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FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK 1: FOUNDATIONAL LAW FOR SOCIAL WORK & HUMAN SERVICE PRACTICE IN CANADA

黄色直播 the Presenter

Shawna Paris, ONS, KC, MSW, RSW-CS, BCCH, PhD (std), is an inspiring and highly accomplished African Nova Scotian leading this transformative course. Shawna brings thirty years of legal expertise and twenty years of clinical social work experience to her training as a private practice trauma specialist and licensed social worker. She is the founder of the National Institute of Forensic Social Work in Canada (est. 2016) and the first international member of the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Forensic Social Work in the U.S.A. With her extensive background, Shawna delivers dynamic and practical insights that will equip you to excel in trauma-informed forensic practice.

Course Outline

This course is for everyone who wants to master the intersection of law and social work. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just setting out on your career path, this interactive, skills-based 4-week workshop will change what's in your professional toolkit. Understanding that the law is directly linked with social work and human services in myriad ways, many working professionals find themselves entering this field without really knowing how legislation directly affects their jobs. This course serves as a bridge between law and social practice which strives to give you the confidence and ability to traverse legal complexities independently.

One of the obligations of social work and social justice work is to understand the law -- both its impact on society and how to respond. With increasing challenges to society, particularly among marginalized and minoritized groups like Indigenous people, people of colour, people who suffer from mental illnesses, and new Canadians, now is an especially critical time in history for looking at how law intersects with social work and justice.

This course is designed for social workers, health care professionals, lawyers, justice navigators, human service workers and others who wish to be advocates with tools in their hands; those who can stand up for legislation on behalf of people.

Why You Should Take This Course

Participants are talking about the practical knowledge they gained in the class.

I learnt a great deal from this course in terms of understanding how law and social work together."听

Through the study materials provided, interactive exercises and critical reflections, you will get a deep understanding of how to apply anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally aware approaches in your practice. You will not only build critical thinking skills through this course, but you will also gain an understanding of the legal environment which underlies your professional work.

Who Should Participate

This workshop is perfect for people working in any of the following sectors:

• Social Work
• Justice System (including legal staff, social workers, and legal navigators)
• Healthcare
• Human Service Delivery

If you are interested in bringing legal knowledge into your social work or social service practice, then your specialty field will benefit from the confidence-making capabilities offered by this course.

Agency lawyers have tried to help me understand how the two disciplines operate together but this course made a huge difference in appreciating this dynamic."听

Goals & Learning Objectives

Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in forensic social work practice or just want information about the law, the following are the skills you will become knowledgeable about after just 4 weeks:

• Canadian law and its relevance for social workers and human service workers
• Essential law for social work and social justice practice
• How forensic social work cuts across various areas of law and how this affects client outcomes in criminal law, youth justice law, child welfare, family law and human rights
• New methods for expanding your capabilities in legal affairs and social justice issues, as well as cultivating good work habits from which you can continue learning for many years down the road
• Canadian court structure and process
• Law and policy as they concern your everyday practice
• Ethical concerns in practice within the legal field.

Not only was it practical but the knowledge was also immediately applicable to my work."

Format

Each module will provide all you need for one week of study. A new module is posted each Monday morning. This course requires about 4 hours per week of dedicated study from you. You can undertake each module when it fits your schedule. Each module will also include a quiz at the end to see whether you have mastered the content.

While mobile devices might work for some areas, to gain the best experience you should use a Mac or Windows computer.

Participants are required to complete a minimum of 80% of the course content to receive a completion letter. Participants who complete the course will also receive a Certificate of Completion from the National Institute of Forensic Social Work.听

What you get: 24/7 access to course materials and a flexible learning environment where you can enhance your skills on a schedule that suits you. Get ready to dive into a lively and career-building experience that will deepen your professional skills at every stage. Join us today and study how to use legislation and social work to make a crucial difference!听

16 continuing education credit hours.

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COUNSELLING SKILLS LEVEL 1: CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

黄色直播 the Presenters

Barry McClatchey and Jill Ceccolini founded Halifax Brief Therapy in 2003. Since that time, they have been providing training, supervision, and consultation in solution focused practice to clinicians, supervisors, and organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Jill Ceccolini, MSW, RSW听is a social worker, educator and therapist utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach in her clinical practice and in her work as a supervisor and trainer. She has a private practice working with individuals and couples. Since 1996, Jill has been teaching various levels of counselling skills, through the School of Social Work degree programs and through the Continuing Education program.

