Training and Technical Assistance Announcement

 

Upcoming Trainings!

Legal Rights for Unaccompanied Minors

April 28th, 2026


11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

This training will provide participants with information about the legal rights of youth and young adults. Topics covered include minors’ access to healthcare, including mental healthcare & reproductive healthcare, living options for minors, access to identity documents, benefits and housing. Lastly, this session will also review the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness.  



Participants will gain an understanding of the legal issues affecting minors and young adults experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Participants will also strategize about advocacy steps to assist young people.

Presenter:

Stacey Violante Cote, MSW, JD

Deputy Director

Center for Children's Advocacy

YAS 101: Understanding DMHAS Young Adult Services for Homeless Services for Homeless Service Providers

April 30th, 2026


11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Join us for a foundational webinar introducing the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (DMHAS) Young Adult Services (YAS) program. YAS is a specialized statewide division providing intensive, individualized, and trauma‑informed support to young adults ages 18–25 with significant mental health needs, including many transitioning from the Department of Children & Families (DCF).  



This webinar will offer homeless service providers a practical overview of YAS—what it is, who it serves, how to access services, and what supports are available. This session is designed to provide a better understanding of YAS to strengthen collaboration, improve navigation across systems, and enhance support for young adults experiencing homelessness. 

Presenters:

Stephanie Zanker-Rivera, MS, LPC

Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor / Director Young Parents Program

Connecticut Mental Health and Addiction Services

Office of the Commissioner / Young Adult Services

Tricia Tardif, LCSW

Connecticut Mental Health and Addiction Services

Supporting Older Adults in Homeless and Housing Programs: Addressing Hoarding and Bullying

May 5th, 2026


10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.

This training explores the unique needs and challenges of older adults in homeless and housing programs, with a focused lens on age-specific issues such as hoarding and bullying. Participants will learn to identify early warning signs of hoarding behaviors and peer-to-peer conflict, and understand the underlying causes, including trauma, loss, isolation, and changing health needs. The session will examine the impact these behaviors can have on individuals, community dynamics, and staff, while offering practical, trauma-informed strategies for effective staff response.  



Participants will also explore different types of bullying, including how it may present among older adults, as well as gender differences in behavior and experience. Through real-world scenarios and guided discussion, the training will cover when and how to escalate concerns, collaborate with internal teams and external partners, and make appropriate referrals. Emphasis will be placed on proactive awareness, de-escalation, and skill-building approaches that support both residents and staff. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with tools to recognize concerns early, respond thoughtfully, and transfer key skills into daily practice to foster safer, more respectful, and supportive living environments for older adults. 

Presenter:

Amy Dumont, LCSW

Behavioral Health Clinical Manager

Department of Mental Health and Addiction

*Please contact Amber Freeman at afreeman@cceh.org or Angie Frias at afrias@cceh.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness

(860) 721-7876 | training@cceh.org | www.cceh.org

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