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Screenshot 2026-05-18 at 10.10.12 AM.png

October 23rd: Creating Affirming Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Youth: Policy, Practice, and Ethical Responsibilities in an Ever Changing Landscape CEU Training

$25.00

Training Date/Time: October 23rd, 2026 from 12-3pm Arizona Time Zone

This 3-hour CEU, which meets Cultural Competency and Diversity requirements training, prepares social workers and youth-serving professionals to create affirming, ethical, and trauma-informed spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, with particular attention to transgender and gender diverse young people navigating restrictive policy environments. Drawing from research on LGBTQIA2S+ youth mental health, gender-affirming care, minority stress, and social work ethics, the session connects macro-level policy conditions to direct practice with youth, families, schools, and community organizations. References from The Trevor Project, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and recent peer-reviewed literature ground the training in current evidence and professional standards. Participants will leave with practical tools for affirming communication, ethical decision-making, organizational assessment, and policy-informed advocacy.

This training will be provided via Zoom in a live format. No recording of the training will be provided. Attendees are expected to participate live, via Zoom, in order to receive the CEU credits.

Training Date/Time: October 23rd, 2026 from 12-3pm Arizona Time Zone

This 3-hour CEU, which meets Cultural Competency and Diversity requirements training, prepares social workers and youth-serving professionals to create affirming, ethical, and trauma-informed spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, with particular attention to transgender and gender diverse young people navigating restrictive policy environments. Drawing from research on LGBTQIA2S+ youth mental health, gender-affirming care, minority stress, and social work ethics, the session connects macro-level policy conditions to direct practice with youth, families, schools, and community organizations. References from The Trevor Project, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and recent peer-reviewed literature ground the training in current evidence and professional standards. Participants will leave with practical tools for affirming communication, ethical decision-making, organizational assessment, and policy-informed advocacy.

This training will be provided via Zoom in a live format. No recording of the training will be provided. Attendees are expected to participate live, via Zoom, in order to receive the CEU credits.

About the Presenters:

Andi Young is a licensed clinical social worker and practice owner specializing in LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults. She also serves as the board treasurer of Just Schools, an education advocacy nonprofit focused on protecting queer and transgender students, and is the parent of two LGBTQ+ young adults.  As a clinical social worker, Andi understands how a lack of affirmation and support can have detrimental effects on mental health. In her role at Just Schools, she works to ensure every student has access to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education by building supportive educators, empowering students, and advocating for comprehensive policies that protect LGBTQ+ youth. Finally, as a mother, Andi has seen firsthand the regular stigmatization experienced by queer and transgender youth and the resulting challenges they face.

Brandie Reiner is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience, demonstrating remarkable finesse in steering the profession of social work in Arizona as the former Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, Arizona Chapter. Brandie has been instrumental in spearheading influential social work programs spanning mental and behavioral health practice, public policy, and professional development initiatives. In 2024, she played a key leadership role in successfully advancing the Social Work Licensure Compact in Arizona, expanding opportunities for social workers and strengthening workforce mobility across state lines. Her unwavering advocacy for behavioral health, health equity, and LGBTQIA+ social determinants of health has earned her numerous accolades, including the Leadership in Advocacy Award, the Up-and-Coming Leader Award, Phoenix Business Journal’s Health Care Hero recognition, the 40 Under 40 Award, and the ATHENA Young Professional Award.

Brandie’s impact has been recognized across Arizona’s healthcare, social work, and civic leadership landscapes. Despite facing challenging political climates at the local, state, and national levels, she has demonstrated an extraordinary grasp of advanced political concepts and policy strategy, using her expertise to advance systems-level change, strengthen the behavioral health workforce, and advocate for communities too often left out of decision-making spaces.