(Posted 2025 October)
Receiving an award for excellence and advancing the human services profession nationwide was a joyful and gratifying milestone for a group of child welfare practitioners with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. The agency’s Child Welfare Institute-Onboarding Academy is the recipient of the 2025 NSDTA Quality Training Program Award.
This exceptional moment unfolded at the 2025 NSDTA Education Conference, an annual event jointly hosted by the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) and its affinity group, the National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA). APHSA supports leaders from state, county, and city human services agencies to advance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities nationwide.
DFS Director Dr. Michael A. Becketts said, “I'm truly proud of the team at CYF (the Children, Youth, and Families Division) for bringing our vision of a high-quality training and staff development program to life. It’s a testament to our commitment to excellence.”
Since it was initiated in 2021, the CWI Onboarding Academy has revolutionized training for new and existing DFS child welfare staff through the delivery of high-quality experiential learning.
DFS partnered with Accenture, Dr. Sue Lohrbach of KVC Health Systems, and the Butler Institute for Families at the University of Denver to develop this research-based program. The resulting CWI Onboarding Academy integrates innovative adult learning methods with the Safe & Connected™ Practice Model to better prepare child welfare practitioners for success.
The four-module curriculum integrates several learning methods including online learning, classroom engagement, learning circles, and real-world simulations. The response to the CWI Onboarding Academy has been overwhelmingly positive.
Data indicates that graduating participants feel more confident and capable, make beneficial professional connections, and have a deeper understanding of the agency practice model and how to apply it in their work with families. They have the tools they need to thrive.
“This focus on investing in employee growth and development is a core DFS value. By strengthening our workforce, we're better able to improve the lives of all children, adults, and families in our community,” said Becketts.
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