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Motivational Interviewing

About Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a practice tool that promotes behavior change through deep listening, reflection, and principles rooted in empathy and supporting self efficacy. As an evidenced-based practice, MI is one of the first approved services in the prevention plan for Minnesota’s Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA).

Who Should Take This Training?

This training is designed for Minnesota county or tribal child welfare workers, child welfare supervisors, and lead workers or designated specialists within agencies. If you are not sure, discuss this opportunity with your supervisor. Refer to the PartnerLink FFPSA webpage for the FAQ and one pager on prevention services for more details.

Register for MI Training through the Training Portal.

Supervisors, lead workers, or designated specialists within agencies who are designated to provide supervision to MI trained workers must complete MI training within six months of workers starting training.

Visit the Required Prerequisites page for a complete overview and listing of the specific courses that will satisfy this requirement.

Required Prerequisites

All MI learners MUST have proof of completion for the following two prerequisites in order to register for any MI course (for all three pathways):

  • New Worker Foundations Training
  • ICWA/MIFPA 2-Day Training

Required Prerequisites

Fidelity Monitoring

DCYF is in the process of contracting with Lyssn, an artificial intelligence (AI) data analysis software tool, for ongoing fidelity monitoring and working to establish a roll out process with agencies as staff become trained. Ongoing fidelity monitoring intends to provide workers and supervisors support as they implement motivational interviewing and is a requirement under the FFPSA prevention services plan.

As part of the requirements for the Family First Prevention Services Act, DCYF will reach out to begin the fidelity monitoring process once learners are certified in Motivational Interviewing. Fidelity monitoring can lead to better engagement between workers and families, enable documentation of intervention successes, and provide information for skills development. To learn more, click here.

Pathways to Complete Training

Pathway One

For those who want to complete all training and assessment through the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy.

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Pathway Two

For those who have already completed Motivational Interviewing training with a MINT member.

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Pathway Three

For Minnesota child welfare agencies who want to host their own Motivational Interviewing training with a MINT member.

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Title IV-E Prevention Services Funds Claiming

Learners who complete Pathway 1 of MI Training will be ready when claiming begins (late 2024). Additional information specific to claiming and other updates are available on the DHS website.