Barry McClatchey, MSW, RSW听has many years of experience as a clinical therapist, counselor, and trainer. Barry completed his BSW degree at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, and received his MSW degree from the School of Social Work, 黄色直播. Barry has utilized a solution focused approach in his work with individuals, couples and families for over twenty years and has completed training in a variety of locations in North America. He is also a certified trainer in Feedback Informed Treatment practices through the International Center for Clinical Excellence in Chicago, Illinois.

Instructors were excellent. Very engaged during the entire course, and interested in seeing us do well. Would take more courses with Jill and Barry in a heartbeat."听

Summary

The certificate program, Counselling Skills Level 1, has been adapted for online delivery. Counselling Skills Level 1 blends counselling theory with practice to develop counselling skills for individuals working in a helping profession. Mini lectures, discussions, reflective exercises, skill building activities, role-play, and case studies are used as methods to guide participants in their learning. Since this is an experiential class, participants are invited to share their experiences from their workplaces and to actively participate in the program.

"It was great! I feel a lot more confident in my counselling abilities!听

Objectives

This was a wonderful and practical course."听

Format

An adult education learning approach is used in the delivery of the program. Since the course is intended to be an experiential program, the methodology includes activities to engage participation. Participants are invited to practice counselling skills by participating in various exercises and simulations. This is accomplished through online group discussions, posting in a discussion form, viewing and discussing of videos, participating in and recording role plays, assigned reading materials and creative reflective exercises.

There are 6 modules in the Counselling Skills Level 1 online program.听To receive a certificate at the end of the program, it is expected that participants will complete 1 module per week with a minimum of 5 hours of participation per week.听Modules are designed so that learning is incremental throughout the 6-week program.听

This program is designed to allow participants to fit their studies into their busy schedules. Participants may log onto the course site at any time to complete the course work.听Counselling Skills Level 1 includes some activities which require participants in small groups to log in at a specified time. The online meeting times are determined by the group members.

I loved that this course briefly covered some of the theoretical pieces, but most content was focused on practical skills that we started learning early in the course."

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants.听

30 continuing education credit hours.

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OCD & RELATED CONDITIONS: TREATMENTS THAT WORK

黄色直播 the Presenter

Dr. Martin M. Antony听is Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Previously, he was founding director of both the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic听and the Psychology Residency Program at St. Joseph鈥檚 Healthcare Hamilton. 听He was also Clinical and Training Lead for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program. He听is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and he is a past president of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He has published 34 books and over 300 scientific articles and chapters in areas related to听cognitive behavior therapy and anxiety-related disorders. He has given more than 425 presentations to audiences across four continents, and has been interviewed, featured, or quoted more than 450 times in various print, radio, television, and online media outlets, including BBC News,听CBC, Chatelaine Magazine, CNN, CTV, the Globe and Mail, National Post,听New York Times, O (Oprah) Magazine, Prevention Magazine, Reader鈥檚 Digest, Scientific American Mind, Toronto Star,听USA Today,听Washington Post, and many others.

Summary

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common condition associated with unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and repeated behaviours aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing danger (compulsions). This workshop will provide step-by-step cognitive and behavioural strategies for treating OCD. Participants will learn about the theoretical foundations and practical application of well-established behavioural approaches (e.g., exposure and response prevention) and cognitive approaches (e.g., experiments, cognitive restructuring), as well as emerging acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches. Assessment strategies will also be reviewed. Although the focus will be primarily on treating adults, adaptations for children will also be covered. The class will also discuss the evidence concerning key treatment decisions and modalities (e.g., group vs. individual treatment; teletherapy; combining CBT with medication; intensive treatments; clinician-supported self-help, etc.).听 Methods for enhancing motivation and engagement will be reviewed. Finally, the course will discuss the features and treatment of other obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, including hoarding disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, body dysmorphic disorder, illness anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive personality traits.

