This live virtual training will take place July 15, 17, 22, and 24 from 12:00pm-4:00pm EDT with Ashley Fiore, MSW, LCSW. This will be an interactive and participatory training experience with pre-work and action period assignments that build participants’ skills at implementing AF-CBT. This training has been approved for 14 CEs through NASW and NBCC.

Attendees should have an active caseload appropriate for AF-CBT and be ready to apply the model. Supervisors are welcome to attend training. If supervisors are not carrying their own active AF-CBT cases, we will work with them to meet the training requirements.
Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT; www.afcbt.org), is an intervention to improve family relationships for those experiencing high conflict/coercion, harsh/punitive discipline, child physical abuse, and/or child behavior problems.

Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is a trauma-informed, evidence-based intervention designed to improve the relationship between children and their caregivers by addressing individual and family problems relating to: 
     • Family conflicts   
     • Behavior problems, including physical aggression
     • Anger and verbal aggression, including emotional abuse
     • Harsh physical discipline, physical aggression, or child physical abuse, or
     • Child trauma-related symptoms secondary to any of the above

These patterns may be shown by an individual caregiver or a child/adolescent, and/or by the family.   Therefore, AF-CBT targets the caregiver, child/adolescent, and the larger family context. 

AF-CBT involves three phases of treatment:
     1) Engagement and Psychoeducation, 2) Individual skills building, 3) Family applications.

Who is Appropriate for AF-CBT?
AF-CBT is appropriate for a broad range of families. The following general criteria have been developed to facilitate the identification of families who may benefit from this intervention.

BACKGROUND CRITERIA
     • A child, age 5-17, can participate now or soon
     • A caregiver (e.g., biological, adoptive, foster, or kin) can participate now or soon
     • Both caregiver and child have an adequate capacity or repertoire to learn/benefit from AF-CBT
CLINICAL CRITERIA
     • The Family has frequent conflict(s) and/or arguments OR
     • A Caregiver shows anger (hostility), uses physical force/discipline (coercion), and/or has allegation/history of child physical abuse OR
     • A Child shows anger, has behavior problems (e.g., defiance, aggression, explosiveness), has trauma symptoms/PTSD after physical discipline/abuse, and/or has prior exposure to harsh discipline/physical abuse
A case is eligible if ALL 3 Background Criteria and 1 Clinical Criterion are met.

Objectives:

1. Describe the intervention model and its content to families in a manner that engages and motivates treatment participation.

2. Implement specific techniques to decrease parent and child aggression, family conflict, and child PTSD symptoms related to physical violence (e.g., complete no-force agree-ment, safety planning, imaginal exposure).

3. Initiate discussions about abusive/aggressive experiences with children and caregivers and follow up with social skills training, social support planning, positive family commu-nication, problem-solving routines, and child behavior management training.

Providers
Prospective AF-CBT trainees must be mental health professionals with a Master's degree or higher. Trainees are asked to commit to implementing AF-CBT with at least 2 families during the course of the training year so they should have an active caseload ready to apply the model. 
AF-CBT should be conducted by individuals who have been formally trained in the model and who are familiar with the content, methods, assessments, and fidelity tools that are required to ensure effective implementation.

Data Collection: This training is offered at a greatly reduced cost. Participants are required to submit monthly data on clients served. More information will be provided.

Pre-Requisite:
There is a free 2.5 hour pre-requisite video course, “Foundations of AF-CBT” which must be completed prior to training. You may access this here  https://learn.nctsn.org/enrol/... 

CE’s are provided for the pre-requisite course through NCTSN.org. Please send your certificate documenting completion to Jami Bolton, jbolon@nca-online.org

There is a cap of 50 attendees for this training. You must be paid in full to count toward the participation cap. It is strongly recommended you pay with credit card to ensure your spot is secure. If you plan to pay by check, you must email leadershipconference@nca-online.org to let us know you are sending a check. The check must be received by July 12, 2025. 

If registration is full, this means that our capacity has been met. Please email leadershipconference@nca-online.org and we will add you to the waiting list. 

The cost for the training is $450 and includes 4 training days, 12 consultation calls, and the AF-CBT Session Guide, Third Edition, Revised. A Spanish language session guide is available upon request.  You may use NCA grant funds for this training. Your spot will not be reserved until payment is received. If you are paying by check, please mail ASAP to ensure your spot. 

To pay by check, select "check" under payment method during check out. After checking out, please save your invoice or email confirmation. 

Mail your check and invoice, payable to National Children's Alliance, to:

National Children's Alliance P.O. Box 71477 Washington, DC 20024 

Your name and AF-CBT must be on the check memo or on a note with your check, otherwise it will not be approved. Do not mail checks to the former NCA office address, please use the PO Box listed above. 

