The Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) in Pennsylvania has continued partnering with the Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to offer free trauma training for child welfare professionals. Lakeside Global Institute facilitates this initiative and caters to anyone in Pennsylvania working to improve the lives of children and families. The training, available until September 30, 2024, covers various aspects of trauma awareness and includes both workshops and intensive courses. Sessions are conducted live via a web-based platform; all tuition and material costs are covered. The training includes:
- Enhancing Trauma Awareness;
- Deepening Trauma Awareness;
- Applying Trauma Principles;
- Trauma-Sensitive Certification;
- Train the Trainers;
- And more!
One notable offering is the Trauma-Sensitive Professional course, a 50-hour program that aims to equip participants with the title of Certified Trauma-Sensitive Professional upon completion. Registration for both workshops and intensive courses is open, and professionals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Participants who have already completed certain prerequisite courses are advised not to duplicate content. For inquiries, individuals can reach out to Lakeside Global Institute. You can register for workshops here or intensive courses here.

















This course is designed to provide an overview of the cycle of use and abuse of opiates in the United States. The diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorders, including clinical presentation, epidemiology and treatment, will be explored. Participants will learn about the mechanisms of action of opioids, including how they affect the brain and nervous system. In addition, the course will cover strategies for managing opioid overdose and preventing relapse, as well as the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health conditions in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address opioid use disorders in their practice or community.
Trauma is ever-present in the lives of many people who seek professional help. This training will provide a foundational overview necessary to understand the impact of traumatic experiences. Areas that will be explored include definitions, diagnostic criteria, prevalence data and brain changes. Participants will engage in discussions regarding their professional experiences in working with people with trauma histories. A vignette will be provided highlighting the lasting impact trauma can have on a person, as well as the healing journey toward recovery. Lastly, the importance of becoming trauma-informed practitioners will also be introduced.