Leading With Purpose in Complex Work: A Program for Leaders in Child and Youth Services by James Freeman

OVERVIEW

This leadership development program is for leaders at all levels who support the child and youth services field. Building from the strengths and real‑world experience you already bring, we will explore grounded and healing‑centered ways of leading that match the complexity of our work. Through a balance of instruction, discussion, and reflection, we will gain new clarity and practical approaches for leading teams and organizations to better serve children, youth, and families.

LOGISTICS

Date: October 20-22, 2026

Place: Čakovec, Hotel Castellum, Croatia

Language: English (Please note: translation will not be provided)

Deadline to apply: June 2^nd, 2026

SCHEDULE

Tuesday 20 October - Arrival day

2:00 – 3:00 Lunch

3:00 – 4:15 Opening + settling in

4:15 – 4:45 Coffee Break

4:45 – 6:00 Evening Session

Wednesday 21 October

9:00 – 10:15 Morning Session

10:15 – 10:45 Coffee Break

10:45 – 12:00 Morning Session continues

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch Break

1:00 – 2:15 Afternoon Session

2:15 – 2:45 Coffee Break

2:45 – 4:00 Afternoon Session continues

Thursday 22 October - Departure day

9:00 – 10:15 Morning Session

10:15 – 10:45 Coffee Break

10:45 – 12:00 Final Session + Closing Reflections

12:30-1:30 Lunch & Goodbye

Session Descriptions

• Nurturing Your Inner Leader — Strengthening your self‑awareness and steadiness so your leadership remains clear, grounded, and aligned with your values in demanding work.
• Leading With a Lens of Healing — Applying a healing‑centered approach to support staff well‑being, build trust, and create a climate where people can do their best work.
• Being an Adaptive Leader — Building the capacity to respond intentionally in complex situations and choose the right approach for the challenges your teams and communities face.
• Nurturing Other Leaders Around You — Expanding your impact by developing and supporting the leadership of others across your organization and strengthening the whole system.

ABOUT JAMES FREEMAN

JAMES FREEMAN, MA, CYC‑P is a globally trusted trainer with 30+ years experience in trauma exposed youth‑serving systems. He is a leadership development consultant for organizations working in complex, high-pressure youth-serving environments. For 15 years he served as Training Director in a 24/7 multi‑service children’s behavioral health organization, supporting teams across residential, community, and school‑based programs. He is a past president of the Child and Youth Care Certification Board and an editor for the International Child and Youth Care Network (CYC-Net). He holds a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and is a recipient of the National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Career Achievement Award. James also serves as Senior Facilitator for Open Doors, a program of the California Alliance for Child and Family Services/Catalyst Center helping youth and families thrive in loving, healthy, and safe communities.

Is This Opportunity for You?

We are looking for 19 dedicated professionals who meet the following criteria:

1. Role: Principals, directors, or individuals in key leadership positions within child and youth care organizations.
2. Commitment: Availability to attend the full 3-day program (Arrival: Oct 20; Departure: Oct 22).
3. Language Proficiency: Ability to actively participate in and follow professional training held entirely in English.

How to Apply?

Because places are limited to 19 participants, we will be selecting attendees with a focus on regional diversity and the impact of your motivational letter

Please fill in the application form with motivational letter at: https://forms.gle/95jaKiQGPtHqF44D6

What is Covered?

To support your professional growth, Kinderperspectief will provide the following at no cost to participants:

• The Training: Full 3-day program with James Freeman.
• Accommodation: 2 nights of accommodation including breakfast (for 19 selected participants).
• Catering: 3 lunches and coffee breaks throughout the duration of the training.

Participant Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for arranging and funding:

• Travel: All transportation to and from Čakovec.
• Meals: Dinners and any additional snacks/beverages outside of the provided lunches.
• Extended Stay: Any additional nights of accommodation beyond the two provided.
• Incidental Costs: Any personal expenses incurred during the trip.

⚠️ Important Note on Attendance & Cancellation Policy

Because spaces are strictly limited to 19 participants and Kinderperspectief commits to non-refundable costs in advance, we kindly ask that you apply only if you are certain of your full participation. 

By submitting your application, you agree to the following Cancellation & Reimbursement Policy should you need to withdraw:

Please note: Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. These fees are necessary to cover pre-paid accommodation, catering, and administrative arrangements that cannot be recovered by the organization.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to Čakovec