I really appreciated the real-life examples, analogies, and breakdowns of the various techniques. It was easy to follow and will also be easy to reflect back on."听

Target Audience

This course is aimed at those who work in mental health care, including social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, and other professionals who work with individuals with obsessive-compulsive and related conditions.

I found the examples very helpful and have already used the motivational interviewing examples provided."听

Goals & Learning Objectives

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

1. Core descriptive features of OCD and related disorders in DSM-5-TR
2. Effective cognitive approaches, such as Socratic questioning and experiments
3. Effective behavioural approaches, such as exposure therapy and response prevention
4. Mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches
5. Strategies for managing ambivalence and disengagement

Dr. Antony was excellent. Thank you for this informative and valuable course!"听

Format

This course includes four weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 4 hours of online work.

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website.

There are no scheduled lecture times. The course site is available 24/7.

16 continuing education credit hours.

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ANGER MANAGEMENT: A TRAUMA AND SOCIAL JUSTICE INFORMED MODEL

黄色直播 the Presenter

Jacqueline (Jackie) Barkley, MSW, RSW听is a social worker with over 40 years experience in a variety of social work and community organizing areas.听 She has worked in non-profit agencies, in child welfare, on the IWK Child Abuse Team, on the IWK Mental Health Crisis Team, at Choices Adolescent Treatment Program, at the Nova Scotia Hospital and on the Geriatric Assessment Unit. Jackie听 has provided clinical therapy to a wide range of client populations, including for child protection clients, persons involved with Victim Services, conducted Parental Capacity Assessments and assessments for Family Court, and with members of the Canadian Armed Forces.听 She has supervised work placements for both BSW and MSW students, as well as completed听 supervision for NSCSW candidates.听 Jackie has also been asked to provide expert testimony in family court proceedings.

Over the course of her career Jackie has been involved in a number of community based voluntary organizations. She was a founding member of the Children's Cooperative Day Care, the 17 year advocacy group the Metro Coalition for a Non Racist Society, a member of Housing for People Coalition, a founding member of Solidarity Kjipuktuk (Halifax), a founding member of the Child Welfare Advocacy Coalition, and a founding member of the a capella singing group Four the Moment. She also volunteered with the Friends of 黄色直播 Legal Aid, the Community Justice Society, and the Model School Committee.听

Jackie has written and lectured widely on issues of racism and white supremacy, contemporary parenting, anger management, and the important relationship between activist solidarity and clinical practice.听 She has presented at clinical and educational rounds at the IWK and Nova Scotia Hospitals, and has been a frequent guest speaker to classes at the 黄色直播 School of Social Work,听 the 黄色直播 Department of Psychology and Schulich School of Law, in numerous high schools, as well as a guest speaker for the National Institute for Forensic Social Work and the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers.听 In 2014 she was awarded the Ronald Stratford Memorial Award for 鈥渙utstanding contribution to the field of social service in Nova Scotia.鈥�

Course Outline

This course is designed to help persons looking to link their client's experiences of trauma, and oppression, as well as their mental health challenges, to the larger social and political forces at play in their behavioural responses. We will explore how clients' unique identities (shaped by factors such as race, class, gender and ability) influence their experiences and expression of trauma and anger. All too often, both in public systems, private practice and non-profit agencies, service providers feel they have to choose between the individual's experience of suffering, or the political and social context in which that individual experience is located. Particularly in regarding anger behaviours which can be self-defeating or anti-social, we struggle with how to apply intersectionality in practice.听

This workshop will suggest a methodology and conceptual framework suitable for intervention with persons exhibiting a wide variety of听both听victim and perpetrator behaviours听鈥� that is, clients who have been harmed and have also harmed others 鈥� and who have externalized and internalized their anger in ineffective ways. Through the analysis and techniques that will be presented, participants will gain skill and ideas to challenge their clients, support their clients and encourage both agency and accountability. Those who have worked especially with persons who have personality disorders, or come through child protection, addiction or mandated systems, recognize the challenge in trying to empower and critique at the same time, while avoiding compartmentalization. These issues are difficult with both adult and adolescent populations.

Target Audience

Social workers, psychologists, youth care workers, therapists, school counsellors and support workers -- in public or non profit agencies, working with youth or adults.

