Prevention Training Program Schedule

Schedule of Workshops
The Prevention Training Program

Trainings will begin at 9:00 A.M. or 1:00 P.M. as noted. All classes will be held at The Consultation Center unless otherwise stated. A letter of confirmation and directions will be sent to you following receipt of your completed registration. Participants are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before the training event.

OCTOBER 2009 NOVEMBER 2009 DECEMBER 2009
JANUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 MARCH 2010 APRIL 2010 MAY 2010

OCTOBER 2009

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease and Coping Strategies for Caregivers (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
10/16/09 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructor: Donna Fedus, M.A.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease is extremely challenging, whether you are a professional or a family caregiver. In this workshop you will learn the basic progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and strategies for coping with the difficult behaviors associated with each stage. After attending this training, participants will be able to: 1) identify the typical progression of Alzheimer’s Disease; 2) link a range of behaviors to each stage of the disease; 3) identify coping strategies for professional and family caregivers and critical skills for prevention professionals; and 4) help the person with Alzheimer's maintain maximum independence and dignity.

Environmental Strategies in the Prevention of Underage Drinking Register Now
10/23/09 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Deborah Stewart, B.A., CPP

This workshop will provide participants with research and best practice strategies that focus on the environment or community context that must be addressed in order to reduce underage drinking and alcohol abuse. Participants will learn about organizations that emphasize these strategies, such as CT MADD and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. Information will be shared on effective strategies used by community coalitions across the state, as well as examples of college campus leadership groups. Youth involvement and leadership roles in the needs assessment, planning and execution of these strategies will be shared.

NOVEMBER 2009

A Perspective on Ethical Issues in Prevention Practice and Research (for certification) (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
11/6/09 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructors: David L. Snow, Ph.D. and Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

This workshop will provide a perspective on ethical issues frequently encountered in implementing community-based prevention programs and in conducting prevention research. Ethical issues will be considered related to: 1) values and value conflicts and determining intervention goals and objectives; 2) principles that guide the processes of action and implentation; 3) ethical dilemmas related to informed consent; and 4) conducting prevention research in community settings and how findings are shared with stakeholders. An experiential component will be built in throughout to involve participants in debating the resolution of various ethical dilemmas. Participants will become familiar with federal and local confidentiality laws and professional codes of conduct/ethics.

DECEMBER 2009

Introduction to Prevention in Mental Health (for certification) (3 NASW CECs) Register Now
12/18/09 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

This workshop provides an overview of prevention approaches in the mental health field, providing both didactic and practical information for new service providers who may need to implement prevention programs and managers who must supervise this work. At the end of the training, participants will be able to: 1) describe major prevention approaches used in the U.S. over the past several decades; and 2) become familiar with how prevention is defined by major federal agencies including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), and the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

JANUARY 2010 Back to Top

Introduction to Suicide Prevention Register Now
1/8/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructor: Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

In any given year in the United States, approximately 30,000 individuals commit suicide and thousands more make attempts. It is estimated that 90% of those who die by suicide at any age have a diagnosable mental illness, most often depression, making the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with emotional disorders critical to suicide prevention efforts. Suicide is clearly a clinical issue, but it is also a public health or environmental issue, requiring a shift in focus that not only includes prevention and treatment at the individual level, but also includes prevention at the community level. This course will include an overview of risk and protective factors across the lifespan that place certain individuals at increased risk for suicide. An array of preventive intervention strategies will be explored, including examples of “Effective” and "Promising" evidence-based programs. Participants will: 1) learn about the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the risk factors for suicide for individuals across the lifespan and 2) increase their awareness of multi-level preventive intervention strategies targeting individuals and communities. An interactive component will be built in throughout. Participants will: 1) learn about the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the risk factors for suicide for individuals across the lifespan and 2) increase their awareness of multi-level preventive intervention strategies targeting individuals and communities. An interactive component will be built in throughout.

Identification of Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol and Prescription Substance Abuse
in Older Adults: Implications for Program Planning (3 NASW CECs) Register Now
1/25/10 9:00 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
Instructor: Donna Fedus, M.A.

