WAFCA Continuing Education & Professional Development Program 2026

 

Upcoming Events:

June 18
8:30am -
12:30pm CT

via webinar

Reflective Supervision
Presenters: Adesola Oni, LICSW and Shawn Smith, MINT Certified Trainer

Content to include: foundations and definition of Reflective Supervision as an empowering, trauma-informed, and culturally reverent approach; integrating Reflective Supervision within Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing frameworks; demonstrating session structure and team conversation prompts; applying grounding techniques, feedback practices, onboarding strategies, and tools for navigating challenging conversations. 

View Event Information & Register!

July 16
10:00am -
2:30pm CT
(with 30min lunch)

via webinar

Ethics & Boundaries: The Use of AI in Human Services
Presenter: Marina Badillo-Diaz, LCSW, DSW

Content to include: exploring the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in human services; understanding core functions and practical applications; examining ethical challenges including bias, privacy, and decision-making transparency; integrating AI responsibly within clinical and professional frameworks; practicing AI tools for tasks such as client communication and documentation while maintaining values-driven, ethical practice.

View Event Information. Registration Begins June 1.

July 29
10:00am - 2:30pm CT
(with 30min lunch)

Ethics & Boundaries in Youth Work: Between the Classroom & the Therapy Room
Presenter: Lisa Anderson, LPC, CSW

Content to include: common ethical and boundary challenges with children and adolescents; navigating therapeutic work in settings like schools, outpatient therapy, and community programs; balancing the needs and expectations of youth, families, educators, and professionals; confidentiality, informed consent, parent involvement, dual relationships, and communication across systems; what information can be shared about a youth client (and with whom); supporting youth while considering safety and legal responsibilities.

View Event Information. Registration Begins June 1.

August 13
9:00am -
4:30pm CT

(with 90min lunch)

IN-PERSON in Wisconsin Dells

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Adolescents: Introduction to Theory, Family Engagement, and Growing Motivation
Presenter: Henry Boeh, PhD

Content to include: introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) and the bio-social model for understanding dysregulated emotions and behaviors; overview of individual, skills and family strategies; guidance on reducing teen-family conflict through Walking the Middle Path; strategies for engaging families and increasing motivation and commitment; application of skills to common challenges such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, and school refusal; roleplays and practice to enhance understanding and skill implementation.

View Event Information. Registration Begins June 1.

September 17
10:00am -
2:30pm CT
(with 30min lunch)

via webinar

Cultural Humility in Practice: Understanding and Supporting Latinx Youth and Families
Presenter: Ramfis L. Márquez, PhD, LPC

Content to include: exploring the intersection of culture, trauma, and mental health in Latinx youth and families through cultural humility; examining generational trauma, acculturation, colorism, spirituality, and migration history; applying culturally humble and trauma-informed strategies for assessment, engagement, and intervention; enhancing rapport, trust, and participation with Latinx clients and families; using reflective practice and case examples to improve outcomes across diverse service settings. 

View Event Information. Registration Begins June 1.

October 15
9:00am - 4:00pm CT (with 1hr lunch)

IN-PERSON in Appleton 

Demystifying Early Childhood Mental Health & Parent-Infant Psychotherapy
Presenters: Sarah Strong, MSSW, LCSW, IMH-E® and Kathleen Hipke, PhD 

Content to include: core concepts in parent-infant and early childhood mental health for children ages 0-5, including attachment, trauma, reflective practice, and cultural humility; therapeutic stance and ways of being with parents; strategies for understanding behavior and supporting developmentally appropriate, relationship-based, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed intervention; overview of Child-Parent Psychotherapy and evidence-based strategies; opportunities to apply techniques pursue further training. 

View Event Information. Registration Begins August 31.

November 5
10:00am - 2:30pm CT
(with 30min lunch)

via webinar

Ethics and Boundaries: Legal Concerns for Clinicians and Mental Health Providers
Presenters: Jacqueline Landess, MD, JD, FAPA and Tony Thrasher, DO, MBA, CPE 

Content to include: preparing for crises and managing involvement with the justice system or subpoenas; addressing anxiety about liability; applying principles from professional Codes of Ethics; understanding situations that may prompt legal or regulatory intervention and the latitude professionals have; practical strategies for prevention, response, and risk management; reviewing real-world examples of court and DSPS cases and their outcomes. 

View Event Information. Registration Begins August 31.

December 10
8:30am - 12:30pm CT

via webinar

UBUNTU: I Am Because We Are (From Self Care to We Care)
Presenter: Crystal C. Rozelle-Bennett, LMSW 

Content to include: exploring the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—as a framework for expanding self-care into collective and community care; examining how power, privilege, structural oppression, and trauma impact provider and community wellness; supporting personal well-being and modeling healthy care practices; cultivating psychological safety, shared power, and collective care within teams and organizations; designing or advocating for policies and programs that center equity, justice, and community wellness. 

View Event Information. Registration Begins August 31.

 

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 A Note on WAFCA Webinars

  • Webinars are live virtual learning opportunities designed to be accessed by individuals. Group participation is not encouraged; post-webinar group discussions are a recommended alternative.
  • In order to offer CE credits for these virtual learning opportunities via NBCC, WAFCA verifies attendance using Zoom. Each registrant receives a unique link that confirms their attendance and email address for CE certificates. Link sharing is not permitted, and CE credits are not available for unregistered participants.

About WAFCA-CE

For more than 25 years, WAFCA has provided quality, timely continuing education for professionals serving children and families in Wisconsin. Each year, we train more than 1,000 participants including social workers, therapists, counselors, case managers, residential care workers, parenting support aides and in-home support workers on topics ranging from family systems to addiction and trauma.

WAFCA-CE is a trusted resource for continuing education for our member agencies and other behavioral health professionals in counties and in private practice. The Wisconsin Association of Family & Children's Agencies (WAFCA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education ProviderTM (ACEP No.6778). Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAFCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.  

For all WAFCA-CE in-person and virtual webinar trainings, certificates will be issued within 30 days of the event. Click here for more information on continuing education hours, accommodations, program concerns, and confidentiality of participant information.


Fees & More...

WAFCA Members and CE Subscribers pay $0! (Log in for member/subscriber rates. Contact [email protected] for support.)

  • For WAFCA-CE, non-member fees are as follows:
    • Webinars: $75 (4 hours)
    • In-Person: $125 (6 hours)

Interested in learning more about WAFCA Agency Membership? Contact Kathy Markeland at [email protected].

Cancellations:  A two-week cancellation notice is requested. Participants cancelling no later than one week prior to the event will receive a full refund. Participants may arrange for a substitute but must notify WAFCA regarding substitution. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please email [email protected] or call 608.257.5939.