Motivational Interviewing Community of Practice (CoP)

A collaborative statewide learning community for child welfare professionals

The Motivational Interviewing (MI) Community of Practice brings together child welfare professionals across New York State for shared learning, skills development, and statewide collaboration. Developed by the Center for Excellence (CfE) in partnership with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), this CoP supports MI implementation through engaging, interactive virtual sessions.

What Is the MI Community of Practice?

The CoP is a structured statewide learning community for child welfare professionals who are implementing Motivational Interviewing. Through quarterly virtual sessions, participants explore MI best practices, engage in skills labs, and share real-world challenges and successes.

Key Benefits of Participating

Participants in the CoP will experience a blend of learning, community building, and hands-on practice:

Learn & Connect

Exchange ideas, explore emerging needs, and learn from peers across the state

Strengthen Your MI Skills

Engage in interactive role plays, small group exercises, and real time coaching to deepen your MI practice.‑group exercises, and real‑time coaching

Build a Supportive Network

Form statewide relationships that support ongoing collaboration and professional growth.

Bring Practical Tools Back to Your Work

Gain strategies, resources, and ideas you can use immediately apply in your work with families.

Enter Community of Practice Portal

Who Can Participate?

The CoP is open to child welfare professionals whose counties are actively participating in MI fidelity monitoring through YRI. Participants must have completed an OCFS-approved MI training, including the two-day Motivational Interviewing training that was developed by OCFS and delivered by YRI’s training team.

What to Expect in Each Session

Interactive Learning

  • Large group discussion group discussion‑group discussion

  • Breakout rooms

  • Skills lab practice

  • Peer sharing of successes and challenges

  • Role plays and interactive exercises

On Demand Accessibility

If you can’t join live, you’ll still have access to:

  • Session recordings

  • Supporting materials

  • A secure online participant portal

Schedule & Logistics

First Session: March 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Quarterly, 2-hour online meetings

How to Register

Ready to join?
Registration is required whether or not you can attend the first session. This helps us capture interest and provide access to future materials.

Register here: Link
If you have questions or need additional information before registering, the CfE team is happy to connect.