2009 Certificate Program for Individuals Session Topics

Leadership Development
Training on leadership development will occur across modules at the Certificate Program, but a specific module will be taught focusing on transformative/collaborative leadership research and how to expand thinking about various situations leaders are likely to encounter in utilizing multi-systems approaches.

Building a Multi-Systems Approach
The Multi-Systems Approach module will consist of a review of the research around multi-systems approaches, including an overview of characteristics of crossover youth and instruction focused on information sharing; joint case assessment, planning and management; blended funding; and the identification of appropriate and effecitve services and programs.

Macro-Communication and Micro-Communication Strategies
The Macro-Communication module will focus on the use of proactive and reactive communication approaches that will enhance the building of public and political will around systems reforms, improvements and change.

The Micro-Communication module will utilize real-life case studies and video examples to illustrate how to prepare for interviews with the media and for testifying before public officials.

Family and Youth Engagement
The Family and Youth Engagement module will focus on learning the role of leadership in engaging families and youth; communicating the importance to staff of engaging families and youth; assessing system culture and values in relation to family and youth engagement; and learning ways to engage youth and families in strategic planning and policy development

Disproportionality
The Disproportionality module will focus on identifying the factors that lead to the disparate treatment of youth of color and their disproportionate representation in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, particularly youth involved in multiple systems; exploring the historical context for the variances in treatment that youth of color experience in multiple systems; and strategizing about promising practices systems can employ to challenge how they and fellow colleagues view and service youth of color, and ultimately reduce their disproportionate representation.

Education
The Education module will highlight the importance of including educational partners in the multi-system efforts required to best address the needs of crossover youth; identify the educational challenges faced by youth known to the multiple systems; and identify and explore effective educational practices for crossover youth.

Capstone Development/Results-Based Accountability
Instruction on the Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework will be provided. The RBA framework uses a strong data and outcome driven methodology in managing the change process. Participants will be encouraged to utilize this framework as they develop and implement their Capstone Projects.