PFCA is partnering with Santa Cruz County to host a series of professional development trainings. These courses will occur June 27th - June 29th from 9am - 4pm. PFCA will be providing a light lunch for this IN PERSON training. There will not be virtual option for this training, advanced registration is required. You may register for some of the training offerings or all 3 days.

For questions, comments, or concerns please contact

Hayley Winterberg at hello@azpfca.org or Martin Felix mfelix@courts.az.gov

June 27th

·          9am – 11am Justice Experiences

Ø  Together we will explore the experience of individuals navigating our justice system and reentering the community. To support individuals in their journey, it can be helpful to expand our understanding of the process and experience of those we serve.

o   Increase understanding of jail and prison experiences in AZ

o   Develop knowledge of justice system processes

o   Increase understanding of justice involved culture

o   Expand our knowledge of supporting individuals as they transition to the community

·         12- 2pm Ethics and Boundaries

Ø  Ethics and boundaries are essential protection for ourselves and the individuals we serve. Together we will navigate some professional ethics and boundaries to provide clarity in what can feel gray.

o   Develop understanding of essential ethics and boundaries

o   Explore how to engage in ethical behaviors and practices

o   Understand how to set appropriate boundaries with members while maintaining a positive relationship

o   Reducing countertransference

o   Recognizing need for effective warm hand offs

·         2-5pm Motivational Interviewing (changing the future)

Ø  Together we will learn how MI can be used at each stage of change, from pre-contemplation and contemplation, to preparation, action and maintenance. You will learn how to apply the method of MI with your own clients, by harnessing their own internal motivations to change. Motivational Interviewing is an evidence based practice.

o   Learn an effective alternative to trying to convince clients to change

o   Help your clients find their own motivations for positive change

o   Understand how MI complements other evidence-based treatment methods

o   Learn how to use MI at every stage of change

o   Understand addiction treatment as an ongoing “primary care” process, not a discrete event

June 28th

·         Hope and Healing in Opioid Use Crisis 9am – 4pm

Ø  Opioid use is at an epidemic level, and who better to answer the call of hope and support than peer and family support professionals. Opioid use has a deep and unique place in history, where it has been both romanticized and demonized. Today, we know that meaningful lives are devastated and even lost daily. This course provides an in-depth knowledge of how to support people who are living with opioid use dependency or disorder

o   Understand the why’s and how’s of the opioid epidemic

o   Differentiate the ways the brain responds to opioid use compared to other substances

o   Use high-end cultural competencies to build rapport with people who have opioid dependence

o   Utilize the principles of trauma-informed care to support people who feel trapped by their opioid use

o   Explain the principles of harm-reduction and appreciate the role that medication can play in a comprehensive approach to treatment

o   Identify signs of a potential opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone

June 29th

·         Breaking Down the Barriers Forensic Peer Support 9am – 4pm 

Ø  People who have experienced justice involvement and incarceration face unique hardships and challenges in society. Research shows that the level of support an individual receives directly influences how a person navigates their path to community integration. In this immersive course, family support professionals will gain invaluable knowledge and develop critical intervention skills to support individuals re-entering the community after incarceration.

o   Reduce recidivism by facilitating successful reentry of the individuals served

o   Outline the inner workings of the criminal justice system

o   Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions at various points of contact

o   Analyze the unique challenges and opportunities of reentry

o   Explain the relationship between trauma-informed care and justice involvement

o   Formulate how to support individuals as they navigate reentry