partners & creating space for them to lead decisions about their care. 🎙️Tune in: s.uconn.edu/jb-unwrap
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Supported by a grant from CoLab at the Constellation Fund, our Parent, Infant, and Early Childhood team, with EDC, are evaluating Head Start on Housing, an innovative Connecticut initiative addressing housing instability among families with young children. Learn more: lnkd.in/ezCbzgTV
Head Start on Housing project.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
🎉 We are delighted to welcome the inaugural Sheila A. Pires Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Jon Ahuna. During his fellowship, Dr. Ahuna will evaluate existing policies & conduct research to guide stakeholders in developing new approaches for child-serving systems. Learn more: lnkd.in/ey8yUTpf
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
What does it mean to put young people at the center of their own care? Next week on #UnwrappingWraparound, Johanna Bergan, Program Manager at #InnovationsInstitute, joins Covi & Conan for an engaging conversation on youth-driven care. Tune in Sep 23: s.uconn.edu/unwrap-spotify
New Unwrapping Wraparound podcast episode with Johanna Bergan titled, "Youth Voice and Leadership in Systems of Care" drops Wednesday, September 23.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
📣 The #CenterfortheStudyofSocialPolicy’s first national summit, Ideas into Action 2026: Shaping a Just Future for Families, takes place virtually on Wednesday, September 23, and Thursday, September 24! 🔗Check out the full schedule and register: cssp.org/ideas-into-a...
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
What does the Pyramid Model look like in family childcare homes? Register for an informational session TODAY, September 17, at 6pm ET from the #ConnecticutOfficeofEarlyChildhood and #InnovationsInstitute’s Parent, Infant & Early Childhood team: s.uconn.edu/piec-9-17
Pyramid in Family Child Care Homes informational session on September 17 at 6pm ET.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🎉SAMHSA released the 2026 Statewide Family Network (SFN) grant awards! Review the grants dashboard: s.uconn.edu/sfn2026-awards Learn about the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC), led by Innovations & FREDLA: youthfamilynttac.org
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Join the #ConnecticutOfficeofEarlyChildhood and the #InnovationsInstitute’s Parent, Infant & Early Childhood team for an informational session on the Pyramid Model in infant and toddler settings on Wednesday, September 16th at 1:00 PM ET: s.uconn.edu/piec-9-16 #PyramidModel #EarlyChildhoodEducation
Pyramid in Infant and Toddler Classrooms informational session on September 16 at 1pm ET.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
📢 Our colleagues at the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) are hiring a Human Services Technical Assistant Specialist (HS-TAS) to support the The National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services! 🔗Apply now: lnkd.in/e257eSks #NonprofitJobs #HumanServices
C.A.S.E is hiring a technical assistance and implementation specialist.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Join the #ConnecticutOfficeofEarlyChildhood and #InnovationsInstitute’s Parent, Infant & Early Childhood team for this month’s #PyramidModel Practice Lunch & Learn session on Tuesday, September 15 at 1:30pm ET. 🎟️ Register: s.uconn.edu/piec-9-15
Pyramid Practice webinar on September 15 at 1:30pm ET about getting to know the children in your care and their families.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
This World Suicide Prevention Day, remember that 988 is always there. So is your local crisis system: mobile teams, stabilization centers, and community clinics. Know and share what's available before you need it. Building awareness saves lives. 🔗 samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/faqs #SAMHSA
Two reaching hands with hearts and text, “You are not alone. Help is available whenever you need it.”
