This December, we are launching new training for all incoming child protection workers. Based on feedback we received in listening sessions held in 2020-21 about the existing new worker training, we have developed and are introducing a New Worker Orientation that incoming staff will need to complete before they can enroll in Foundations. This orientation includes self-paced modules that replace several legacy e-learning courses (such as NTI), followed by a 4-hour virtual, instructor-led Orientation Enhancement training. The self-paced modules will be available as of December 4, and the first instructor-led Orientation Enhancement will be on January 18 (offered weekly after that).

New Worker Training will include all of the following courses, which must be completed in order:

New Worker Orientation: Self-Paced Modules (CWTA X110)

This includes Mandated Reporter Training, the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment, and scheduling an IDI debrief (you will find more information about this below). It will take approximately 5 hours to complete.

  • Supervisor: This is the first course you should assign to your worker, and can be started on the first day of employment. Be sure to encourage them to finish as soon as possible.
  • Learner: At the end of the self-paced course, you will need to submit the final required attestation assignment within the Canvas course in order to trigger a completion on your training record. You will then be able to enroll in the Instructor-Led Enhancement.

New Worker Orientation: Instructor-Led Enhancement (CWTA X111)
This training will be offered weekly. The Self-Paced Modules course is a required prerequisite. This virtual course will take 4 hours.

  • Supervisors: Assign a date that allows new staff time to complete the self-paced modules. Ideally within the first 2 weeks of employment.
  • Learners: At the end of this course, you must submit the final required attestation assignment within the Canvas course in order to trigger a completion to your training record. You will then be able to enroll in Child Welfare Foundations Training.

Child Welfare Foundations Training (CWTA X100)
This cohort-based training will remain the same for now, with Classrooms 1-4 (each 3 days), ICWA/MIFPA (2 days), and SSIS Labs (2 halfday labs*), but a revised Foundations curriculum will launch later in 2024. New Worker Orientation Self-Paced Modules and Instructor-Led Enhancement are required prerequisites.

  • Supervisors: Starting with Foundations Cohort 118, the NTI self-paced modules will no longer be required of new workers. Foundations should ideally be completed in the first three months of employment.

Starting with new workers who plan to attend Foundations Cohort 118 beginning on February 19 (virtual), New Worker Orientation will be required. Supervisors will need to assign each course above to incoming workers. Incoming workers in Cohort 117 (or any prior cohorts) should not be assigned New Worker Orientation.

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Components

As part of New Worker Orientation, workers will complete an IDI assessment, followed by a debrief session with a Qualified Administrator of the IDI. This opportunity is designed to foster cultural competence, improving a child protection worker's ability to make better decisions for children and families. The IDI is a widely recognized assessment tool that can help child welfare professionals gauge their intercultural competence and identify areas for improvement.

We believe that these additional courses will help better prepare your new staff for the work ahead. If you have questions, please contact us anytime at info@mnchildwelfaretraining.com. We are here to support you as you navigate these new requirements.

*Starting with Cohort 115, SSIS Labs will no longer be virtual, instructor-led training within Child Welfare Foundations Training (CWTA X100). Instead, recordings of this training will be made available for learners as part of a video library.