Child Protection Training Academy (CPTA)

The Child Protection Training Academy is an experimental training program for child welfare professionals using simulation- based learning. Simulations allow professionals to apply new knowledge and skills using real life scenarios. This program grew out of a legislative requirement for DCFS to develop sites for experiential learning to bridge the gap between policy and practice, increase worker engagement, and accelerate learning (PA-99-0348). The DCFS program launched in 2016 training over 1000 staff to-date. The facilitiy at ISU will be the fourth site in the stateof Illinois.

ISU has partnered over the years with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services through the Center for Child Welfare and Adoption Studies, the Permanency Enhancement Project and the DCFS Youth-in-College programs. This longstanding commitment to the professional development of child welfare professionals, child welfare research, and promotion of equity for the children and families served by the child welfare system serves as the basis for this new endeavor to provide simulation experiences for child welfare professionals.

The University is committed to using this opportunity to support workforce development and to use the
simulation experience to promote skill development and confidence in early career professionals.

Use of Simulation

Simulations use actors and real-life settings [e.g., simulated homes, court rooms, and medical offices] to help professionals apply core knowledge and skills in a safe learning environment. The scenes that have been developed are based upon actual cases and reflect the daily challenges of child welfare practice. Labs use video to support the learning experience.

Why Sim Training matters

Experiential learning prepares the professional learner through opportunities for reflection and critical analysis. DCFS staff are provided with opportunities to develop their engagement skills with families while working to identify strengths and determine risk factors that may place children at risk. The professional is required to achieve a minimum standard of competence to receive certification.

What have we learned?

The program is independently evaluated by the University of Illinois Urbana; Dr. Theodore Cross, Principal Investigator. Staff complete daily surveys to assess their confidence during the 5 days of the simulation experience across 13 skills. Findings indicate statistically significant growth in all areas over the course of the week-long training.