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Join #SAMSHA TOMORROW for an overview of their Model Standards for Crisis Care Workers & explore how they can inform crisis workforce planning & organizational supports. 🗓️ Thursday, September 10 at 2pm ET 🔗 Register: lnkd.in/gvT52wvr
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
A meaningful family vision creates space to ask: What do we want life to look like? Where do we want to go together? In a new #CCFG Skills on the Go short, Covi and Conan discuss how care coordinators can help young people and families put their hopes for the future into words. 🎧 s.uconn.edu/ccfg7
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Today is #988Day 💙 Join the nationwide effort to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and promote accessible mental health support. You don't have to be in crisis to reach out. 🔗 Learn more: samhsa.gov/988Day
9/8 is 988 Day. Help is always three digits away.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Recovery happens together. ❤️‍🩹 This #NationalRecoveryMonth, #SAMHSA created a digital toolkit and webinar series featuring innovative recovery practices, lived experience, and the goals of the Great American Recovery Initiative. 🔗 Explore the toolkit & register for a webinar: s.uconn.edu/nrm-toolkit
Static graphic with text at the top that reads, “You are not alone. recovery happens together." The graphic highlights the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Veterans Crisis Line, Disaster Distress Helpline, SAMHSA's National Helpline, and FindSupport.gov
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
🚨 New Crisis 365 Academy 101 Dates! Our September Practice Essentials sessions are SOLD OUT due to high demand! 🎉 We added a new October 6-7, 2026 session for frontline teams and state leaders. 💰 $200 per class | Group cohort discounts available 👉 Register: s.uconn.edu/crisis-365 #CrisisCare
New dates added in October for Crisis Academy 101: Practice Essentials, part of Crisis 365.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Strong universal supports benefit every child—not only children who are currently experiencing challenges. “The Case for Tier 1 Universal Supports” explores how supportive environments & intentional social-emotional teaching create a strong foundation for young children. ▶️ s.uconn.edu/piec-ll-4
Pyramid Practice Lunch and Learn webinar titled Strengthening the Foundation: The Case for Tier 1
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
📰 Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Fidelity Wraparound Center for Excellence (FWC4E). 🔗Organizations interested in this opportunity can view the full RFP through OregonBuys by searching Solicitation # S-44300-00017234: s.uconn.edu/oha-fwc4e
Oregon Health Authority logo
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
📢We’re hiring! #InnovationsInstitute at the UConn School of Social Work is seeking a Continuous Quality Improvement Manager (Research Scientist). Apply by September 8: s.uconn.edu/cqi-jobs #Hiring #UConnSSW #UConnJobs #SocialWorkJobs #ResearchJobs #CQI
Innovations Institute is hiring a Continuous Quality Improvement Manager (Research Scientist).
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
#SAMHSA released the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (#NSDUH). The data tracks #mentalhealth & substance use trends from 2021–2025, helping to identify unmet needs & inform policy. 🔗https://s.uconn.edu/nsduh-2025
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Belonging goes beyond being welcomed—it means children & families feel seen, valued, included, and connected. Explore ways to foster authentic family belonging in early childhood programs in this recorded Pyramid Model Practice Lunch & Learn webinar. ▶️ Watch the recording: s.uconn.edu/piec-ll-3
Graphic promoting the Pyramid Practice Lunch & Learn webinar titled Family Belonging.
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
How can data strengthen Wraparound practice? In the latest episode of #UnwrappingWraparound, Lydia Cartwright joins Covi & Conan to explore accessible evaluation, provider feedback, fidelity tools like WFI-EZ & DART, & using data to drive meaningful #SystemsChange. 🎧 Tune in: s.uconn.edu/lc-unwrap
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
📢Our colleagues at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are hiring a Wraparound Implementation & Continuous Quality Improvement Manager! Apply now before the position closes on August 28: illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/5... #Wraparound #IllinoisJobs #SocialWorkJobs #DCFS
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
🎙️ Help shape the future of Unwrapping Wraparound: Innovations in Care Coordination! Share your ideas for guests and episodes, or a submit a question for our hosts: uconn.fillout.com/unwrappingwr...
