SafeGuards Training

06/08/2026

As we wrap up the first week of Pride Month, we are reflecting on what it truly means to build safer, more affirming environments.

SafeGuards offers specialized, customized in-service training designed to help social work, healthcare, and education teams better support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and adults. From understanding systemic trauma to fostering identity-affirming spaces, we bring expert learning directly to your staff.

Let's build a more inclusive future together. Explore our customized courses: https://www.safeguards-training.net/?s=2SLGBTQ

06/05/2026

Ignoring racial slurs because they make us uncomfortable doesn't stop the harm, it often sets the stage for it to happen again. We are once again offering our essential workshop, Navigating the N-Word and Racial Slurs, led by Equity Specialist Natasha Shakespeare, M.Ed., and there is still time to register for this Monday's training.

This interactive, trauma-informed session provides concrete strategies to navigate these difficult conversations with confidence.

What the training covers:

- The history and impact of common derogatory terms.
- Trauma-informed practices for addressing harmful language.
- Strategies for interactions with children, youth, and adults.
- How to use your own identity to support difficult responses.

Don’t miss this chance to move your organization forward on its anti-racism journey.
https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/navigating-racial-slurs/

06/03/2026

Only a few seats left! ‼️

Are you looking for immediate, high-impact professional development next week?

On June 10 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM ET, SafeGuards Training is hosting Ambiguous Loss: A Framework to Understand and Respond. Ambiguous loss—whether from physical absence or psychological change—is a hidden sorrow that often goes unacknowledged by society.

Participants will gain practical strategies utilizing TF-CBT to validate experiences of loss, reduce shame, and support individuals and families in navigating ongoing uncertainty. This training is designed to meet the needs of those working in child welfare, education, mental health, healthcare, and community support services.

If you support children, families, or individuals navigating ongoing uncertainty, this is your chance to gain actionable tools, including insights into frameworks like the HEAR practice model.

Watch the video below for a quick preview or check out our 1-page overview linked here:https://www.safeguards-training.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/What-is-Ambiguous-Loss-1-Page.pdf

Then secure one of the final spots today! https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/ambiguous-loss-a-framework-to-understand-and-respond/

06/01/2026

As National Indigenous History Month begins this June, health and human services practitioners have a distinct opportunity to reflect on how we support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

At SafeGuards, this shapes our commitment to continuous learning, cultural humility, and the practical work of truth and reconciliation. Delivering effective care requires consistently valuing and integrating Indigenous knowledge and experiences.

Our team provides customized in-service training for groups of 20 or more, tailored to your organization's specific operational needs. Available specialized topics include:

- Being an Ally to Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous Perspectives on the Mental Health of Children and Youth
- Trauma-Informed Practice with Indigenous Children and Youth

To review course details or explore additional training options, visit: https://www.safeguards-training.net/?s=Indigenous

For individuals or smaller teams, we invite you to register for our upcoming sessions (reduced individual fees apply for group registrations of 4 or more participants):

Using Trauma-Informed Care Principles in Supporting Intergenerational Trauma in First Nation Communities | July 22 & 23, 2026, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET | https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/supporting-intergenerational-trauma/

Incorporating Truth and Reconciliation in Our Role as Health and Mental Health Practitioners | September 29, 2026, 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm ET | https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/health-and-mental-health-practitioners/

Responding to Indigenous Crisis and De-escalation
October 22 & 23, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00 PM ET | https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/responding-to-indigenous-crisis-and-de-escalation/

This National Indigenous History Month, let’s focus on actionable learning, reflection, and measurable support for truth and reconciliation, both this month and throughout our ongoing practice.

05/29/2026

Our June schedule is packed with high-impact sessions designed to provide practical tools and clinical insights for those in the social services and mental health sectors.

If you haven’t secured your spot yet, here is what’s coming up:

· June 2–3, 2026: PAINTING RAINBOWS – Engaging the RAINBOW Model© to Support 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth, Advanced Level | Apply the RAINBOW Model© to help 2SLGBTQIA+ youth navigate family rejection and systemic barriers.

· June 4–5, 2026: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder or Complex PTSD? Emerging Definitions and Treatment Directions | Compare diagnostic criteria and explore effective treatment pathways for these complex mental health conditions.

· June 8–9, 2026: Navigating the N-Word and Racial Slurs | Learn a trauma-informed framework for addressing racial slurs and fostering accountability within your organization.

· June 10, 2026: Ambiguous Loss: A Framework to Understand and Respond | Gain strategies to support individuals experiencing ""grief without closure"" or physical/psychological absence.

