Teaching the Hulk Tetris: Traumatic Stress and the Application of Polyvagal Theory in Supporting Families Involved with Child Welfare

Help transform stress into strength and support families on their journey to well-being! Using the iconic imagery of the Hulk, this presentation explores the impacts of traumatic stress and how professionals can harness to power of Polyvagal Theory to help support families involved with child welfare. The Hulk’s transformation mirrors the impact of the stress response on the human brain and nervous system, which can lead to overwhelming emotions and behaviors. Attendees will learn to identify the stressors that families face and discover practical strategies that help families “tame the Hulk” within by promoting calm and constructive responses to stress. Join this session learn more about self-regulation techniques for all ages, including tools and toys designed to build self-regulation skills, such as MindFlex, Omi the Elephant, and the Purrble.

There’s No Place Like Home: Harms of Removal and Family Separation in Child Welfare

mind map of the domains of harm of removal

The idea of taking kids first and sorting it out later to “avoid” abuse is one of the biggest paradoxes in the history of governmental practice. In 2023, Washington became one of the first states in the nation to statutorily require dependency courts to consider the likely harms a child will experience if removed from the care of their parents. This training will introduce participants to the concept of “harm of removal” in the context of child welfare and demonstrate use of practical tools and resources that support court systems in identifying and responding to the trauma of forced family separation.

Safety Summit

Safety Summit

Safety Summits help local dependency court systems enhance child safety practice by using a common framework for talking about child safety. When all court and system partners utilize a shared understanding and language to clearly and consistently articulate safety-related information, including the harms of removal, the court can engage parties in meaningful inquiries around assessments of safety, safety planning and case planning in ways that support improved outcomes for children and families. Safety Summits are a cross-system training event that is included in the larger Safety Summit Project. 

High-Potency Synthetic Opioids Practice Tip

High-Potency Synthetic Opioids Practice Tip

High-potency synthetic opioids (HPSO), like fentanyl, pose serious risks in child welfare involved families. In 2024, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released Public Health Guidance on High Potency Synthetic Opioids in response to the legislative mandate passed in SB 6109. Check out this Dependency Practice Tip infographic to learn more about HPSOs and the DOH public health guidance.