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Why should youth with lived experience help shape crisis-response training? In Kentucky, a training module co-designed by young people with lived experience & #crisiscare experts from #InnovationsInstitute resulted in increased confidence among 💯 of participants. Learn more: s.uconn.edu/kentucky-yps
100
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Next month is #SuicidePreventionMonth. 💙 The #SuicidePreventionResourceCenter has a go-to annual resource with ways to get involved this September, from sharing resources that promote healing to learning how to support someone who may be struggling. Read more: s.uconn.edu/sprc-spm
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Are #crisisservices expanding in your state? Enroll frontline staff & supervisors to protect capacity, align practice, & scale training affordably. 🗓 Fall 2026 Academy: Sept. 2 💰 From $200/class + group discounts 🔗 s.uconn.edu/crisis-365 #988Lifeline
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
What changes when we view challenging behavior as communication? Pt2 of “Reframing Behavior” continues w/ practical ways early childhood providers, caregivers, & families can understand behavior & respond in ways that support children’s social & emotional development. ▶️ s.uconn.edu/piec-ll-2
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Join Mobile Crisis Foundations & Capacity Building August 25 at 2pm ET! Grounded in #SAMHSA's 2025 National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care, this webinar covers mobile #crisisresponse foundations & capacity-building. Register: s.uconn.edu/samhsamobilecrisis
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Our colleagues at #NFF are hosting the 37th Annual Conference: The Urgency of Now, Oct 13-15. Connect w/ families, peer specialists, advocates, researchers, & national leaders to advance community-based #mentalhealth & #substanceuse support. Learn more: www.ffcmh.org/2026-confere...
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
ICYMI: The #TATelegram is on hiatus until after Labor Day, but our most recent issue includes a #readinglist spanning research, policy, practice, and systems change to add to your summer tbr: s.uconn.edu/8-10telegram
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
#988Day is September 8! In preparation, join #SAMHSA on August 20th at 2pm ET for a workshop featuring an overview of 988 Day, followed by breakout rooms where participants can brainstorm with others. Register now: s.uconn.edu/samhsa-988day #988Reasons #MentalHealth
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Join us Tues. 8/18 for Pyramid Lunch & Learn focused on strategies that support your regulation, stress & mental state so that you have the capacity to care for children in a group setting. 🖥️ Pyramid Practice Lunch & Learn 📅 Tuesday, 8/18, 1:30–2:30 PM ET 🎟️ Register: s.uconn.edu/piec-8-18
010
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
A crisis plan should do more than sit in a file—it should be a practical tool they understand, trust & can use when things get difficult. In a new #CCFG Skills on the Go short, hosts Covi & Conan share 5️⃣ skills for developing effective, family-driven crisis plans. 🎧 s.uconn.edu/ccfg6
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Young children’s behavior communicates important info about their experiences, emotions & needs. Part 1 of “Reframing Behavior” explores how looking beyond challenging behaviors can help adults respond w/greater understanding & identify the support a child may need. ▶️ Watch: s.uconn.edu/piec-ii-2
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Our Pyramid Practice 8/2025 L&L, “Starting the School Year Off on the Right Foot,” offers practical strategies to help children, families & ECE teams begin the year feeling connected, supported & ready to learn. ▶️ Watch: s.uconn.edu/piec-ll-1 ▶️ Explore the full series: s.uconn.edu/pyr-playlist
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
🎙️ Help shape future episodes of #UnwrappingWraparound! Suggest guests, request Care Coordination Field Guide topics, submit questions for Covi & Conan, or share feedback. Your ideas can help strengthen care coordination & systems of care: s.uconn.edu/pod-survey
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Did you miss a recent Pyramid Practice Lunch & Learn session? We know ECE providers can't always stop to watch a webinar. That's why recordings from the past year are available in 1 convenient playlist. ▶️Explore the full playlist: s.uconn.edu/pyr-playlist #PyramidModel
000
Innovations Institute @innovations-uconn.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
How can #MRSS transform crisis care for children & families? Sarah Quinn joins #UnwrappingWraparound to explore family partnership, responsive care & stronger systems. 🎧 Listen: s.uconn.edu/sq-unwrap 📘 Join the #Crisis365 Fall cohort starting in September: s.uconn.edu/register365
000