This webinar will take place on February 19, 2025 from 1:00pm-4:00pm

Join us for this clinically focused webinar designed for mental health professionals and practitioners focused on the assessment of problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth. This session will explore the complexities of sexual behavior assessment, including the identification factors to promote and mitigate, cultural considerations, and effective evaluation techniques. Participants will gain an understanding of various assessment tools and frameworks, alongside case studies that illustrate practical applications. The webinar will also address ethical considerations and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in supporting individuals exhibiting problematic behaviors. Attendees will leave with enhanced skills and knowledge to effectively assess and intervene in cases of problematic sexual behavior, ultimately promoting safety and healthier outcomes for individuals and communities.

Trainees will get practical strategies in the following areas:

• Developing an assessment protocol
• Interviewing strategies (kids and caregivers)
• Addressing denial (kids and caregivers)
• Objective Measures
• Using an empirical guided focus
• Writing summary and recommendations
• Developing engagement and collaborative skills with clients 

For any questions, please contact Jami Bolton, jbolton@nca-online.org

*This training is pending approval for NASW and NBCC CEs

This live training with Ashley Fiore, LCSW, includes two required learning sessions; Learning Session 1 is February 25, 27 & March 4, 2025 11:00 am - 5:00 pm EASTERN; Learning Session 2 is one day and will be held May 29, 2025, from 11:00am - 5:00pm EST. This will be an interactive and participatory virtual training experience with pre-work and action period assignments that build participants’ skills at implementing TF-CBT with children and families with fidelity and clinical competence. Clinicians will receive a training packet which will be mailed to them, private online access to over 800 downloadable clinical resources for TF-CBT, access to a private TF-CBT Clinical Discussion Forum with other participants and includes 12 group consultation calls.  

We will have a Welcome Call on February 12, 2025 at 2:00pm EASTERN

Attendees should have an active caseload appropriate for TF-CBT and be ready to apply the model. Supervisors are welcome to attend training; however, if they are not carrying their own active TF-CBT cases, they will not meet criteria to seek national certification.

There is a cap of 50 attendees for this training. You must be paid in full to count toward the participation cap. It is strongly recommended you pay with credit card to ensure your spot is secure. If you plan to pay by check, you must email Jami Bolton, jbolton@nca-online.org, to let us know you are sending a check. 

If registration is full, this means that our capacity has been met. Please email jbolton@nca-online.org, and we will add you to the waiting list. 

The cost for the training is $599 and includes 12 consultation calls. You may use NCA grant funds for this training. Your spot will not be reserved until payment is received. If you are paying by check, please mail ASAP to ensure your spot. 

To pay by check, select "check" under payment method during check out. After checking out, please save your invoice or email confirmation. 

Mail your check and invoice, payable to National Children's Alliance, to:

National Children's Alliance P.O. Box 71477 Washington, DC 20024 

Your name and TF-CBT Intro must be on the check memo or on a note with your check, otherwise it will not be approved. Do not mail checks to the former NCA office address, please use the PO Box listed above.

The Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training is appropriate for Master’s level therapists and above or those who are working on a Master’s degree and providing mental health services under the supervision of a licensed professional. TF-CBT has more data (25 + randomized trials and a number of quasi-experimental studies) to support the model’s effectiveness in helping children and families overcome the impact of child abuse and trauma than any other therapy model available. TF-CBT has been recognized by the federal government as a model program and is included on numerous websites for evidence-based practices. 

At the conclusion of this TF-CBT training, participants will be able to: 

•  Evaluate which cases would benefit from TF-CBT and successfully engage families in treatment
•  Create session agendas and structure TF-CBT sessions to meet fidelity standards
•  Explain how to integrate gradual exposure into every TF-CBT session
• Support children and teens in developing skills that enhance coping and symptom reduction in the aftermath of trauma 
• Support caregivers in developing coping skills and parenting strategies for responding to children’s therapeutic needs in the aftermath of trauma 
• Apply and implement the PRACTICE components of TF-CBT with families impacted by trauma 

Upon completion of the virtual training, participants will have most of the requirements for formal certification in TF-CBT (obtained through the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy National Therapist Certification Program). The Virtual Training and group calls count toward the requirements for national certification in TF-CBT. However, a few additional guidelines for national certification must be met as established by the developers. (For more information, please see www.tfcbt.org). Training participants are required to have a web camera (i.e., on a laptop computer or cell phone) in order to participate in the TF-CBT 4-day training via web-platform. 

The training will be offered over 4 days including:

3-day Learning Session 1: 

Tuesday February 25, 2025: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT  

Thursday, February 27, 2025: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT  

Tuesday March 4, 2025: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT 

1-day Learning Session 2:

Thursday May 29,2025; 11:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT

Pre-Requisite: TF-CBTWeb *please note that there is a $35 fee that is NOT covered as part of your registration and which is paid to the Medical University of South Carolina through TF-CBTWeb.

