Purpose of the CWWA Training
This training is designed to provide orientation to Children Who Witness Abuse Counsellors, Child Care Workers in Transition Houses and others who work closely with children exposed to domestic violence. The training focuses on job related skills and knowledge required to carry out the responsibilities of a children’s counsellor in the community based service context. The is a certificate program upon successful completion of the 12 days of training.

Module One
Violence Against Women and impact of violence on children, counseling skills and intervention, group structure and record management and Children Who Witness Abuse counseling practice.

Module Two
Mother's Support Program, Children's Support Program, conflict resolution and legal issues in working with children exposed to domestic violence.

Module Three
Working with Schools, Evaluations in CWWA programs, Supporting First Nation’s Families , Working with Multicultural Families in CWWA programs and community coordination in supporting children exposed to domestic violence.

If you wish for your name to be placed on a waitlist please fill in the information below and submit it to BCYSTH. The information will be kept confidential and will only be used for disseminating the training information. For more detailed information on the CWWA training please contact Shahnaz Rahman shahnazrahman@bcysth.ca or call 604-669-6943 extention 221

This four day training is designed for the Children Who Witness Abuse counselors. This exciting four day course will provide you with an opportunity to experience the gifts of creative expression through proven art, play and drama techniques. You will develop more understanding of the imaginative world in which children live and how creativity can be instrumental in healing the trauma. No artistic or playing skills are required, just the willingness for some learning, sharing and self explorations.

TH Module 1: Orientation to Transition House Work Download PDF
Module 1 provides participants with an understanding of the history of the Transition House movement and examines the dimensions of violence against women within a feminist perspective. It also addresses issues around working with women from diverse backgrounds and cultures; legal issues facing women leaving abusive relationships; risk assessment and safety planning.

TH Module 2: Support and Counselling Skills Download PDF
Module 2 provides participants with an overview of relevant counselling skills for working with women in a Transition House setting. It helps participants to develop an understanding and knowledge of group structure, dynamics, and group facilitation skills. This module also enables participants to update and enhance their outreach and advocacy skills.

TH Module 3: Professional Development Skills Download PDF
Module 3 provides concrete skills to help participants build skills in conflict resolution and in managing their anger and working with women who may be angry, upset, and/or verbally abusive with staff or residents. This module also provides information on working with and supporting women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. As well, participants learn to integrate their knowledge and understanding of ethical principles, diversity and cultural oppression into their work with women.

TH Module 4: Organizational and Community Development Skills Download PDF
Module 4 provides participants with a framework to understand the organizational climate in which they work, and specific skills to aid in problem solving. This module also looks at strategies in developing and updating policies and procedures; and provides skills to design and deliver community education workshops.

TH Module 5: Health and Well being Download PDF
Module 5 provides participants with a forum to discuss substance use, HIV and mental health issues from an ethical framework. The goal of this module is to increase understanding of these issues and services available; and to promote comfort on the part of Transition House workers in supporting change (where necessary) on the part of women accessing Transition House services.

TH Module 6: (not required to gain the certificate) Download PDF

Silent and Invisible What's Age Got To Do With It?

The two-day curriculum is designed to provide service providers in the anti-violence field and those providing other services to older women with the necessary information and skills to respond appropriately and sensitively to the needs and issues faced by older women who have experienced abuse or violence by a family member. The goal is to sensitize and educate to promote the safety and well-being of older women.