Minnesota Council of Child Caring Agencies & MN Juvenile Detention Association

4th Annual Co-Sponsored Conference for Youth Workers

For the fourth year in a row, the Minnesota Council of Child Caring Agencies (MCCCA) and the Minnesota Juvenile Detention Association (MNJDA) will sponsor a joint Conference for Youth Workers. This year’s conference will be held at the Holiday Inn, St. Cloud on October 4-5, 2010. » Download Registration Brochure Here Registration deadline is September 17, 2010. Rates: Members Non-Members Students/Interns Full Conference $130 $185 $85 One Day Rate $85 $110 $50 Keynote Only $25 $25 $25

Accommodations:

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
75 37th Ave. S
St. Cloud, MN 56302
(320) 253-9000
Room Rates: $76.95/single or double; $86.95/suite-single or double
Mention that you are with MCCCA or MNJDA

About MNJDA
The Minnesota Juvenile Detention Association is an organization that enables personnel of juvenile detention, secure juvenile corrections and, juvenile holdovers to join together in mutual efforts to improve youth care standards, facilities and services. MNJDA's mission is to "improving juvenile justice through collaboration, training and legislative input.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Schedule

Click on a speaker's name for their information.

Monday, October 4

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Handling Difficult People: Dealing with People You Can’t Stand
Keynote Presenter: Kit R. Welchlin

It is estimated that 20 -21% of our population can be classified as difficult people. No matter where you go there will be at least one to deal with.

Difficult people look for your buttons. They don’t push your buttons; they punch them!

Learn:

• the ten different types of difficult people
• the five action steps to respond rather than react
• the five stages in controlling your emotions and responding appropriately
• how to differentiate yourself from everyone else
• the fifty strategies to deal with the truly ruthless

Identify the “nasty people” and learn how to stop being hurt by them without becoming one of them!

Breakout Workshops I
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

A. Sexting, Texting and Cyberbullying in the Age of Technology
Brian Stoll, Wright County Probation

In the changing world of technology, several unintended consequences have impacted students, schools and the community. Technological advances in cell phones have lead to the development of new methods of creating and sharing child pornography as well as other sexually predatory behaviors. While sexting and cyberbullying have grown in popularity, children and adults are often unaware of the possible consequences. Statistics, videos, stories and other valuable insights will be presented.

Objectives:

• Understand the consequences of sexting and different strategies that can be used when dealing with youth who have committed this crime
• Learn about cyberbullying and how technology has increased the danger of traditional bullying

B. Kids in Conflict: Managing the “Tough” Ones
Kevin Fawcett, Program Coordinator, Woodland Hills

Do you work with kids that get under your skin? Push your buttons? Troubled youth can be masters at creating conflict and evoking aggression in adults.

Objectives:
This workshop will share strategies to effectively work with youth in crisis and teach alternative solutions to aggression. This strength-based approach will highlight how to teach insight into problem behaviors rather than relying on punishment for behavior management. Components of Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) will be shared.

C. Strategies to Deal with Change in an Uncertain World
Mike Kutzke, Professional Training Services

Are you ready for the changes the future holds for you? Are you prepared to identify and take advantage of the opportunities that change will present? Are your personal and professional priorities clear? In a fun and fast-paced learning environment this training addresses practical strategies designed to help increase your effectiveness in adapting to personal and professional change. This training focuses on providing techniques and ideas to assist you in effectively dealing with the impact of constant change and assisting in the identification of positive opportunities and possibilities present in both personal and professional change.

Objectives:

• Identify a minimum of three sources of stress / strain
• Explain the impact of continuous change on their personal and professional interactions
• Describe a minimum of three strategies to deal with change in an uncertain world

D. Anger! Where it comes from…Where it goes (Part 1)
Jon Brandt, Director, Mapletree Group Home

People who lack emotional regulation undermine themselves, damage relationships, and need to be rescued from chronic “emotional hijacking.” This workshop will look at the Anger Pathway, presenting a useful paradigm for understanding how anger is the counterproductive outcome of mismanaged emotions and introduce the concept of Functional Continuity, a new theory suggesting a relationship between the collapse of time and dysfunctional lives.

