TRAINERS:
Diamond Denney - Diamond Denny, MSW - works with both the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Juvenile Court Services (JCS) in Polk County to address disproportionality, primarily with black children and families who have involvement, in one or both systems to divert children and families out of both systems by collaborating with community partners and building a network of trust and support. She works on providing culturally responsive trainings and improving overall climate and culture.  Diamond believes that by giving people an opportunity to learn and grow from their mistakes, it essentially empowers them to become better people. Diamond’s goal is to help both DHS and JCS create a restorative and equitable systematic approach when working with children and families.   Her prior work includes: Recovery Counselor, for Jackson Recovery, located in Sioux City, IA. For almost two years, Diamond worked with adolescents who suffered from mental health and substance abuse issues and strengthened her passion for working with children and families.

Jesse Thomas - Jesse Eash Thomas currently works to provide supervision and leadership in her role as a Family Centered Services Program Coordinator for Four Oaks in the Cedar Rapids Service Area. Jesse has worked as a facilitator and/or supervisor for 12 years; however, she has worked in the Child Welfare System for 23 years in a variety of positions.  Jesse has an AA degree from Kirkwood College and studied Psychology, with a focus in Behavior Modification, at the University of Northern Iowa. Jesse is an approved Iowa State Trainer since 2017. In addition to her work with Solution Based Casework and Facilitation, Jesse also sits on the Linn County Community for Change team and facilitates RPI: Race the Power of an Illusion and UIRB: Understanding Implicit Racial Bias Learning Sessions.

Registration will begin at 8:30AM. Training will begin promptly at 9:00AM. This training is scheduled until 4pm. Lunch is on your own

Please note: Priority seating is provided to staff working within one of the current DHS child welfare service contracts, including: Family Centered Services (FCS); Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) / Group Foster Care; Child Welfare Emergency Services (CWES): Aftercare Services; Supervised Apartment Living (SAL); Recruitment, Retention, Training and Support Services (RRTS); Parent Partners; Foster Care Youth Council. If you do not work within one of the current DHS child welfare services contract, you may be bumped from the course and placed on a wait list.