C.A.S.E. Academy

C.A.S.E. Academy 

Elevating Clinical Practice In Permanency

The C.A.S.E. Academy is for mental health professionals of all levels to grow and deepen in adoption, foster, kinship specialty practice across the country.

In this optimal learning environment, mental health professionals have the opportunity to be immersed in our evidence-based and informed trainings while benefitting from our field-tested adoption competent therapeutic approach. Gaining specialized knowledge and skills as well as a recharged perspective, together we can strengthen and retain the child welfare and mental health professionals workforce amidst complex variables.

Participating in the C.A.S.E. Academy will allow clinicians and systems individual and collective success that will increase job satisfaction and improve outcomes for children and families.

C.A.S.E. Academy Logo
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The C.A.S.E. Academy Advisory Board brings together a dynamic group of national experts utilizing their various backgrounds and deep wisdom to actively consult on the direction, structure and coursework for the Academy.

C.A.S.E. Academy Advisory Board Members

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C.A.S.E. Academy is piloting with Oklahoma University

The Results are in…and it’s working!

In 3 years of piloting our methods and a unique 2-year collaboration with University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma state Department of Health Services, the Academy exceeded goals and are thrilled with the outcomes.

Participants ranked their satisfaction with the Academy as very high. Both interns and master’s level mental health professionals valued the training content, supervision, and resources provided. This supports the Academy’s goal of building the workforce!

 

Early evidence also suggests the skills learned are being applied to practice, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for children and families.

Scores included:

  • Steady improvement across all 10 competencies in adoption competence.
  • Interns rating their own preparedness at 4.3 out of 5 and their supervisors rating them at 4.4!
  • Consistent use of skills even after the program had finished.
  • 100% of interns reported ‘always or often’ using skills acquired in the program.

Learn More about the Comprehensive Learning Model of the Academy:

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For Interns: Growing Adoption Awareness

The Academy partners with universities around the country to prepare interns for the workforce. This benefits both the intern and their future employer! Interns in the Academy begin developing a clinical specialty that will make them more marketable to launch their careers and more confident and capable once they join the workforce with unparalleled skills. And, the Academy offers support for specializing intern supervisors as well!

Universities interested can start a conversation with
C.A.S.E. Academy Director, Laura Ornelas
Laura Ornelas Email Laura

If you are in intern in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area, your practicum can be done at C.A.S.E.

If you will not be interning in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area, please be sure to let your university know about our program to see how we might be able to work with them!

 

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For Post TAC Mental Health Professionals: Acquiring Adoption Competence

Ask us about offerings for supervisors!

Mental health professionals who are post master’s, licensed or soon to be licensed with, approximately 2-5 years of experience in child welfare, adoption, kinship caregiving, loss, trauma, etc. Academy participants can pay for this training through their employer or individually. Virtual consultations with participants and site supervisors can be arranged. If an employer does not fund attendance, scholarships and fee reduction applications will be available for those with lived experience or professional goals that demonstrate their commitment to this specialization and their ability to contribute to the field.

Submit Interest Form

 

For Advanced Mental Health Professionals: Developing Excellence in Adoption

Mental health professionals advanced in the field having 6-10+years of experience in the adoption, foster, kinship community or related, and licensed in their respective discipline. This participant will have completed C.A.S.E. curricula in the past and will be eligible to take the most advanced coursework the C.A.S.E. Academy has to offer. At this level, stipends are available with application. Coursework can be completed virtually and practicum hours can be completed off site but must include specified periods in residency at C.A.S.E.

In addition to participation in a learning community, this mental health professional will have access to a clinical supervision group with expert clinician(s) and potential for participation in research studies and advocacy opportunities if interested. At the conclusion of this level, a certificate will be issued and practitioner’s information will be added to a national registry of clinicians with adoption excellence. Upon completion of the C.A.S.E. Academy, this practitioner can apply to provide adoption competent clinical supervision for the Academy.

Submit Interest Form

Transformational Features of our Professional Learning Opportunities:

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Lived-Experience Guidance

C.A.S.E.'s work is informed by the true experts, those who have lived-experience in an adoptive, foster or kinship family. Individuals with lived-experience impact all of C.A.S.E.'s educational materials and are often developers or teachers.
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Best Practice Teaching

C.A.S.E. is proud to lead the field of adoption competence. We research, create, elevate and refine the latest advancements in adoption specialty clinical care.
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Impact Coaching

Taking a training is one thing, integration into practice is another. We provide expert consultation to individuals and systems to ensure knowledge extends far past the classroom into skills with families.
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Knowledge Networking

This complex work is always done better in community. We create learning communities for practitioners around the country who have similar skill level, needs and interests to collaborate and consult with one another.
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Measurable Outcomes

Our work both springs from and produces results. Set upon measurable competencies for interns, clinicians and supervisors, you and your organization will enjoy watching scores on both knowledge and skills outcomes rise-and best of all, the families you serve will benefit from the results!
The Need
75

of Training for Adoption Competency (TAC)™ graduates who were recently surveyed shared great interest in advanced coursework.