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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

📢 FREE Training Alert! 📢 Send this opportunity to any of your colleagues and team members that you wish knew just a little bit more about child welfare. CEUs (social work), CLEs (legal) and POST (law enforcement) credits available too! Register here: mnchildwelfaretraining.com/training/mdt-training/

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"Promotional poster for 'Aligned for Impact: Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Collaboration in Child Protection' by MN Child Welfare Training Academy. Features dates and locations: Braham on October 21, 2026, Detroit Lakes on October 28, 2026, and Waseca on November 5, 2026. Abstract background of colorful game pieces.

Promotional flyer for MN Child Welfare Training Academy titled "Aligned for Impact." It describes a free training offering continuing education credits for multiple sectors. The flyer highlights exploring effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration to address complex needs of children and families. An arrow design is at the bottom right.

A flyer from MN Child Welfare Training Academy titled "Aligned for Impact". It lists topics such as child protection, domestic violence response, school partnerships, human trafficking, tribal partnerships, and crisis response. The background features colorful pawns on a surface. An arrow is at the bottom right corner.

Flyer for the MN Child Welfare Training Academy featuring training dates and locations: Braham on October 21, 2026, Detroit Lakes on October 28, 2026, and Waseca on November 5, 2026. All sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Includes website link for more details and a green leaf graphic.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

This week's external resource recommendation comes from our colleagues at the Zero Abuse Project. Check out the latest on internet crimes against children, AI, and forensic science, among many other offerings! zeroabuseproject.org/new-training-c…

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! DV impacts many of the kids and families that we work with in child welfare. Want to brush up on your skills at safety planning with these families? Consider our upcoming training! Learn more and register at: bit.ly/4yg0jL3

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Meet Monica Anderson, our new Training Liaison at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy! Learn more about her background and expertise on our blog, at : mnchildwelfaretraining.com/blog/wel…

Photo of Monica Anderson, text caption reads: Meet Our Staff

Image of Monica Anderson. Text reads: Monica Anderson
Training Liaison
Started September 2026

Monica brings over 25 years of county and community social service experience to MCWTA,
with a strong background in child welfare. Monica is excited to support the work of successfully brining MAAFPCWDA to life across all 87 counties in Minnesota.

Outside of work, she enjoys watching basketball and football,
completing jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her three beloved family members: her
son Nick, her Rottweiler Zara, and her Cocker Spaniel Amiri.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

September 30 is National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. This history has a dark legacy that still impacts families, communities, and the child welfare field as a whole. Learn more at www.tribaltraining.org/about#Timeli…

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

It's National Hispanic American Heritage Month! While not all Latinos are immigrants, staying informed about the intersection between immigration and child welfare is still more relevant than ever. Check out cascw.umn.edu/outreach/immigration-… for more!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Child welfare professionals work with vulnerable populations at greater risk of suicide. Being aware of the warning signs and feeling comfortable talking about suicide are two potentially life-saving skills all of us should know.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

New resource recommendation! Check out the latest episode of CASCW's Theoretical Underpinnings of Child Welfare podcast featuring Dr. Jessica Toft! Listen to the latest episode or catch up on previous ones at: cascw.umn.edu/theoretical-underpinnings-child-welfare-podcast-series

External resource recommendation: theoretical underpinnings in child welfare podcast series, episode 7. Center for the Advanced Studies in Child Welfare.

CASCW recently released a new podcast episode of their Theoretical Underpinnings in Child Welfare podcast series! This episode, titled Impacts of Neoliberalism on Social Work Practice - Resistance, features the University of Minnesota’s School of Social Work Associate Professor Dr. Jessica Toft. This episode shares stories of social workers and child welfare professionals who are resisting neoliberal pressures in the workplace.

Check out the full series at: cascw.umn.edu/theoretical-underpinnings-child-welfare-podcast-series

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

As we wrap up the week, we want to acknowledge the incredible difference that our workforce makes in the lives of children and families. This field can be challenging, and we are consistently amazed by the incredible dedication that our workers show every day. THANK YOU!

Changing Lives

This week is child welfare worker appreciation week! Each day we’ll be highlighting something that child welfare professionals across Minnesota do on a regular basis. Today’s highlight? Changing lives.

