Early Development and Child Welfare is a podcast series co-created by the Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) and the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW). This series episodes covers a range of important aspects of child development and child welfare work with the goal of providing information to workers in these disciplines.

Early Development and Child Welfare is a new podcast series co-created by CEED and The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW). The series of 10 episodes covers a range of important aspects of child development and child welfare work.

Faith Eidson, LMSW interviews Dr. Marva Lewis to discuss the impact of early caregiving relationships on a child’s ability to self-regulate.

Christine Cole, LCSW, IMH-E interviews Kristin Irrer, IMH-E to discuss how recognizing the various developmental needs of children is crucial for Child Welfare workers in order to appropriately engage with youth and families.

Faith Eidson, LMSW talks with Dr. Sarah Shea about how using an Infant Mental Health (IMH) framework in Child Welfare work can benefit young children and their caregiver(s).

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Christine Cole, LCSW, IMH-E and Dr. Kathleen Thomas delve into the topic of early brain development and its reliance on adult interaction.

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Dr. Tanika Eaves Simpson, IMH-E, and Amittia Parker, PhD, LMSW, MPA explore the importance of being able to acknowledge and engage with diverse cultures in the Child Welfare field.
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Kate Walthour, MSW, LISW talks with Anna Paulson, M.Ed. and Janell Schilman to discuss the referral and evaluation process when there are concerns about a child’s development and when screening is required through the Child Protection and Treatment Act (CAPTA).

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Kristin Johnson, MSW interviews Professor Daniel Berry to explore the interactions between genetics and the environment on a child’s brain development.
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Kristin Johnson, MSW interviews Salam Soliman, Psy.D, IMH-E to discuss the effect that elevated levels of stress have on the developing brain and how Child Welfare workers might help mitigate stress levels through providing resources to at-risk families.

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Faith Eidson, LMSW interviews Kim Eckel, the founder of Footbridge for Families, about the process for obtaining SESED Credential and how the program has impacted their approach to Child Welfare.

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In this podcast, Alyssa Meuwissen, PhD, interviews Kristin Johnson, MSW, LGSW, IMH-E, and Jessica Hoeper, MSW, LISW, IMH-E about the concept of well-being for the child welfare workforce. Topics include why well-being is so important to focus on and why child welfare can be a particularly difficult field. Drawing on research and personal experience, the participants explore the role of emotions and reflection in well-being, and discuss strategies, both individual and systemic, that can promote child welfare worker well-being.

In this episode, Andre Dukes, MA, interviews Gil Domally to discuss the important role of fathers in children’s development and how child welfare workers can be more inclusive of fathers. Drawing on research, personal, and professional experiences, the conversation includes topics such as barriers to father involvement, misconceptions around fathers, and strategies to engage fathers in a more inclusive practice.

In this episode, Amanda Moses interviews Rebecca Shlafer, PhD, MPH, to discuss parental separation, including incarceration, and how it impacts families. It includes an exploration of research and advocacy work around current practices in Minnesota for incarcerated parents, and a discussion for how to work with prison systems around advocating for families. Strategies are discussed for how child welfare workers can help parents maintain involvement in their children’s lives.