(1) The department shall, within available funds, provide for ongoing training and consultation to department personnel to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Such training may:

     (a) Include the family unit as the primary focus of service; identifying family member strengths; empowering families; child, adult, and family development; stress management; and may include parent training and family therapy techniques;

     (b) Address intake and referral, assessment of risk, case assessment, matching clients to services, and service planning issues in the context of the home-delivered service model, including strategies for engaging family members, defusing violent situations, and communication and conflict resolution skills;

     (c) Cover methods of helping families acquire the skills they need, including home management skills, life skills, parenting, child development, and the use of community resources;

     (d) Address crisis intervention and other strategies for the management of depression, and suicidal, assaultive, and other high-risk behavior; and

     (e) Address skills in collaborating with other disciplines and services in promoting the safety of children and other family members and promoting the preservation of the family.

     (2) The department and the administrative office of the courts shall, within available funds, collaborate in providing training to judges, and others involved in the provision of services pursuant to this title, including service providers, on the function and use of preservation services.

[2005 c 282 § 48; 1995 c 311 § 12.]