There are lots of aspects of working in child welfare that are not ideal. Whether it’s paperwork, driving, phone calls, or meetings, child welfare professionals are always busy. And although these do take up lots of time, the truth is that the real work of child welfare professionals is to make a difference in the lives of children and families. And that is why we want to say thank you for the effort, the care, the time and energy, and the dedication that every worker in this field shows. Your work changes lives.

Want to show some appreciation for your team? Validate their efforts and acknowledge the impact they have on the lives of children and families. (Or give them a raise, ya know, whichever).

Want to learn more? Check out mnchildwelfaretraining.com

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

It's child welfare worker appreciation week! Every day this week we will feature something different that our tireless professionals spend their time doing (psst supervisors... we also include a couple gift ideas for each!). Make sure to follow for tomorrow's highlight!

Image of four people having a meeting in a living room setting

Meeting after meeting

This week is child welfare worker appreciation week! Each day we’ll be highlighting something that child welfare professionals across Minnesota do on a regular basis. Today’s highlight? Meeting after meeting.

Between caseworkers, caregivers, kin, teachers or school social workers, GALs, therapists, and other professionals, each youth in the child welfare system has a whole team behind them. While all of these roles are important, it often means that our Minnesota child welfare professionals are frequently in meeting after meeting to ensure coordination between team members.

Want to show some appreciation for your team? Consider reducing the number of required internal meetings wherever you can. If that’s not possible, provide snacks.

Want to learn more? Check out mnchildwelfaretraining.com

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Hours on the phone

This week is child welfare worker appreciation week! Each day we’ll be highlighting something that child welfare professionals across Minnesota do on a regular basis. Today’s highlight? Hours on the phone.

Whether it’s connecting with a caregiver, calling in to an IEP meeting for a child’s school, talking over a therapy referral, consulting with a guardian ad litem, or listening to a teenager who is desperate for a new clothing allowance, child welfare professionals spend hours on the phone.

Want to show some appreciation for your team? Consider getting spare noise-canceling headphones and a couple extra phone chargers for the office. They can save the day when your workers are really in a pinch.

Want to learn more? Check out mnchildwelfaretraining.com

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Miles of Driving

This week is child welfare worker appreciation week! Each day we’ll be highlighting something that child welfare professionals across Minnesota do on a regular basis. Today’s highlight? Miles of driving.

Minnesota child welfare professionals are required to see each child on their case load at least once a month, regardless of where that child is located throughout the state. For many workers, this means that a significant part of their work every month involves hours on the road, traveling wherever is needed to ensure they connect with every kid.

Want to show some appreciation for your team? Consider gas station gift cards or travel mugs. It won’t make driving in Minnesota winters any easier, but it might make the early morning trips or the late nights getting home a little more bearable.

Want to learn more? Check out mnchildwelfaretraining.com

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Training Academy staff are at the Minnesota Supervisors Conference in Breezy Point today! Our co-directors will also be available if you would like to discuss MAAFPCWDA training, Certification, or anything else. Look for our table at the resource fair.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Image of professional in front of a computer holding papers.

Mountains of Paperwork

This week is child welfare worker appreciation week! Each day we’ll be highlighting something that child welfare professionals across Minnesota do on a regular basis. Today’s highlight? Mountains of paperwork.

Whether it’s the never-ending stream of case notes, updating treatment plans, making referrals, preparing legal documents, reviewing home studies, or something else entirely, the child welfare workforce is well-acquainted with paperwork.

Want to show some appreciation for your team? Consider blue light glasses or ergonomic tech accessories. It won’t stop the unending stream of documentation, but it might make it slightly easier to tolerate.

Want to learn more? Check out mnchildwelfaretraining.com

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

September is National Kinship Care Month! This month we recognize and acknowledge the many family members and kin who step up to take care of relative children. The lives of these kids, their families, and the child welfare system as a whole would not be the same without you!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Format change! We are changing the Family Group Decision Making training being held in October from in-person in Detroit Lakes to a virtual format. If you were interested in the topic but hesitant to make the drive, this is your moment! We hope to see you there!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) awareness month! Children with FASD are overrepresented in the child welfare system, so understanding FASD is vital for our workforce. This month, brush up on your knowledge of FASD by checking out some of these resources!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

We report child welfare training data every month in our newsletter! Check out our latest blog post to learn more, including data from our newest training, Addressing Disparities and Disproportionality: MAAFPCWDA here: bit.ly/4yfxmyz

