Focus 2018 Pre-conference Institutes

• YouthThrive* - This full-day, certification institute will highlight critical components of Youth Thrive, including: research on brain development, the impact of stress with focus on trauma-informed approaches, and the importance of creating and maintaining meaningful relationships with youth.To learn more about YouthThrive, please click here.
  
  
• Youth Mental Health First Aid* - This full-day, certification institute will introduce the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, build understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teach how to help youth who are experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid is provided by a certified trainer and is designed for adults who work with youth. For more information about the training, please click here.
  
  
• Safe Place Basics - This afternoon session will provide information about key Safe Place program topics for those from existing licensed agencies and others who may want to learn more about program implementation and operation standards. Topics include: history and development of Safe Place, policies and procedures, implementation standards, education and outreach, and community partnerships. To learn more about Safe Place, please click here.
  
  
• Youth Empowerment - Youth, ages 12 to 21, are invited to participate in an afternoon pre-conference institute full of fun, networking, and empowerment. This institute provides youth an opportunity to get to know each other and discuss their involvement in the youth services field. Whether connection is due to receiving services directly or being drawn to the field in another way, each young person has an idea of what the “Heart of the Matter” is for them. This pre-conference institute sets the tone for Focus 2018 and helps young people consider their involvement in the movement to create a world where all youth are safe.

*certification opportunity for youth care workers

Click here to learn more about Focus 2018.