Inspired by research shared from Public Child Welfare Training Academy, and in partnership with Dr. Renda Dionne, the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services developed a pilot Mindfulness Training Program for staff, focusing on case-carrying social workers with significantly higher levels of secondary trauma and tailored curriculum for child welfare staff. Weekly training includes improving bodily/cognitive/emotional awareness, developing healthy compassion for self and others, engaging in mindful behaviors and choices, and all with the foundation of simple meditation techniques to become more aware of experiences in the present moment. Mindfulness classes counted toward training hours and their time was protected to ensure a continued culture of learning within our regions.

The Impact of Mindfulness Education for Social Workers

• Geovanna Asturias, Social Services Supervisor, Children’s Services, Riverside County Department of Public Social Services
• Aisa Diaz, Social Service Planner, Children’s Services, Riverside County Department of Public Social Services
• Monah Hanson, Regional Manager, Children’s Services, Riverside County Department of Public Social Services