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Gearing up for back to school? Check out Foster Adopt Minnesota's Lets Talk Podcast! The latest episode features foster, adoptive, and birth parent Emily Johnson who shares her experience helping youth navigate the a new school year. Find it here! bit.ly/3RWcexS

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Meet our regional trainers! Nicole, Addie, Lauren, Carrie & Kristin ensure that child welfare professionals throughout Minnesota have access to high quality professional education. Want to learn more? Check out our recent blog post: mnchildwelfaretraining.com/blog/mee…

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Scholarships available! New cohorts for the Phoenix Learning Xchange (PLX) and the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC), two fantastic training opportunities for child welfare professionals, are starting this fall! Learn more here: bit.ly/4zH1q7M

mncwta.activehosted.com

Supervisor Training Available

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Seats are still available for our upcoming New Supervisor Training starting September 1 in Duluth. If you've moved into a supervisory role in the past year, this training is designed for you! Sign up on our website at mnchildwelfaretraining.com/training

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The child welfare field has high rates of burn out; we can't view wellness as a luxury if we want to sustain ourselves in this work. This National Wellness Month, take a moment to self-assess your own stress level. CASCW's Nurturing Resilience Booklet is a great place to start!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Did you see the new resource put out by our colleagues at the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare? They partnered with Dr. Mimi Choy-Brown to create the Supervision Strategies Booklet. Order your free booklet today! Link below. cascw.umn.edu/booklets-and-guides

New Supervision Strategies Booklet Available Now! Order Your today! Image also includes snapshot of the booklet cover and inside pages.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

TODAY is International Youth Day! Today and all days, we uplift and honor the voices and experiences of Minnesota youth involved in child welfare.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

August 9 is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples! Want to learn more? Check out www.un.org/en/observances/indigenou…

Text reads: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9. This day was established by the United Nations in 1984 with the goal of protecting human rights, supporting self-determination, and preserving traditional knowledge.

Here in Minnesota, there are 11 federally recognized tribes, each with unique cultures and traditions. Navigating the specifics of the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act are necessary for all child welfare professionals working with Native youth. Want to brush up on your ICWA and MIFPA knowledge? Check out one of the upcoming trainings from our partners at the University of Minnesota Tribal Training and Certification Partnership.

Want more? Check out mnchildwelfaretraining.com

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Youth under age 25 make up HALF of MN's unhoused population AND youth in care/aging out are at greater risk of homelessness. Check out this resource from our colleagues at LSS to learn more and get familiar with youth homelessness resources in your region: bit.ly/4fFgpHf

Text reads: External Resource Recommendation.
Youth Homelessness Resources
Lutheran Social Services of MN

This webpage identifies a variety of different resources available for youth experiencing homelessness throughout Minnesota, organized by region. It includes:

Street Outreach
Transitional Housing
Host Homes
Resource Centers
Anti-Trafficking Services
Crisis Centers
Supportive Housing
And more!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

As part of our co-director's state tour, Liz and Tracy met with supervisors from Beltrami County during July. Want to connect with the Training Academy? mnchildwelfaretraining.com/contact

Image of postcard from Bemidji, MN, featuring co-directors Liz and Tracy in front of a Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox statue. Text reads: Greetings from Bemidji Minnesota.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

As part of our co-director's state tour, Liz and Tracy recently met with supervisors from Becker, Clay, Crow Wing, Grant, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pope, Sibley, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties. Want to connect with the Training Academy? mnchildwelfaretraining.com/contact

Image of woman holding a road map.

Text says: We're on the road!

Text reads: We love summer in Minnesota! As part of our co-director’s state tour, Liz and Tracy recently met with supervisors from Becker, Clay, Crow Wing, Grant, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pope, Sibley, Stevens, Todd, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties

Image depicts a retro-style map of Minnesota with stars in all the counties listed above

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Check out this week's external resource recommendation from our colleagues at the National Indian Child Welfare Association. Their Strengthening Prevention Services guide for caseworkers can be downloaded here: bit.ly/4wgbJxc

Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy external resource recommendation.
Strengthening Prevention Services: A guide for caseworkers. National Indian Children Welfare Association. This guide provides practical strategies for child welfare professionals to strengthen prevention services for American Indian children and families. It emphasizes honoring cultural identity, building trust, reducing barriers, and partnering with communities and tribes. The guide can be found here: https://www.nicwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/NICWA_Strengthening-Prevention-Services_Caseworkers-Guide_2026.pdf

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Aligned for Impact is back! Mark your calendars now, Aligned for Impact is coming to three Minnesota regions this fall. This is a FREE training that you don't want to miss! Want to learn more? Go to mnchildwelfaretraining.com/training…

Poster for Aligned for Impact event. Text says: Save the date! Aligned for Impact returns Fall 2026. Braham, October 21, 2026. Detroit Lakes, October 28, 2026. Waseca, November 5, 2026.