Objectives:

• Learn more about the “emotional brain” and how living in the moment contributes to emotional and behavioral dysfunction
• Recognize the sources of emotions and how to reduce the frequency and intensity of anger
• Learn ways to teach these skills to others.

E. Autism Spectrum Disorders: What you need to know to structure effective corrections-based interventions (Part 1)
Saprina Matheny, Human Development Center

This workshop will discuss the diagnostic category of Autism Spectrum Disorders and, using case examples, discuss the common legal difficulties faced by individuals with these diagnoses and the considerations for working with these youth within a residential or detention setting.

Objectives:

• Learn about the difficulties/challenges faced by individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Identify common legal issues that youth with ASD face and how they differ from other youth in the juvenile justice system
• Develop practical, effective interventions for youth with ASD within a detention or residential setting.

Breakout Workshops II
2:45 – 4:15 p.m.

F. How to Take Care of Yourself in a Fast-paced Work Environment: Self Care for Youth Workers
Jen Ranallo, Unit Supervisor, Volunteers of America, Omegon

Working with youth in residential treatment is very difficult and challenging work. It is essential that staff take care of their own needs. However, it is not uncommon that staff place their own needs on the back burner to clients’ needs. This presentation allows youth workers to stop and take time to examine their self care strategies and learn new ideas to incorporate to ensure balance and wellness in their own lives; in order to better meet clients’ needs.

Objectives:

• Gain a better understanding about why self care techniques are important
• Examine current personal wellness need
• Learn new ways to find balance at work and at home
• Take time to re-evaluate personal and professional goals

G. Minimizing the Risk and Impact of Suicide in a Residential Program
Renee Fasteen, Director, Catholic Charities ITU

Youth served in a residential setting can be at high risk for suicide. It is essential that staff working within a residential setting have specific skills to assess and monitor this risk. If our best efforts fail and a suicide does occur, the impact on the program, staff and residents can be profound and must be addressed. This presentation will look at preventing suicide from the unique perspective of the residential setting.

Objectives:

• Understand the five steps of SAFE-T (risk, protective, inquiry, intervention, document) with an emphasis on the suicide inquiry by youth counselors.
• Identify the impact of suicide on the agency, staff and residents.

H. Emotional /Social Intelligence
Mike Kutzke, Professional Training Services

Using a fast-paced blend of information, strategies and humor this presentation is designed to increase your understanding and awareness of emotional/social intelligence. This presentation will focus on providing a better realization of the impact of emotional/social intelligence, along with identifying strategies to effectively improve your communications, interactions, and the quality of your personal and professional relationships. This training will also help you identify and understand the impact of your client’s emotional/social intelligence in day-to-day interactions. Please come prepared to smile, laugh and enjoy the experience.

Objectives:

• Explain the concept of emotional/social intelligence
• Describe the impact of emotional/social intelligence on both personal and professional interactions
• Describe a minimum of two strategies to improve personal and professional interactions based on emotional intelligence

I. Anger! Where it comes from….Where it goes (Part 2)
Jon Brandt, Director, Mapletree Group Home

J. Autism Spectrum Disorders: What you need to know to structure effective corrections-based interventions (Part 2)
Saprina Matheny, Human Development Center

Tuesday, October 5

Breakout Workshops III
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

K. Working with Somali Youth and Families
David Schuchman, Director of Immigrant and Refugee Behavioral Health

This presentation will provide a brief overview of Somali culture and a comparison of Somali and western concepts of mental health and mental illness. Special problems of youth and families will also be discussed.
There will be ample time for questions and answers.

Objectives:

• Participants will gain an understanding of Somali culture and Somali vs. western concepts of mental health and mental illness.
• Participants will gain an understanding of relationships and dynamics within Somali families in Minnesota.
• Participants will gain an understanding of interventions for Somali youth and families with behavioral and/or mental health problems.

L. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (Part 1)
Dean Grace, Director, MCCCA/MNJDA Training Institute

The workshop will describe the etiology, impact, and treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The focus will be on teaching adults to understand the emotional needs as well as the temperamental and perceptual differences underlying oppositional behavior, to learn to respond differently to the child’s provocations, and to help the oppositional child deal with his/her emotional burden.

Objectives:

• Be aware of the impact of oppositional behavior on children and families.
• Understand the dynamics between adults and oppositional children.
• Recognize the process orientation of oppositional children in confrontations.
• Learn a model for intervention which reframes oppositional behavior, empowers oppositional children, empowers parents to show love to their children, and enables kids to be kids.

M. GLBTQI 201: Providing Competent Services to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Intersex (GLBTQI) Youth (Part 1)
Alex Jackson Nelson

This workshop focuses on improving services for GLBTQI youth. GLBTQI youth are over-represented in out-of-home care and juvenile justice facilities and are particularly vulnerable to physical or emotional abuse, depression, substance abuse and suicide. Through interactive activities and conversations, practitioners will gain a better understanding of gender identity and sexual orientation. Participants will be trained to best serve and support GLBTQI youth and families.

Objectives:

• Participants will gain an understanding of GLBTQI identities, language and cultures.
• Participants will recognize struggles faced by GLBTQI youth and will gain access to understanding the importance of providing culturally competent services.
• Participants will practice conversations addressing gender identity and sexual orientation with youth and families.

N. FASD and the Justice System: Modify your Approach for Improved Outcomes (Part 1)
Meghan Louis, MOFAS Speaker’s Bureau

This workshop will explain basic brain functioning in relation to FASD brain damage. Participants will learn about the relationship between secondary disabilities and primary brain damage, identify the association between affected individuals and the justice system, and gain knowledge about strategies and resources. Discover how to modify your approach for improved outcomes!

Objectives:

• Define FASD
• Describe basic brain functioning in relation to FASD brain damage
• Identify the association between affected individuals and the justice system

O. Building Cultural Competency through Experiential Group Initiatives
Danny Frank, Youth Development Manager, Woodland Hills

Group initiative games provide exceptional opportunities for building cultural competency among clients and employees alike. By engaging participants in reflective experiential learning processes, youth workers can cultivate authentic and relevant dialogues about diversity and inclusivity. This interactive and collaborative session will address ways in which youth serving agencies can utilize experiential activities in programming and in-service trainings in order to help participants clarify personal values, understand cultural paradigms, and build empathy toward others.

Objectives:

• Workshop attendees will receive a collection of activities, processing tools, and implementation strategies for facilitating group initiatives within their own agencies.

Breakout Workshops IV
10:45 – 12:15 p.m.

P. Yoga Calm: An Integrated Approach to Wellness
Jennifer C. Sheppard, North Homes Children & Family Services
Kathy Flaminio, 1000 Petals, LLC

Learn how to successfully bring the benefits of yoga and mindfulness activities to clients in your home-based, therapeutic or educational setting. As part of the presentation, participants will further their knowledge of best practices involving behavioral organization, development of community, and adaptations for specific populations. To recognize, support, and deepen healthy emotional expression, participants are involved in the inquiry process through experiential learning. Yoga and mindfulness techniques are based on the belief that all individuals want to do well and can when in a safe and supportive community of learners that engage in integrated lessons – ones that include reflection. Yoga based techniques allow youth and families of all ages to develop a greater awareness of themselves and teach that there is a fundamental connection between intention, action and consequence. Individuals that are given a route to stillness are able to develop strength in mental, social, emotional and physical areas. This allows individual and whole programs to realize their full potential both in the program and in the larger communities to which they belong.

Objectives:

• Educate participants on the effect of mindfulness and yoga based principles on the development of individual youth growth as well as the program community. Participants will be introduced to ways of how to bring these principles to youth of all ages.
• Participants will further learn how to recognize, support and deepen healthy emotional expression.
• Provide practitioners working with youth and students and families of all ages an introduction into the use of physical, mental and social/emotional activities. Additional emphasis will be on ways to develop a united group of learners while honoring the youth and teacher within each of us.