This interactive workshop will explore awareness, attitudes, and understanding of individuals, families, and health professionals toward alcohol and prescription substance abuse in older adults. It will include an overview of the prevalence of substance abuse and addiction, risk and protective factors related to alcohol and other substance abuse, the potential role of ageism in under-identification of alcohol and prescription substance abuse in older adults, and the bio-psycho-social factors involved. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: 1) identify their own pre-conceived ideas relating to substance abuse and older adults; 2) understand the physical, psychological, and social aspects of substance abuse in older adults; 3) understand the impact that preconceived notions have on the identification of elders at risk for substance abuse, and the on development of interventions addressing alcohol and substance abuse in elders; 4) outline techniques for working with older adults and their families around alcohol and substance abuse that address risk factors and enhance protective factors for elders.

Resource Development and Grant Writing Workshop for Youth-Serving Organizations (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
1/22/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructor: Deborah Stewart, B.A., CPP

This course will be an introduction to resource development for youth-serving organizations. The workshop will help participants to develop a strategy for their grant writing and proposal development. Proposal development tools and helpful worksheets will be practiced based on actual current programming. A local funder of youth programs will also share advise on approaching funders and their tips for successful grants. Participants will learn about guidelines from both private and public sector funders, as well as technical assistance and future training opportunities. Participants will: l) discuss an approach to resource development and grant-seeking based on values and mission of an organization, 2) review formats and guidelines from different funding sources, 3) identify public and private sector funding sources and the communication vehicles for finding funding sources relevant to their particular interest areas, 4) learn the essential steps for proposal development and tips for successful grant writing; and then practice the sequence of steps necessary for completing funding applications in compliance with guidelines from a selected funding source, and 5) share strategies for sustainability, and discuss additional opportunities for obtaining training and technical assistance in both grantwriting and resource development.

Prevention Group Work with Adolescent Girls (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
1/22/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructors: Terry Freeman, MAT, LCSW, CPP-R and Jeana Bracey, M.A.

Gender-specific prevention work with adolescent girls challenges group facilitators to select topics and strategies that fit the developmental needs of group members. Based on experience with girls' groups for middle and high school age females, this workshop will emphasize specifics of gender-specific work with girls, review developmental issues of adolescent girls, examine curricular resources, and discuss activities, structure, and group leadership issues.

Creating and Implementing a Self-Help Group: Bridging Prevention and Recovery (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
1/29/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructors: Jennifer Sylvia, B.A. and Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

This workshop is designed to train participants on how to start and maintain a mutual aid self-help group. This training is geared toward facilitators and group leaders who are interested in exploring strategies that will keep a self-help group alive, productive, and positive. Topics that will be covered in the training include: 1) attendance and group size; 2) sharing group leadership and avoiding facilitator burnout; and 3) working with difficult group members. Participants who are currently running a self-help group will have the opportunity to receive consultation about particular challenges they are facing in their respective groups for shared problem-solving.

Promoting Positive Racial/Ethnic Identity Among Adolescents (3 NASW CECs) Register Now
1/29/10 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Jeana Bracey, M.A.

This workshop will explore the process of racial identity development with the goal of training youth service providers to promote positive development among adolescents. The workshop will include an overview of racial identity development models, an examination of the role of stereotypes and biases, and will provide practical examples of ways to promote positive identity when working with youth. Workshop participants will engage in interactive activities to promote personal growth around cultural awareness and positive identity.

FEBRUARY 2010 Back to Top

Life Skills for the Transition to Adulthood (3 NASW CECs) Register Now
2/5/10 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Terry Freeman, MAT, LCSW, CPP-R

Prevention research emphasizes the effectiveness of "life skills" training in order to decrease the likelihood of risky behaviors by adolescents. This workshop will place emphasis on the developmental needs of older adolescents and the skills they need for successful adulthood. Components of life skills curriculum that support their growth will be reviewed, including topics such as decision-making, goal-setting, career exploration, self-care and coping, independent living, etc. Strategies and materials useful for community-based groupwork or formal educational settings with older adolescents will be explored. Emphasis will be on interactive activities that involve youth in learning and positive development.

