SHIELDS for Families is committed to offering training opportunities for professionals who are dedicated to confronting the challenges associated with working in marginalized inner-city neighborhoods. SHIELDS maintains a reputation for drawing from widespread experience and expertise to develop innovative programs that meet the needs of our community. The agency is committed to professional development that provides an array of culturally responsive trainings and workshops that support our partners and professionals who wish to strengthen their skills working with culturally diverse populations. Our courses are facilitated by highly trained Doctorate and Masters level professionals and focus on current and emerging trends in the fields of substance abuse, mental health, education, social work, and child welfare.

SHIELDS’ commitment to supporting training is reflected through various initiatives both locally and nationally. More specifically, SHIELDS has an established history of presenting our innovative programs as models for other agencies across the country and serves as a national externship training site for Functional Family Therapy. Additionally, SHIELDS functions as a Teaching Institute for the University of Southern California School of Social Work and as a captive practicum site for Pepperdine University’s clinical doctoral students.

SHIELDS for Families is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. SHIELDS for Families maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.