Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare

Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) seeks to improve the well-being of children

Through federal Title IV-E funding and grants, CASCW facilitates a partnership between the University of Minnesota and county, tribal, state, and community social services. This collaborative is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families involved with public child welfare. Terms of Use:
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With the legislative session now closed, we hope for continued advocacy and work on important bills that did not see the...
06/04/2026

With the legislative session now closed, we hope for continued advocacy and work on important bills that did not see the desired movement. Of note, the Minnesota Foster Youth Bill of Rights, seeking to standardize dozens of protections for the state's foster youth, did not advance for the second year in a row.

New legislation that did pass included the Human Services Omnibus Bill and the Social Work Title Protection with multiple, statewide practice updates for child welfare issued by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. These updates establish a framework for ongoing system improvement, but continued collaboration, clear guidance, and sustained investment in the people and systems that serve Minnesota’s children and families remain essential.

Be sure to visit our website for future updates and upcoming events!

Another wonderful set of workshops yesterday! CASCW was so pleased to host the two trainings from our partners at the Ce...
06/03/2026

Another wonderful set of workshops yesterday! CASCW was so pleased to host the two trainings from our partners at the Center for Practice Transformation, Mending Relational Ruptures: Skills Practice & The Blueprint for Hope: Helping Clients Build a Vision for Recovery, in person at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy.

A big thank you to our presenters, Michael Van Wert, MPH, MSW, LICSW, and Steve Carlson, PsyD, for leading us in skills practice and in imagining hope.

Don't miss any notifications about our upcoming events and opportunities for free CEUs! Sign up for our newsletter on our website.

CASCW was pleased to host the Advanced Use of Effective Supervision Strategies: A Practice Lab for Supervisors workshop ...
06/02/2026

CASCW was pleased to host the Advanced Use of Effective Supervision Strategies: A Practice Lab for Supervisors workshop last week with Dr. Mimi Choy-Brown from the UMN School of Social Work.

Supervisors were introduced to four strategies to improve the resilience of supervisees, strengthen the supervisory relationship, and improve interactions between supervisees and youth and families. There was lots of discussion throughout the day and practice opportunities for supervisors to start implementing the strategies!

Be sure to check out our website for upcoming event opportunities. And, consider signing up for our newsletters so you don't miss hearing about one of our many training opportunities, all of which are FREE, and many of which offer CEUs for attendees!

The 2025–26 Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) cohorts recently came together, both in-person and vir...
05/29/2026

The 2025–26 Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) cohorts recently came together, both in-person and virtually, to celebrate a new group of graduates. These moments of connection highlighted the power of interdisciplinary learning, guided by an outstanding community of professionals who bring both deep practice knowledge and lived experience. We’re proud to recognize the dedication each PACC participant has shown in strengthening their work and making a meaningful difference for children and families across Minnesota.

If you are interested in joining PACC’s network of 500+ trained child welfare and mental health professionals, limited spots remain for Metro and Virtual cohorts starting Fall 2026. Apply now!
https://paccminnesota.com/training/

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Melanie Sage, a child w...
05/23/2026

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Melanie Sage, a child welfare researcher and consultant, and pioneer of integration of digital literacy and technology with child welfare. We extend our deepest condolences to her husband, Todd Sage, her family, friends, colleagues, and students at the University at Buffalo, SUNY.

Her dedication, compassion, and intentionality has left an impact on our community. Dr. Sage was a guest writer in our 2025 CW360° publication, and a keynote speaker at our 2025 CASCW Spring Conference. We are so grateful for her partnership.

Melanie will be deeply missed and her legacy continues on.

Congratulations to our 2026 graduating MSW and Title IV-E Scholars as they receive their degrees! These new Alumni were ...
05/22/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 graduating MSW and Title IV-E Scholars as they receive their degrees! These new Alumni were celebrated at a School of Social Work open house on May 14th with friends and family. The Alumni walked in their graduation ceremony at the Mariucci Arena last week on May 15th.

We honor their hard work, commitment to the field of social work, and celebrate them for this major accomplishment. Ski-U-Mah!

The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare along with its Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare and the Mi...
05/21/2026

The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare along with its Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy attended the 2026 Title IV-E Roundtable in Denver, CO this week. The conference, “Growing Hope Rooted in Community”, welcomed over 400 attendees, presenters, and exhibitors. Several team members presented in multiple sessions, and we were also thrilled to announce that the Institute will be hosting the 2027 Title IV-E Roundtable here in Minneapolis!

More details are coming soon, but check out the Institute’s website to learn more!

Ready to strengthen your impact with youth across systems?Applications are open for the 2026–2027 PLX cohorts, starting ...
05/20/2026

Ready to strengthen your impact with youth across systems?
Applications are open for the 2026–2027 PLX cohorts, starting this fall!

PLX brings together professionals from across systems—tribal and county workers, law enforcement, legal professionals, school staff, corrections, and community agencies—to build skills, share perspectives, and strengthen support for youth.

Earn 70+ CEU credits while deepening your expertise in trauma, identity development, substance use, sexual health, and more—all in a collaborative, supportive cohort!

✨ Hybrid + virtual options
✨ FREE to apply
✨ Real strategies you can apply immediately

If you support and make vital decisions fregarding youth in systems, this program is for you. Scholarships are limited—learn more and apply via the link. https://phoenixlx.umn.edu/training

CASCW staff had the pleasure of hosting our annual Awards Reception on April 22nd to honor four remarkable child welfare...
05/15/2026

CASCW staff had the pleasure of hosting our annual Awards Reception on April 22nd to honor four remarkable child welfare professionals and leaders from across the state of Minnesota. Each of these leaders have served not only their communities, but have also been fierce advocates in serving at risk children and families. as well as the professionals supporting them.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 awardees! You can view the full list of recipients and learn more about all of their amazing work on our website. https://cascw.umn.edu/outreach/awards

CASCW is excited to bring you an opportunity for two new workshops in partnership with the Center for Practice Transform...
05/12/2026

CASCW is excited to bring you an opportunity for two new workshops in partnership with the Center for Practice Transformation! Please join us at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy in Roseville, MN on June 2nd for "Mending Relational Ruptures: Skills Practice" with Michael Van Wert, MPH, MSW, LICSW and "The Blueprint for Hope: Helping Clients Build a Vision for Recovery" with Steve Carlson, PsyD.

The first half of the day will cover relational ruptures while the second half of the day will explore the inner and outer work of “hope” amidst the current political climate. Join us for one or both events!

Free CEUs will be provided. Register today to save your spot!
https://forms.gle/dG7VSfULdfmUZuLj6

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205 Peters Hall, 1404 Gortner Avenue
Saint Paul, MN
55108

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Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
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