Completion of TF-CBT Web2.0 is required as a prerequisite to the virtual TF-CBT training and proof of completion should be submitted to Jami Bolton at NCA 3 days prior to Day 1 of the virtual training.  Email your certificate of completion to jbolton@nca-online.org 

Registration:

To register for this training, you will need an NCA Engage account. If you do not have one, visit NCA Engage Getting Started page for step-by-step instructions to request an NCA Engage account. The account request form will include a field that asks for an Organizational ID number. The Organizational ID number will inform us that the person signing into NCA Engage is employed at or partnered with a member organization. Please email membership@nca-online.org if you need your Organizational ID. If you are not employed at or partnered with a member organization, please enter MH24 as your Organizational ID for non-member access to NCA Engage. Non-member access will provide access to the training. 

 ** As a reminder, if you are paying by check, your training registration is incomplete, and your spot will not be reserved, until your check is received and is manually approved by our staff. Your name and TF-CBT Intro must be on the check memo or on a note with your check, otherwise it will not be approved. Do not mail checks to the former NCA office address, please use the PO Box listed above. 

If you need any disability accommodations for this training, please reach out to Jami Bolton, jbolton@nca-online.org

By registering for this training, I agree to the following:

-I will complete all Pre-training assignments and email proof of my certificate of completion for TF-CBT Web 2.0 to Jami Bolton, jbolton@nca-online.org

-I will provide brief monthly data regarding my caseload to meet funder requirements; this enables NCA to offer training at a reduced rate for trainees

-Successful completion of TF-CBT Training includes: participating in all training activities, including didactic portion and interactive breakout activities and discussions; having my camera on during training and consultation calls; remaining in a stationary, private space during training and consultation; attending and participating in at least 75% of all scheduled group consultation calls (9 of 12), presenting my own TF-CBT treatment case during group consultation twice. 

 For any questions or concerns related to this training, or your participation, please contact Jami Bolton, jbolton@nca-online.org

Advanced TF-CBT PSB Intensive (Children 12 and Under) 

This 10-month Advanced Training Intensive includes two learning sessions with Ashley Fiore, LCSW, and Geoff Sidoli, LCSW

Learning Session 1 February 11, 13, 18 & 20, 2025 11:00am-5:30pm EASTERN

Learning Session 2 includes June 3 and 5, 2025 11:00am-2:30pm EASTERN

Applications are in the process for CEs from professional organizations. This will be an interactive and participatory virtual training experience with pre-work and action period assignments that build participants' skills at implementing a PSB application of TF-CBT with children aged 12 and under and their families with fidelity and clinical competence.

Training content includes: Client identification and standardized assessment of children and their caregivers; interpretation, case conceptualization, record review practice; structured interviewing of children and caregivers, developing individualized treatment goals and safety plans, techniques for engaging caregivers who are in dissent/denial, PRACTICE component application of TF-CBT, and clinical skill development for working with this population. Training will include case application of TF-CBT using an evolving case study with video demonstration of skills. Clinicians will receive access to download a training packet, private online access to over 800 downloadable clinical resources for TF-CBT, access to a private TF-CBT PSB Clinical Discussion Forum with other participants and includes 11 group consultation calls co-facilitated by the trainers. Clinicians must attend at least 8 of 11 calls to successfully complete training.

Cost: 

Member: $1,250/person

Non-Member: $1,350

NOTE: By registering for this training, I agree to the following:

• I have completed Basic TF-CBT Training AND at least 9 of 12 group consultation calls with a developer-endorsed, national trainer    

*Please provide proof of training and group call completion and/or national certification by emailing this to Jami Bolton at jbolton@nca-online.org before the start of training, otherwise you will not be allowed to participate

I commit to sharing information about my readiness, familiarity, willingness, and ability to serve this population pre-training and post-training. I commit to completing all pre-training and action period assignments

• I commit to sharing information about my readiness, familiarity, willingness, and ability to serve this population pre-training and post-training
• I will participate in the Welcome Call on January 30, 2025 at 2:00pm Eastern
• I will participate in at least 8 of 11 scheduled Group Consultation Calls
• I commit to submitting deidentified client data related to the number of children who receive treatment, reduction in clinical symptoms, and successful discharges 

Attendees should have an active caseload appropriate for TF-CBT PSB and be ready to apply the model with at least 2 children.  Clinical supervisors are welcome to attend; however, if supervisors are not delivering the treatment during the consultation call phase, they will not be able to attend consultation calls. In order to be considered fully trained, participants must complete a minimum of 8 consultation calls and deliver the treatment to two children and their caregivers.   