Goals & Objectives

The primary goal is to teach service providers a six-part process suitable for use in group or individual interventions to address problematic anger.听 This will include not only addressing externalized anger, but also passivity and difficulty expressing anger. Both the why and how of anger will be examined in detail, and be located in a social, historical, cultural and intersectional analysis of oppression and trauma. We will discuss methods of breaking down the isolation and medicalization which often accompany anger management strategies. Upon completion of the day long presentation, participants will have tools to utilize the methodology and techniques in their own settings with a wide variety of populations.

Format

The workshop will be delivered in person, for 6.5 continuing education hours.听 It will involve presentation of the history, context and conceptual framework guiding the process. This will be听followed by detailed explanation of each of the six tools. There will be discussion, practice, role play, feedback and demonstration of the positive engagement of clients in moving through the steps, as well as the challenges and resistance that can be anticipated. As well, there will be discussion of radical questioning, humility and engagement of the intellect and experience of clients who often see themselves only in their emotions, or whose experiences have led them to lack confidence in their ideas because they lack formal education.

Participants are asked to attend with readiness to engage actively, with authentic use of self, humour, and encouraged to both give and receive feedback with respect and kindness.

Lunch will be provided.

Enrolment is limited to 15 participants.听6.5 continuing education credit hours.

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SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY

黄色直播 the Presenters

Barry McClatchey and Jill Ceccolini founded Halifax Brief Therapy in 2003. Since that time, they have been providing training, supervision, and consultation in solution focused practice to clinicians, supervisors, and organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Jill Ceccolini, MSW, RSW听is a social worker, educator and therapist utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach in her clinical practice and in her work as a supervisor and trainer. She has a private practice working with individuals and couples. Since 1996, Jill has been teaching various levels of counselling skills, through the School of Social Work degree programs and through the Continuing Education program.

Barry McClatchey, MSW, RSW听has many years of experience as a clinical therapist, counselor, and trainer. Barry completed his BSW degree at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, and received his MSW degree from the School of Social Work, 黄色直播. Barry has utilized a solution focused approach in his work with individuals, couples and families for over twenty years and has completed training in a variety of locations in North America. He is also a certified trainer in Feedback Informed Treatment practices through the International Center for Clinical Excellence in Chicago, Illinois.

Thank you to Barry and Jill. Their support and expertise allowed for a wonderful learning experience. Inspirational!"听

Summary

Solution Focused Therapy is a respectful, collaborative approach to helping others. Whether the helper is engaged in a formal therapeutic relationship or simply engaged in brief, helpful conversations, it鈥檚 essential for the helper to have a clear understanding of the fundamental assumptions about people, problems and change inherent in the solution focused approach. As such, this online introductory course begins with a specific focus on these assumptions and values. This serves as the basis for examining the structure and techniques used by solution focused practitioners in the first and subsequent client conversations.

The practitioner鈥檚 use of respectful curiosity in learning about what is important to clients lies at the heart of effective solution focused conversations. It鈥檚 also essential in the co-construction of their preferred future. Clients are regarded as having the necessary expertise about their own lives to create useful change. There鈥檚 also a strong emphasis on the use of the client鈥檚 language in solution focused work, as opposed to the dominant 鈥渆xpert鈥� language embedded in the traditions of the helping professions. As such, solution focused practice can be a useful approach in engaging people across the broad spectrum of culture, race, and gender.

I found it really thought provoking and it forced me to challenge some of my practices."听

Format

The facilitators use a variety of methods to invite participant learning, including numerous audio demonstrations, reading material, small group practice, and exercises designed to provide experiential learning. All the course materials are presented in the online course site. Participants engage with others through online discussions and assignments, and receive feedback from the course facilitators. The course is comprised of 4 modules. Participants are expected to complete one module per week.

The entire course has been helpful and has gotten me to think more about next steps in my practice."

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

16 continuing education credit hours.