Q. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (Part 2)
Dean Grace, Director, North Shore Collaborative

R. GLBTQI 201: Providing Competent Services to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Intersex (GLBTQI) Youth (Part 2)
Alex Jackson Nelson

Note – Truthought is copyrighted
S. Introduction of Truthought Corrective Thinking LSS, a Cognitive Skills Thinking Program: How It Works in a Correctional Facility
Steve Toledo, Transitions Counselor, Training Coordinator, Truthought Practitioner, Prairie Lakes Youth Programs

The Truthought Corrective Thinking curriculum explores the thought process that individuals use. Its aim is to teach individuals to recognize that their behaviors are a result of the choices they make. No one else is to blame for those choices. They must take responsibility for who they are and the choices they make. Our goal is to teach individuals to think responsibly guiding them to prosocial responsible thinking by using the tools of Truthought. Individuals can learn new thinking patterns that affect the choices they make.

Objectives:

• Provide an introduction to this cognitive skills program and the tools and skills necessary to help individuals learn new thinking patterns.

T. Whose Needs are Being Met Here? Navigating Boundaries in Professional Staff/Client Relationships
Andrea Hendel, Clinical Director, Volunteers of America, Omegon

Working in the intensity of residential treatment or with severely emotionally disturbed youth and their families can bring up a lot of personal emotions and boundary issues.

Objectives:

• Learn the clear guidelines of ethical and legal expectations that all service providers must follow.
• Learn clear strategies on setting and maintaining professional boundaries with youth and their families.
• Learn how to build positive relationships with youth and their families while balancing all of those aspects of professionalism.

Breakout Workshops V
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

U. Professional Ethics and Boundaries
Todd Benjamin, Anoka County Juvenile Center Superintendent
Shelly Hanson, Anoka County Senior Probation Officer

The intent of this workshop is for staff to have a solid understanding of their role, how to establish boundaries with peers/residents, and clearly understand expectations, definitions, rules, and regulations around boundaries.

Objectives:

• Understand the "Code of Ethics"
• Identify appropriate staff roles
• Learn about checks and balances
• Techniques for creating a therapeutic relationship

V. Sexting, Texting and Cyberbullying in the Age of Technology (repeat)
Brian Stoll, Wright County Probation

W. The Treatment of Conduct Disorder
Tom Lutz, Treatment Director, Boys Totem Town

Conduct Disorder is the main diagnosis of adolescent males who are sent to correctional facilities. It has been well established in research that punishment and incarceration only increases recidivism. Over the past 20 years researchers have developed practices that decrease recidivism in this adolescent group.

Objectives:

• Identification of Conduct Disorder using the DSM and other identifiers
• How to use the YLSI in assessment and treatment planning
• Learn treatment modes and options for this population

X. Confused about accountability and the use of restrictive procedures?
Julie Snyder, Lisa Cain, MN Department of Corrections

Come to our breakout session where we will define and clarify what the circumstances are for restrictive procedure use and when licensing rules allow you to use each restrictive procedure.

Y. Vicarious Trauma: This Job Changes You
Denise Dallas, Training Coordinator, Mille Lacs Academy
Michelle Kimman, Clinical Supervisor, Mille Lacs Academy

Through this workshop you will learn about vicarious trauma and how it affects the individual, the team and the treatment milieu. It is important to understand the different ways males and females deal with and are affected by vicarious trauma, and be able to recognize the signs and effects of such traumas. We will discuss the importance of self-care while working on the unit as well as outside of work and the value of team building and developing positive attitudes among the staff. Discover the importance of debriefing situations of vicarious trauma with a focus on how a negative work environment directly affects the milieu and how the residents respond to treatment. Learn to recognize how the milieu mirrors the health or the dysfunction of the team and new and fresh ideas on how to build a healthy team.

Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify the experience of vicarious trauma in both themselves and co-workers.
• The participants will be exposed to self-care techniques that will help them deal with day to day stress and build team unity.
• Participants will learn the importance of processing incidents that can lead to vicarious trauma and understand how these incidents affect therapeutic relationships and the culture of the milieu.