Coping with Work and Family Stress^TM
An Intervention to Prevent Alcohol Abuse and Psychological Symptoms (SAMHSA Model Program) (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
2/19/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructors: David L. Snow, Ph.D. and Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

This workshop will provide training in the rationale, design, and implementation of a science-based workplace coping skills intervention aimed at reducing alcohol abuse and psychological symptoms among employees. Participants will: 1) learn a risk and protective factor model that links selected factors from work and family domains to alcohol abuse and psychological symptoms; 2) review the rationale and content of a workplace intervention aimed at enhancing employee's skills in coping with work and family stress; and 3) examine various issues and strategies for introducing the program into the workplace.

Youth Involvement Practices for Community Assessment and Program Planning Register Now
2/19/10 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Deborah Stewart, B.A., CPP

This workshop will focus on the importance of community assessment processes and tools that engage young people as partners in the community planning process. Examples of youth involvement strategies used in Connecticut communities to reduce underage drinking and neighborhood violence will be shared. Participants will learn about research demonstrating the critical outcomes when programs expand opportunities for youth voice and youth engagement. Resources from state and national organizations as well as web site links will be provided.

MARCH 2010 Back to Top

Fostering Youth Leadership in the Prevention of Underage Drinking (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
3/3/10 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Location of Training: Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT
Instructors: Deborah Stewart, B.A., CPP & colleagues from community coalitions and underage drinking prevention and violence prevention programs

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of Connecticut’s work to prevent underage drinking. In addition to hearing about the research on underage drinking and consequences of alcohol abuse, participants will learn about how young people are engaged as partners with adults to educate other youth about the dangers of alcohol, especially for youth under 21. Resources to foster youth leadership will be shared from local programs, regional action councils, statewide organizations, and national web sites.

Healthy Relationships/Prevention of Relationship Violence for Young Adults (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
3/5/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructor: Terry Freeman, MAT, LCSW, CPP-R

This interactive workshop will include principles, curricula and strategies for working with adolescents to promote healthy relationships and prevent relationship violence. Based on our curriculum, "Healthy Inside and Out," the workshop will prepare participants for planning and implementing relationship-focused programs to fit young adults. Participants will review current knowledge about adolescent relationship violence, sample strategies and materials they can use with adolescents, and exchange ideas on tailoring curriculum to their own population and setting.

A Perspective on Ethical Issues in Prevention Practice and Research (for certification) (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
3/12/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructors: David L. Snow, Ph.D. and Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

Needs Assessments and Program Evaluation: Collection and Utilization of Archival and Novel Data (3 NASW CECs) Register Now
3/12/10 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Amy Griffin, M.A.

This workshop is geared to participants who have some understanding or experience with needs assessments and/or program evaluation. The workshop will review how the collection of needs assessment data and the development of outcomes that are measurable, realistic (program can impact them), feasible (program can collect the data) and useful impact both the development of a program and the evaluation of the efficacy of a program. Participants will also be exposed to a variety of ways to collect or access data for needs assessments and assessing program outcomes including: program data, social indicator data, archival data, qualitative data (including key informant interviews and focus groups) and survey data. Finally, participants will learn how to utilize data for ongoing program development and evaluation.

Core Competencies in Prevention (for certification) (3 NASW CECs) Register Now
3/26/10 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

This course provides an overview of prevention approaches by emphasizing its core competencies of practice, including training and community education, program development, consultation and technical assistance, advocacy, and program evaluation. At the end of the workshop participants in the course will: 1) be able to describe the major core competencies in prevention; 2) have developed skills to implement prevention services for at least two core competencies; and 3) be able to identify resources to gain further expertise in specific core competencies as their practice needs change.

APRIL 2010 Back to Top

Selecting Evidence-Based Prevention Programs (3 NASW CECs) Register Now
4/9/10 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Amy Griffin, M.A.

The main purpose of this workshop is to provide participants with a foundation to develop and select sound prevention programs to achieve desired outcomes. This workshop will present an overview of the concept of science-based prevention, including the pros and cons of utilizing such programs; characteristics of effective prevention programs; community, organizational, and other issues to consider in selecting appropriate prevention programs; and the utility of using a logic model framework for selecting and developing sound preventive interventions.