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TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY & RELATED CONDITIONS

黄色直播 the Presenter

Dr. Martin M. Antony听is Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Previously, he was founding director of both the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic听and the Psychology Residency Program at St. Joseph鈥檚 Healthcare Hamilton. 听He was also Clinical and Training Lead for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program. He听is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and he is a past president of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He has published 34 books and over 300 scientific articles and chapters in areas related to听cognitive behavior therapy and anxiety-related disorders. He has given more than 425 presentations to audiences across four continents, and has been interviewed, featured, or quoted more than 450 times in various print, radio, television, and online media outlets, including BBC News,听CBC, Chatelaine Magazine, CNN, CTV, the Globe and Mail, National Post,听New York Times, O (Oprah) Magazine, Prevention Magazine, Reader鈥檚 Digest, Scientific American Mind, Toronto Star,听USA Today,听Washington Post, and many others.

Summary

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common condition associated with unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and repeated behaviours aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing danger (compulsions). This workshop will provide step-by-step cognitive and behavioural strategies for treating OCD. Participants will learn about the theoretical foundations and practical application of well-established behavioural approaches (e.g., exposure and response prevention) and cognitive approaches (e.g., experiments, cognitive restructuring), as well as emerging acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches. Assessment strategies will also be reviewed. Although the focus will be primarily on treating adults, adaptations for children will also be covered. The class will also discuss the evidence concerning key treatment decisions and modalities (e.g., group vs. individual treatment; teletherapy; combining CBT with medication; intensive treatments; clinician-supported self-help, etc.).听 Methods for enhancing motivation and engagement will be reviewed. Finally, the course will discuss the features and treatment of other obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, including hoarding disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, body dysmorphic disorder, illness anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive personality traits.

Martin is so knowledgeable and I learned a lot."听

Target Audience

This course is aimed at those working in mental health care, including social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, and other professionals who work with individuals with anxiety and related conditions.

Goals & Learning Objectives

By the end of this 4-week course, participants will develop an understanding of

• core diagnostic features of anxiety and related disorders in DSM-5-TR
• effective cognitive approaches, such as Socratic questioning experiments, and imagery-based strategies
• effective behavioural approaches, such as exposure therapy and relaxation-based strategies
• mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches
• strategies for managing ambivalence and disengagement

Thank you to the course instructor. You did an amazing job of teaching this material in 4 short weeks."听

Format

This workshop is comprised of 4 weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 4 hours of online work. 听

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website. While many or all course components may work on most mobile devices, we cannot guarantee our courses will be compatible with听all听mobile devices. Therefore, we recommend you have access to a computer (Mac or Windows) during this course.

Descriptive examples brought theory to life."听

There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

16 continuing education credit hours.

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COUNSELLING SKILLS LEVEL 2

黄色直播 the Presenters

Barry McClatchey and Jill Ceccolini founded Halifax Brief Therapy in 2003. Since that time, they have been providing training, supervision, and consultation in solution focused practice to clinicians, supervisors, and organizations throughout the Maritimes.

Jill Ceccolini, MSW, RSW听is a social worker, educator and therapist utilizing a collaborative, strengths-based approach in her clinical practice and in her work as a supervisor and trainer. She has a private practice working with individuals and couples. Since 1996, Jill has been teaching various levels of counselling skills, through the School of Social Work degree programs and through the Continuing Education program.

Barry McClatchey, MSW, RSW听has many years of experience as a clinical therapist, counselor, and trainer. Barry completed his BSW degree at Ryerson Polytechnic University in Toronto, and received his MSW degree from the School of Social Work, 黄色直播. Barry has utilized a solution focused approach in his work with individuals, couples and families for over twenty years and has completed training in a variety of locations in North America. He is also a certified trainer in Feedback Informed Treatment practices through the International Center for Clinical Excellence in Chicago, Illinois.

I really appreciated Jill and Barry's feedback. It was very informative, practical and helpful."听

Summary

Counselling Skills Level 2 builds on the skills obtained in Counselling Skills Level 1. Mini lectures, discussions, reflective exercises, skill building activities, role play, and case studies are used to guide participants in their learning.