· June 11–12, 2026: Serving the Mental Health Needs of Persons with a Developmental Disability | Use a bio-psycho-social lens to assess and support mental wellness for individuals with developmental disabilities.

· June 17–18, 2026: Trauma-Informed Practice | Understand the core principles of TIP and how to integrate trauma-responsive care into your service delivery.

Registration for these topics is still available! View details and sign up here: https://www.safeguards-training.net/events/month/2026-06/

05/28/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Eric Windeler, Founder of Jack.org, Eric was a fierce, tireless champion who transformed a personal tragedy into a national movement, empowering countless young people to speak up about mental health and change the status quo.

At SafeGuards, we believe the best way to honour Eric’s legacy of hope is to continue the essential work of championing youth mental health, ensuring that every young person is heard, supported, and never left to struggle alone.

Building a community where young people feel safe to reach out starts with equipping ourselves with the right skills, language, and trauma-informed approaches.

If you are looking to deepen your capacity to support youth in your community, school, or organization, explore this upcoming training:

‣ Confronting Suicidal Ideation and High-Risk Behaviour | August, 11 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm ET
Move past the fear of the difficult conversations. This course provides practical, CBT/DBT-informed strategies to calmly identify risk, assess needs, and collaboratively build safety plans. https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/confronting-suicidal-ideation-and-high-risk-behaviour/

Let’s keep building on the strong foundation Eric left behind. Together, we can ensure that no young person has to face their darkest moments in silence.

To read more about Eric’s remarkable life, leadership, and legacy, please visit: https://www.jack.org/rememberingeric

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some resources that can help:
9-8-8 Su***de Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8
Kids Help Phone: call 1 800 668-6868; or text CONNECT to 686868 https://kidshelpphone.ca/
CAMH https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/crisis-resources

Honoring Eric Windeler, founder and longtime Executive Director of Jack.org, a national leader in youth mental health advocacy.

05/27/2026

It was a busy and productive week in Hamilton! We were thrilled to partner with Good Shepherd Hamilton for a series of multi-day in-service sessions.

Our trainer, Dr. Kathryn Mettler, led intensive workshops on implementing Trauma Informed Practice across the organization. At SafeGuards, we pride ourselves on working with engaging, experienced trainers who bring deep sector knowledge directly to your team.

Whether you need a specific deep dive or a broad organizational shift, our customized training is designed to meet your specific goals.

Explore our in-service training options:

Customized Training: https://www.safeguards-training.net/customized-training/

Full In-Service Catalogue: https://www.safeguards-training.net/product-category/delivery-method/in-service/

Photo Credit: Trish, Program Manager at Good Shepherd Hamilton

05/25/2026

If your feed feels a bit crowded, there is a better way to ensure you never miss an important update. Our weekly newsletter is designed to be a direct resource for professionals in the social services, education, and health sectors.

By subscribing, you get a curated summary delivered to your inbox every week, including:

· Early access to registration for new training sessions.
· Upcoming events and community webinars.
· Relevant news and articles curated for trauma-informed practitioners.
· Exclusive resources to support your professional journey.

Join our community of learners and stay connected to what matters most in your field.

Scan the QR code below or subscribe here: https://www.safeguards-training.net/newsletter/

05/22/2026

Unlock the tools to truly support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

Right now, trans and gender-diverse youth are facing an unprecedented rise in backlash and hate. Being accepting and positive is a great start, but these youth need more than just a referral to a resource. They need targeted, effective support right where they are.

In this interactive virtual event, Lorraine Gale brings 30 years of specialized expertise to introduce the Rainbow Model©.

Whether you work in healthcare, social services, education, or community care, 'PAINTING RAINBOWS – Engaging the RAINBOW Model© to Support 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth, Advanced Level' delivers the concrete knowledge, strategies, and skill-building you need to improve health, well-being, and family connectedness for Rainbow youth, especially those navigating intersecting marginalized identities.

You already hold the key to making a difference. Let’s learn how to unlock the door together.

Join us June 2 & 3, 2026 by scanning the QR code below or by clicking the link to secure your spot: https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/engaging-the-rainbow-model/

05/20/2026

It was an impactful Saturday in Osgoode, Ontario! We had the privilege of facilitating an in-service training session for the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective.

Led by SafeGuards trainer Colleen Kamps, the session "Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Children and Youth while Sustaining Ourselves" focused on providing vital support strategies for youth while prioritizing the well-being of the caregivers themselves.

Looking to bring specialized expertise to your team? We offer customized training tailored to your organization’s specific needs.

Learn more about our in-service training here: https://www.safeguards-training.net/customized-training/