At the conclusion of this TF-CBT training, participants will be able to: 

• Evaluate which cases would benefit from a PSB application of TF-CBT for children aged 12 and under
• Use record review, assessment, and structured interviewing techniques to develop individualized treatment goals and collaborative safety plans.
• Successfully engage appropriate cases in treatment, including caregivers in dissent/denial
• Create session agendas to structure TF-CBT sessions to meet fidelity standards
• Support children and teens in developing skills that enhance coping and symptom reduction in the aftermath of trauma 
• Support caregivers in developing coping skills and parenting strategies for responding to children’s therapeutic needs in the aftermath of trauma 
• Apply and implement the PRACTICE components of TF-CBT with families impacted by trauma and children exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors

For any questions, please reach out to Jami Bolton, jbolton@nca-online.org

PLEASE NOTE: This webinar is a live event only and will not be recorded or archived for later viewing.

Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) stand at the forefront in identifying and addressing the distinctive needs of children who have endured commercial sexual exploitation. Yet, conventional treatment practices often fall short in providing adequate care for this population. Effectively recognizing, engaging, and treating patient-victims of commercial sexual exploitation of a child (CSEC) demands creativity and collaboration among healthcare providers.

This presentation offers a multifaceted, interdisciplinary exploration of the implications of CAC involvement for this population. Through a compelling case study of a child who experienced sexual exploitation, the presenters will illustrate a nuanced approach to engaging a patient-victim. The session will encompass an overview of observable indicators for providers to recognize a child potentially experiencing sexual exploitation, effective strategies for building trust and rapport, defining acute and follow-up care, delineating the process of evaluation at a CAC, and adapting clinic procedures to enhance engagement and rapport-building. Throughout the session, attendees will also become acquainted with the Stages of Change model and its application to the CSEC population, emphasizing the importance of continuity of care and sustained engagement.

Join NCA for quarterly discussion calls to exchange ideas with other CACs working with military partners. Join us to share about your collaboration with military partners and learn what other CACs are doing to strengthen services for military families. Each call will include opportunity for highlighting successful practices, discussing challenges, and sharing ideas for improving CAC-military service coordination.  

Calls will take place the second Thursday of January, April, July, and October 2-3pm ET. All CACs are welcome to join calls when they can (attendance at all calls is not required). Please note that calls are live events and will not be recorded. 

Info Call: Enhance your skills in working with youth with PSB in 2025

Thursday December 5, 2024 from 2:00-3:00pm Eastern

This will be recorded, but you must be registered to view the recording

Child Advocacy Centers around the country have stepped up to provide services for children and youth who exhibit problematic sexual behavior (PSB) but have asked for additional support.  NCA’s Institute for Better Mental Health Outcomes hears you and is ready to help.  We have developed and are ready to provide additional resources, support, and training so you can assist and serve this underserved and often misunderstood population.  Please come join us for an informational call to hear about the new and exciting clinical trainings and consultation the MHI is rolling out in 2025!  We will talk about our new webinar series, monthly clinical consultation calls, and our TF-CBT PSB intensive learning community, as well as answer any of your questions.  For over 70% of the kids CAC's get, clinicians can simultaneously address the trauma and the PSB's using TF-CBT. They just need some additional information and support.  Come find out how NCA is providing the resources you need to treat these kids in a cost effective and efficient manner.

For all of us, CAC sustainability is top of mind these days. And, we are grateful for the many ways you strengthen the capacity of CACs every single day. Our collective efforts to secure and sustain funding have become even more imperative as CACs and Chapters have experienced more frequent volatility and uncertainty in their funding.

We invite you, CAC and Chapter Leaders, to learn more about strategies identified and prioritized the local, state, and federal levels by our field, so that our collective future planning can be well-informed and collaborative.

This introductory webinar covers the basics of implementing the Outcome Measurement System (OMS). Participants will learn about the components of OMS, how to collect feedback surveys from caregivers, youth, and MDT partners, and how to view their survey results in their OMS results dashboard. This is a good webinar for CAC and Chapter staff who are new to OMS, or who have not used OMS in awhile.

This webinar will take place on November 6th from 1:30-3:00pm EST

Many Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country have implemented programs to serve youth with problem sexual behaviors with great success. For CACs that are interested in developing on-site services for this population, questions often arise around concerns related to safety issues that would need to be addressed at the center. This roundtable, comprised of CAC staff who have supported the implementation of PSB programs across the country, will address common questions and concerns related to developing safety policies that support all children who are served at CACs. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask their own questions for the panel to discuss.

Issues that will be discussed include:

• What are important things to consider when defining best practice for developing safety policies to serve children with PSB at CAC?
• What has been the experience with having safety issues with children with PSB?
• What are the behaviors we are concerned about and what have been the experiences of the panelists with those behaviors?
• What have been barriers to setting up programs and ways that they were addressed?

Panel Facilitator: Amelia Siders, Ph.D. Western Regional CAC