Peer consultation, collaborations, the excellent course material and helpful feedback from instructors all combined to contribute to an excellent course."听

Objectives

• to introduce participants to counselling tools and techniques to enhance assessment, intervention, and evaluation
• to provide participants with the opportunity to practice intervention tools and techniques
• to assist participants in exploring their use of self within the counselling relationship
• to assist participants in articulating their own philosophy and approach to counselling

I was looking for the opportunity to put skills into practice and this course provided that opportunity."听

Format

An adult education learning approach is used in the delivery of the program. Since the course is intended to be an experiential program, the methodology includes activities to engage participation. Participants are invited to practice counselling skills by participating in various exercises and simulations. This is accomplished through online group discussions, posting in a discussion form, viewing and discussing of videos, participating in and recording role plays, assigned reading materials and creative reflective exercises.

There are 6 modules in the Counselling Skills Level 2 online program.听It is expected that participants will complete 1 module per week with a minimum of 5 hours of participation per week.听Modules are designed so that learning is incremental throughout the 6-week program.听It is further expected that participants will complete all tasks and assignments during the week devoted to each specific module.听This ensures that all participants are working on the same module at the same time. As such, it is important for participants to begin each module on Monday of each week, so they can plan their time in a way that ensures the module will be completed on time.

This program is designed to allow participants to fit their studies into their busy schedules. Participants may log onto the course site at any time to complete the course work.听Counselling Skills Level 2 includes some activities which require participants in small groups to log in at a specified time. The online meeting times are determined by the group members.There are no scheduled lecture times. There are no required textbooks. All course materials are provided within the course site. The course site is available 24/7.

Thank you for an amazing, educational, enriching learning experience!"

Prerequisite

Participants must have completed our Counselling Skills Level 1 Certificate Program听or听an equivalent and have direct counselling experience. A university background in social work, psychology, criminology, human ecology, nursing, or occupational therapy is preferred. Please contact Karla at听coned@dal.ca听with questions regarding prerequisites.听

Enrolment is limited to 30 participants.

30 continuing education credit hours.

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FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK 3: TRAUMA-INFORMED FORENSIC INTERVIEWING

黄色直播 the Presenter

Shawna Paris, ONS, KC, MSW, RSW-CS, BCCH, PhD (std), is an inspiring and highly accomplished African Nova Scotian leading this transformative course. Shawna brings thirty years of legal expertise and twenty years of clinical social work experience to her training as a private practice trauma specialist and licensed social worker. She is the founder of the National Institute of Forensic Social Work in Canada (est. 2016) and the first international member of the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Forensic Social Work in the U.S.A. With her extensive background, Shawna delivers dynamic and practical insights that will equip you to excel in trauma-informed forensic practice.

I can't say enough about Shawna. She gave feedback and answered all questions. She created a sense of community online."听

Overview

Join our dynamic and interactive three-week online course designed to equip professionals with essential skills in trauma-informed forensic interviewing. This course takes a broad approach to the term "forensic interviewing." It blends foundational knowledge with practical application, ensuring the learner can effectively and compassionately conduct interviews within the scope of many justice-related professional roles. This course is designed for people with different levels of social work skills and experience, as well as social services professionals and generalists involved in the justice system. It is also suitable for individuals who conduct interviews across all age groups to gather information about interactions with the justice system.

What is Trauma-Informed Forensic Interviewing?

Trauma-informed forensic interviewing is a method of conducting structured interviews that considers the interviewee's trauma history and its potential impact on their behaviour, memory, and communication specific to legal matters. The trauma-informed approach creates a safe and supportive environment, ensuring the interview process does not re-traumatize the individual. By recognising and responding to trauma symptoms, professionals can gather accurate and comprehensive information while maintaining the dignity and well-being of the interviewee. This method is particularly crucial when working with Indigenous people, racialized people, newcomers to the country, and other vulnerable populations, such as children, survivors of abuse, or those who have experienced significant psychological distress.

Gain the knowledge and confidence to conduct interviews that respect and support those affected by trauma.

This course is absolutely ideal. The instructor's expertise, delivery, and support throughout makes learning a rewarding experience."

Goals & Objectives

The primary aim is to equip professionals with the skill and knowledge to conduct trauma-informed forensic interviews effectively. Learners will gain a deep understanding of trauma and its impact, learn how to implement trauma-informed care principles, recognize signs of trauma, master interview techniques, handle challenging scenarios with empathy, apply advanced skills, promote self-care and resilience, work across the life span, consider ethical issues, and integrate cultural competency into their practice. These goals and objectives are carefully designed to ensure that professionals can conduct interviews with integrity, sensitivity, and professionalism, ultimately positively impacting the justice system.

