Join us for “Beyond the Case File: Strengths-Based Approaches in Child Welfare”, an interactive and thought-provoking workshop designed for professionals dedicated to working with families navigating complex systems.
Early in my career, I found myself challenging the way parents navigating the child welfare system were oftentimes treated. I stood up in rooms where my views were not the norm, which fueled my desire to support colleagues and organizations in approaching families in a more strengths-based way. I then went to work for public defense, where I had the freedom to build upon my approach. I participated in various court committees, co-chaired the Incarcerated Mothers’ Committee while supporting advocacy work, facilitated workshops for mothers serving time alongside colleagues, supervised and trained advocates, and founded support groups for parents navigating the system.
In a world where the media rarely highlights stories of parental strengths when referring to families navigating the child welfare system, this workshop invites you to look beyond the case file when working with families. Join us in a safe, non-judgmental space to examine assumptions, reflect on your comfort level, and develop strategies grounded in a strengths-based approach. Participants will learn how to listen to families first, engage collaboratively, and transform relationships—moving from telling families what they need to partnering with them to identify what will truly help. You will also explore strategies for self-care when working with individuals experiencing trauma or when your own triggers arise, ensuring sustainability in this challenging work. In this space, we will also highlight and celebrate what you are already doing to support families.
This experience is designed to help participants reflect on personal biases and comfort levels, challenge stereotypes, apply strengths-based practices, and implement self-care strategies to sustain their work.
For supervisors and managers, it also provides insight into their own needs, team training needs, strategies to support staff through reflective practice, and tools to foster a culture of empathy, learning, and collaboration within their teams.
Come prepared to reflect, learn, and be inspired—this workshop will shift the way you think about and engage with the families you serve.
Sofia Nivar, LCSW, is a bilingual licensed social worker, psychotherapist, and wellness strategist dedicated to promoting wellness, reflection, and joy in the workplace. With almost two decades of experience across child welfare, public defense, behavioral health, and early childhood systems, Sofia is deeply committed to supporting professionals and families through times of growth, transition, and healing.
As the Founder, President, and CEO of S.N. Consulting Services Corp., Sofia partners with organizations to enhance staff wellness, reflective supervision, and leadership development. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and humor, she creates spaces where learning feels meaningful, empowering, and deeply human. Sofia believes that when we nurture ourselves and one another, we can create stronger teams and better serve the families and communities who depend on us.
Registration may be paid by credit card or check. Please mail check to:
NYSAIMH PO Box 5056 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. and note - when registering, select "pay later" option to pay by check.
Healthy Families New York staff have been provided with a coupon code to use at checkout for their group discount
Reminders will be sent to the registrants email with Zoom
details. To track attendance, a secondary registration in Zoom is required.
Certificates will be awarded. No CEUs or Aspire Credits are
available.
Cancellation Policy No refund can be made for cancellation seven or fewer working days before the event or for no-shows. Cancellations more than seven working days before a workshop will result in a refund, less a $15.00 cancellation fee. Requests for refunds must be received in writing.