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WORKSHOP TOPICS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Defining and Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect in the Context of the Juvenile Court and Child Protection Systems

 

This workshop will help professionals broaden their knowledge of child abuse and neglect within the juvenile court and child protection systems.  At times children get lost within a system that is designed to protect them.  As individuals involved in the treatment and support of children and families, having an understanding of how the court and child protection systems operate and define the law can be an extremely valuable tool in your advocacy for youth and families.  This workshop will offer practical application and case scenarios designed to assist professionals in their work with children and families.     

 

By the end of this workshop, I will be able to:

 

  • Articulate what constitutes child abuse and neglect

  • Recognize signs and symptoms of the different types of abuse and neglect

  • Explain the potential long term impact of abuse and neglect if early intervention does not occur as well as the impact on families

  • Explain what is meant by “best interest” and “minimum sufficient level of care” in the court system

  • Describe how the history and development of child abuse and neglect laws affect policy and law today

  • Identify applicable state, tribal, and local laws and understand how these laws guide the advocacy process

  • Explain how a child abuse or neglect case enters the child protection system

  • Recognize different types of court hearings and what occurs at each point in the juvenile court process

  • Identify the roles and perspectives of the various people involved in an abuse or neglect court case

 

Successful Communication

with Children and Youth

 

This workshop will discuss various communication styles as well as help participants identify strengths within themselves in order to more effectively communicate with children and youth. The presenters will offer practical tips for communication with various age groups and the “pitfalls” that can occur at times in communication with this population.  The focus will be on ways to build rapport and trust with both children and adolescents. In addition, the workshop will identify conflict management styles and techniques that can be useful in dealing with children and youth who have been abused and neglected.  Participants will gain an understanding of how trauma and abuse may impact a youth’s ability to communicate effectively to others. 

  

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to :

 

  • Understand tips and tools that will assist in developing trust and rapport with young people

  • Describe educational challenges faced by children and youth in foster care

  • Practice effective communication with children, adolescents, adults, and professionals

  • Identify different styles of dealing with conflict

  • Gain an understanding of how trauma and abuse may impact a youth’s ability to communicate effectively with others

Understanding Child Development; Tools for the Resource Parent

 

This workshop will help resource parents understand the needs of typically developing children and compare these behaviors to issues of children whom have experienced abuse and neglect.  This workshop will highlight specific areas of developmental delays as well as the impact of trauma on a child’s behaviors.  The presenters will help participants gain an awareness of the separation process for both children and parents in the event of a child/children being placed in foster care.  An emphasis will also be placed on psychological and educational issues that are severely impacted by developmental delays and movement within the foster care system.

 

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

 

  • Identify age appropriate behavior for children from birth through adolescence

  • Be able to recognize the impact of child abuse and neglect on typical child development

  • Recognize typical reactions of children and their parents to separation and loss

  • Recognize psychological and educational issues that affect children and identify indicators that a child might need outside professional assessment and/or academic support

  • Understand the impact of foster care transition on children and youth and the importance of stability for success and a child’s sense of safety

  • Recognize potential special needs or disorders that might impact typical development of children

 

ADOLESCENTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION SERIES

 

This workshop is designed to be an overview of topics and issues that are specific to the adolescent population.  The goal is to educate participants on the varying ways that adolescents interact with their environment and help focus support for them from a strength-based perspective.  It is important for participants to understand the differences in the brain of a child, an adult, and an adolescent. This workshop will educate participants on these issues as well as discuss the impact of trauma on the brain and subsequent adolescent behaviors.    The workshop will also highlight the benefits of working with this population as well as ways to help empower an adolescent to be successful. 

 

 

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to…

 

  • Understand the developments of an adolescent’s brain and how this impacts behavior and choices

  • Understand how the brain development is impacted by trauma and abuse

  • Identify a strength based approach in working with adolescents

  • Apply practical knowledge to a case study involving an adolescent in foster care

  • Identify the 40 Developmental Assets used in support of adolescent development and how to use these to empower youth

 

Any one of the topics listed below can be expanded as a “stand alone” workshop for participants as well:

 

Topics for Adolescent Trainings:

 

  • Building Relationships with Older Youth (in general and youth in Foster Care)

  • Communication with Older Youth; Practical Tools and Approaches

  • Adolescent Brain Development

  • Impact of Abuse and Neglect on Adolescent Development and Long Term Success

  • Identity Development and Youth in Foster Care

  • Advocating for Children and Adolescents with Mental Illness

  • Trauma and Abuse Responses in Older youth

  • Alcohol and Drug Awareness and Prevention; Family Cycle of Substance Abuse and Impact on Youth.

  • Sexual Identity Issues; LGTBQ

  • Special Needs (Physical, mental, and emotional to include Autism Spectrum)

  • Bullying (Males and females;  to include definitions and appropriate responses)

  • Protective Factors for Youth/ Survival Skills/Healthy Coping Skills

 

Breaking Down Stereotypes;

Understanding Mental Health and Domestic Violence within Families

 

This workshop will help professionals understand the importance of assessing the family dynamics when working with children and youth. Particular focus will be on the issues of mental health and domestic violence dynamics within families. An emphasis will be placed on how to best identify strengths within a family and the roles different individuals play in relation to each other. The workshop presenters will also focus on stress within families as well as risk factors and triggers for child abuse and neglect. This workshop will use case scenarios to help participants gain practical knowledge as well as an understanding of resources used for early intervention.  

  

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

 

  • Identify strengths and resources of families

  • Recognize how times of stress and crisis affect families and children

  • Identify risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect

  • Understand the cycle of abuse within families

  • Explain how mental illness and domestic violence impact families and children

​

 

The Cold Hard Facts:

Substance Abuse, Poverty, and Families, Understanding the Cycle

 

This workshop will help professionals have a greater understanding of substance abuse and dependence within families. The cycle of addiction will be explored at length as well as how these issues impact children and family roles. In addition, this workshop will discuss the importance of recognizing genetic factors, early intervention and awareness, and the prevention of addiction. This workshop will also discuss the difference between poverty and neglect and how this can be a factor in both family dynamics and and/or addiction.  The goal will be to educate participants on these family dynamics as well as to explore ways to facilitate treatment and prevention.

 

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to…

 

  • Recognize the difference between poverty and neglect

  • Explain how substance abuse and addiction impact families and children

  • Examine how participant’s personal values and biases about substance abuse/addiction can affect objectivity regarding the best interests of the child

  • Explain why poverty is a risk factor for children

  • Describe why the minimum sufficient level of care standard is in the best interests of the child

The following workshops are based on the National CASA Association volunteer training curriculum. The workshops have been approved for continuing education credits by the Tennessee Psychological Association and qualify for Continuing Legal Education credits.

Photos taken at workshop presented at the Tennessee Certification Board Annual Conference, November 4, 2013 at Paris Landing State Park

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