Page two of poster for Aligned for Impact. Text reads: Save the Date: Updated Aligned for Impact returns fall 2026. Aligned for Impact multidisciplinary team collaboration in child protection is back with newly redesigned, no-cost, in-person gatherings this fall.

Braham: October 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Detroit Lakes: October 28, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Waseca: November 5, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more details and registration:
https://mnchildwelfaretraining.com/training/mdt-training/

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

July is BIPOC mental health awareness month! Interested in finding resources? Here's a great round up from the Running Industry Diversity Coalition: www.runningdiversity.com/bl...

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Check out this week's external resource recommendation from our colleagues at The Mental Health Coalition, highlighting BIPOC Mental Health Resources. thementalhealthcoalition.or...

thementalhealthcoalition.org

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

We have a new mosaic, courtesy of talented public artist Daniela (Dani) Bianchini! The Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy is proud to be home to eight of the artist's original mosaics. Check out her work at @db.mosaics on Facebook and @dani_db_mosaicsarg on Instagram!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Reed recently joined our team as the new Multimedia Specialist! Welcome aboard Reed!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

July is National Disability Pride Month. To all of the families, youth, and professionals in our community living and working with disabilities, we recognize and honor you and your contributions to the child welfare field!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Check out this week's external resource recommendation from our colleagues at CASCW and CPT! View the full guide here: drive.google.com/file/d/1oN...

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

We are hiring TWO Learner Management System Coordinators! Curious about what the job entails? Know someone perfect for the role? Check out the details on our website and send any qualified candidates our way! mnchildwelfaretraining.com/...

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Staff from Southwest Minnesota State University and the Training Academy recently presented at the Title IV-E Roundtable in Denver, focusing on how Minnesota IV-E University programs train and uplift tribal child welfare work.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Check out this week's external resource recommendation from our colleagues at the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare about LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care! cascw.umn.edu/professional-...

cascw.umn.edu

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

We are hiring a Curriculum Developer! Interested yourself or know someone who could be a great fit? Learn more at mnchildwelfaretraining.com/...

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

LGBTQIA2S+ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare system, which is why we need professionals with the knowledge and skills to address their specific needs. Want to brush up? Register for our upcoming training Responsive Child Welfare Practice with LGBTQIA2S+ Youth below!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

In June we recognize National Reunification Month. Here at The Academy we celebrate and honor the families, caregivers, and professionals working tirelessly to support safe family reunification.

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

This month we welcomed Stephanie, our new Curriculum and LMS Administrative Associate, and Kate, our new Communications Graduate Assistant, to the MNCWTA team!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

MNCWTA recognizes Juneteenth as an opportunity for celebration, remembrance, and reflection. #Juneteenth #MAAFPCWDA

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Check out this weeks external resource recommendation: How the Child Welfare System Works Factsheet. www.childwelfare.gov/resour...

childwelfare.gov

How the Child Welfare System Works | Child Welfare Information Gateway

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Between April 29-May 1, Liz and Tracy met with supervisors from St. Louis County Public Health & Human Services, staff from the Tribal Training and Certification Partnership, and attended the Supervisor Region 3 Meeting in Proctor. Want to connect? mnchildwelfaretraining.com/...

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Check out this weeks external resource recommendation: Social Media Tips for Child Welfare Workers Factsheet. www.childwelfare.gov/resour...

childwelfare.gov

Social Media: Tips for Child Welfare Workers | Child Welfare Information Gateway

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Looking to learn more about how to use SSIS? Take our self paced asynchronous training through the training catalog and find other SSIS support resources within our trainings!

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Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy @mncwta.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Check out this weeks external resource recommendation: The Importance of a Trauma Informed Child Welfare System. www.childwelfare.gov/resour...

childwelfare.gov

The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System | Child Welfare Information Gateway

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