A trauma-informed cultural competency component is incorporated into each module so participants will develop a deeper understanding of how culture intersects with trauma and forensic interviewing, particularly concerning Indigenous peoples and those of other cultures, ethnicities and ancestry. This holistic approach to training will foster greater sensitivity, respect, and effectiveness in conducting trauma-informed interviews across diverse cultural contexts.听

I found the entire course incredibly beneficial. The video presentations were particularly captivating, and I thoroughly enjoyed delving into new terminology."

Course Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care

• Explore trauma-informed care principles with a focus on cultural sensitivity, recognizing the diverse cultural backgrounds of interviewees, including Indigenous people, those from racialized communities, and age, ability and gender groups.
• Discuss how trauma manifests within different contexts, considering the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals from racialized communities.
• Engage in cultural competency exercises to develop skills in recognizing and respecting cultural differences during interviews, especially when working with individuals from racialized backgrounds.
• Understand trauma and its impact on behaviour and cognition.
• Learn the principles of trauma-informed practices, approaches and care.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of trauma through interactive exercises and case studies.

Module 2: Techniques for Trauma-Informed Interviewing

• Learn techniques for creating culturally safe interview environments that honour the values and traditions of interviewees, particularly those from Indigenous, racialized, ability and gender-based communities.
• Explore appropriate communication strategies and language use during interviews, focusing on effectively engaging with individuals from marginalized backgrounds.听
• Practice trauma-informed interviewing techniques through case scenarios that specifically address interviewing individuals from Indigenous, racialized and gender-identified communities, considering their cultural needs and perspectives.
• Master techniques for creating a safe interview environment.
• Develop cultural competency for trauma-informed practice in forensic interviewing.
• Develop practical communication skills and handle challenging scenarios using case studies.

Module 3: Application, Ethics and Skills

• Examine ethical considerations specific to interviewing individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including those from racialized communities, and develop strategies to ensure culturally competent and ethical practices.
• Integrate trauma-informed principles into advanced questioning techniques and strategies for managing sensitive disclosures, recognising the importance of cultural understanding in fostering trust and rapport.
• Explore community engagement and collaboration approaches, emphasizing the importance of partnering with organizations serving racialized communities to ensure culturally responsive forensic interviewing practices.听
• Focus on self-care and resilience as a professional dealing with trauma.
• Explore follow-up and treatment services for individuals.
• Conduct a self-recorded 10- to 15-minute trauma-informed interview simulation.
• Develop a personal action plan for continuous improvement.

Key Features

Our course offers a range of key features designed to enhance your learning experience and ensure your mastery of trauma-informed forensic interviewing techniques. You will engage with high-quality video lectures, participate in case studies, and take several quizzes to test your knowledge. You will refine your skills through thought-provoking critical thinking exercises and engage with peers in discussion forums to exchange experiences and broaden perspectives. You will also have an option to leverage your learning with regular communications with the instructor for extra guidance.

This course also emphasizes ethical considerations integral to trauma-informed forensic interviewing. Learners will gain insight into ethical guidelines and principles governing professional conduct within the justice system. You will explore ethical dilemmas commonly encountered during interviews and learn strategies to navigate them with integrity and professionalism. Through the case studies and online discussions, learners will develop a nuanced understanding of moral responsibilities in interviewing vulnerable populations. By incorporating ethical considerations into your practice, you'll ensure that your interviews uphold the highest standards of fairness, confidentiality, and respect for individuals.

I gained valuable insights into the critical importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals, especially those who have experienced trauma."

Format

This course includes three weekly modules. Each module requires approximately 4 hours of online work.

Speed of learning and ease with technology will affect the time it takes to complete the course exercises. Basic technical and computer skills are required to watch online videos, post questions and comments, and navigate the website.

Participants are required to complete a minimum of 80% of the course content to receive a completion letter. Participants who complete the course will also receive a Certificate of Completion from the National Institute of Forensic Social Work.听

There are no scheduled lecture times. The course site is available 24/7.

12 continuing education credit hours.