Helping People Change: Applying Behavior Change Theory (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
4/16/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructor: Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

Helping people change behavior is an important role for practitioners, whether it is for disease management, lifestyle modification or addictions. Understanding a person's readiness to make change, anticipating barriers to the change, and helping to manage relapses are all important aspects of behavior change. In this workshop we will explore the Transtheoretical Model of Change, also know as the Stages of Change model, to effectively apply it to develop and deliver interventions that are on target for the population with which we work with. As a dynamic behavior change theory, the Stages of Change model can be applied in a variety of settings for numerous behaviors. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: 1) identify various behavior change models with in-depth review of the Stage of Change model and 2) learn how to develop interventions that are appropriate and provide opportunity for intervening at various levels and times.

Legal Issues and Emotional Dynamics in Grandfamilies (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
4/16/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructors: Donna Fedus, M.A. and Kathleen Lutz

“Grandfamilies” are families in which grandparents or other relatives are raising a child or children. The children are related to the caregivers by blood, marriage or adoption, although they may or may not have a legal relationship. This phenomenon is also known as “kinship care,” “kincare,” or “relative care.” According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are more than 6 million children in the U.S. living in grandfamilies. Of these, 2.4 million are being raised solely by their grandparents or other relatives with no parents present. This workshop will provide an in-depth look at the legal issues and emotional dynamics common in grandfamilies which are layered over the normal strains of childrearing. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: 1) identify the advantages and disadvantages of various legal arrangements for grandfamilies; 2) understand the emotional dynamics and coping strategies of the oldest and youngest generations within grandfamilies; 3) outline strategies for assisting kinship care families.

MAY 2010 Back to Top

Coping with Work and Family Stress^TM
An Intervention to Prevent Alcohol Abuse and Psychological Symptoms (SAMHSA Model Program) (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
5/14/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructors: David L. Snow, Ph.D. and Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

The Entanglement of Family Violence and Substance Use (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
5/14/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructors: Tami P. Sullivan, Ph.D. and Erica Peters, B.A.

This course is designed for participants with minimal to some experience in working with populations that struggle with family violence and/or substance use issues. Traditional instructive methods will be used to review approaches to understanding the multiple relationships that exist between domestic violence and substance use for individual children, adolescents, and adults, as well as families. Skill enhancement will focus on (a) identifying family violence as a significant contributor to substance use and how that relationship differs for men and women, (b) assessing the impact of family violence on substance use, and (c) developing methods to more effectively work with clients with these co-occurring issues. Participants will: 1) Review existing research and practice regarding the multiple relationships that exist between family violence and substance use for youth and adults and men and women; 2) Enhance skills to identify family violence as a contributor to substance use for men and women; 3) Be introduced to tools that can be used to assess for family violence and substance use; and 4) Enhance skills to intervene with clients who experience family violence and substance use.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse (3 NASW CECs) Register Now
5/21/10 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Instructor: Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

Over $78 billion in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are produced each year in the United States. Although most people use these medications properly, a significant number do not. They might take them without a doctor's prescription, use more than prescribed, or take them for reasons other than those that the drugs were prescribed for. Misuse of prescription and OTC drugs can often lead to psychological and physical dependence. This is a significant problem across the lifespan, from teens to older adults. Participants will learn which prescription and OTC drugs are most widely abuse, including risk and protective factors for abuse and sample prevention strategies.

Health Promotion: Linking Prevention and Health Promotion to Recovery (6 NASW CECs) Register Now
5/28/10 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Instructor: Susan Ottenheimer, LCSW

A multifaceted training that will provide an overview of health promotion delivered in an array of settings, including knowledge, skills and ideas to help your clients, contacts and colleagues. Learn how research supports effective programming solutions, and how simple techniques can begin a path to wellness.

Back to Top

Training Schedule About the Trainers Registration

Schedule of Workshops The Prevention Training Program

Schedule of Workshops
The Prevention Training Program