Workshop Session A has 4 options to choose from. Choose 1 to watch LIVE and view the recordings of the others at a later time. All recordings will be available for the next 30 days.

This 60-minute interactive workshop will equip leaders and supervisors to better support neurodiverse staff within direct care environments. Through guided discussion and the sharing of practical strategies, participants will explore the strengths and challenges neurodiverse individuals may experience at work, and learn how to foster belonging, psychological safety, and resilience on their teams. The session will include real-world examples, tools for inclusive supervision, and time for Q&A to help participants apply new insights to their own settings.

Residential Support Workers (RSWs) are essential in residential treatment, ensuring clients’ safety and well-being. Despite their importance, they often face inadequate training, limited recognition, and systemic neglect, leading to burnout, vicarious trauma, and high turnover. Nearly half of healthcare workers report burnout (CDC, 2024), with emotional exhaustion increasing risks of client re-traumatization and recidivism. A trauma-responsive approach emphasizing skill development, self-awareness, and professional respect can address these challenges. Through education, reflection, and experiential learning, RSWs build capacity for trauma-responsive, antiracist, whole-person care while redefining their value within historically inequitable systems.

This presentation will include an overview of the Six Core Strategies which is an evidenced-based practice to prevent and reduce the use restraint/seclusion and coercive practices.  Each Core Strategy will be described, translated into day-to-day practice, and discussed thru the experience of youth, families, and staff.   Effective interventions to replace coercive interventions will be reviewed.  A highlight of the presentation will be the first-hand experience of a program leader, family leader, and youth-expert(s) in applying the Six Core Strategies to their service with recommendations on how to accelerate implementation of this important culture and practice change work.

This session explores the use of a clinical approach and concepts supporting young people who have been impacted by sexual exploitation. The approach explores the physical, relational and spiritual elements of wellbeing. Relational elements will be emphasized with accentuation on low control and high support. The session will highlight how mutuality in relationship produces a warm and inviting social environment, enhances learning, safety, and positive therapeutic outcomes.

Jason Slemko – Hull Services, Canada

 

Christina Sackett – Hull Services, Canada

Self-awareness can be thought of as the “will and skill to see ourselves clearly.” In this training, participants will learn the two sides to self-awareness and why it matters in the workplace. Participants will learn about three strategies to build self-awareness with a chance to practice in small groups.

This presentation explores the overlooked and often minimized role of fathers and positive male figures in the lives of children and youth, particularly those in foster care and out-of-home placements. Too often, systems unintentionally exclude or sideline dads through bias, policy, or practice—leaving young people without crucial connections that support their stability, identity, and long-term success. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and outcome data, we will examine how the absence of paternal involvement impacts youth, from educational attainment to emotional resilience. Participants will also gain practical strategies for recognizing and reducing systemic barriers, engaging fathers as partners, and broadening the definition of family support to include male mentors and role models. By reframing how we view and value dads, this session aims to inspire professionals to create more inclusive practices that strengthen family connections, promote equity, and improve outcomes for youth.