Understanding the Needs of Youth Experiencing Depression (Facilitated in Spanish)

*Please note- This training is facilitated entirely in Spanish*

Training Summary:

During this introductory training, participants will have an overview of depression as it relates to youth. The training will provide a brief overview on the causes of depression and what possible symptoms are for youth. Participants will gain practical skills to assess, respond to, and support a youth who is experiencing depression symptoms. By attending this training, participants will engage in a collaborative discussion regarding common services and support for parents and caregivers of youth who are experiencing depression. This training will support service providers with an understanding of how depression shows up for a youth as it relates to their mood, physically, and cognitively. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Class Objectives:

·       Trainees will be able to identify two systems and two causes as it relates to youth depression symptoms.

·       Trainees will be able to provide a general description of what youth depression is and how it shows up for the system-involved youth they service.

·       Trainees will be able to identify two things a parent or caregiver can do when they suspect the youth in care is experiencing depression symptoms.

How can participants utilize their new skills and knowledge after the training to reinforce their learning?

·       Trainees will be able to identify the difference between depressive mood, physical, and cognitive systems for youth.

·       When assessing a youth’s needs, trainees will be able to identify 1-3 causes for depression.

Founder & Lead Trainer Bio

Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW (#128392), is a nationally distinguished Black social worker, consultant, published author, educator, and facilitator with extensive experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Marya Wright Consulting LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her master’s in social work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in child welfare policy and research, and a bachelor’s in social work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes building relationships, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social and economic issues faced by clients, aiming for justice and peace. She has served as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker. Additionally, Dr. Wright sits on the Board of Directors for the National Phi Alpha Honor Society and is actively involved with the National Association of Social Workers and California Chapter.

Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Dr. Wright’s teaching experience includes courses in sociology and social work at Cal State East Bay, since January 2020, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program teaching generalist practice, human behavior and social environment, and advance practice children youth and families.

Spanish-Language Training Specialist Bio

Tania Rodriguez is a bilingual social work professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton. She has extensive experience providing mental health services, child development education, and case management support for youth and families.

Tania has worked as a mental health associate intern at California Youth Services, delivering therapy and support to at-risk youth. She has also served as a teacher at Catalyst Kids, where she implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum and fostered strong relationships with children, families, and communities. Additionally, she has provided case management and life skills training for foster youth through the Transitional Independent Living Program at Leading Purpose.

As the Spanish-Language Training Specialist for Wright Community Services LLC, Tania brings her expertise in youth development, mental health, and culturally responsive engagement to provide high-quality training in Spanish. Her dedication to education, advocacy, and empowerment ensures that Spanish-speaking professionals receive accessible, impactful, and relevant training sessions.