Training for Social Workers: Enhancing our Assessment and Support Services
DIGGING A LITTLE DEEPER: TRAINING FOR SOCIAL WORKERS WHO PROVIDE SUPPORTS TO INDIVIDUALS WITH A COMPLICATED MENTAL HEALTH AND LEARNING DIFFICULTIES; THOSE WITH A COMPLICATED AND BEAUTIFUL BRAIN.
Our goal is to increase skills and capacity for CND/FASD screening, identification, and therapeutic support services to those of us who work on the ‘front line’. We aim to make it so there are fewer ‘wrong doors’ for individuals and families who are affected by puzzling behaviours, emotions and learning difficulties that may be related to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). This training will result in individuals and families in need having more access to these helpful services.
VIDEO | An overview of the Training for Social Workers program.
100% of participants say they:
have a better understanding of how stigma can be a barrier to accurate diagnosis and helpful supports.
have learned more about the unique and subtle implications of prenatal alcohol exposure and what FASD looks like across the lifespan.
feel more competent and confident in their ability to screen and identify people with complex neurodevelopmental conditions; who may be affected by PAE.
feel they have learned new skills that make sense and can be used on a day to day basis.
know where to go to get access to ongoing FASD training and resources to help with comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment and FASD/CND supports and services.
CND/FASD Social Work Training Program
Facilitated by Angela Geddes CYW, BA (Psych), MSW, RSW, YTT, with special guests from people with lived experience.
This 10-hour screening, assessment, and support training program provides an opportunity to build system capacity and be better positioned to accurately identify, support, and refer individuals with complex mental health, learning, and developmental needs.
For the live program, each session is recorded and made available following each live session. The virtual program contains prerecorded video lessons. Participants are also provided with downloadable presentations, resources, and recommended readings. Register now.
100% of participants would recommend this training to another social worker / front line practitioner.
TAKE THE ONLINE PROGRAM
Available online and learn at your own pace.
AGENCY TRAINING
10 hours of training for agencies and organizations.
Delivered virtually or in person over 2 days.
Recommended for groups of 10 or more.
For more informationTraining Session Outline
SESSION 1: Introduction
Why we should be concerned?
What social workers can do within our scope of practice to contribute to comprehensive multi-disciplinary assessments.
Overview of the Canadian Guidelines for FASD DX and the importance of screening and full multi-disciplinary assessment. Discussion around further training options for multi-disciplinary teams.
SESSION 2: Stigma and Mental Health
Assumptions that need to be challenged.
When it may be more than trauma and complex MH/addictions.
A needs-based, strength-based approach.
The importance of relationships: compassion for parents and collaborative approaches.
SESSION 3: Developmental Screens and Histories
Assessment begins with relationships.
Confirming PAE:
Who does this?
How do we do it?
Ethical considerations
Gathering collaterals and circle of care consultations.
Ways to augment existing assessments and developmental screens.
SESSION 4: Social Work Assessment Report
What to include
Who do we share this important information with?
Recommendations that are customized for the individual based on what we have already learned and what we need to explore further
Exploring ways to make health/mental health care practices more inclusive
SESSION 5: Now What?
Counselling and therapeutic support through a PAE and Complex Neurodevelopmental lens. Exploring modalities, strategies, and tools that have been helpful.
Parent education and family support.
Referrals and the importance of case management and ‘warm transfers’.
Safety planning.
Support groups.
Online resources.
SESSION 6: Putting this to Action
Case examples and sample reports.
Considerations from those with lived experience.
Q and A from participants.
Who Should Participate
This program is intended for Social Workers and other front-line professionals offering counselling and support to individuals and families. You do not have to be a Registered Social Worker in order to participate in this training. Comprehensive social work or therapeutic screening and assessment can be very helpful for those struggling with complex mental health and neurodiversity that could be related to prenatal alcohol exposure. This training is for those working on the front line, with the goal being to be better positioned to screen, identify, and contribute to multidisciplinary team assessments while immediately leading individuals and families to a pathway of more helpful and relevant support.
TAKE THE ONLINE PROGRAM
Available online. Learn at your own pace.
AGENCY TRAINING
10 hours of training for agencies and organizations.
Delivered virtually or in person over 2 days.
Recommended for groups of 10 or more.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONCND/FASD Integrative Assessment and Support Services; opportunities for ongoing learning with Angela Geddes Integrative Support & Wellness.
An opportunity to join a community of qualified professionals who can competently and confidently offer screening, assessment, and support services to people with complicated mental health and learning presentations that may be linked to PAE or developmental trauma. Working with Angela Geddes’ established and industry recognized practice, we’ll help put more individuals and families on a path to helpful and relevant multi-disciplinary assessment, support and services.
Participants of this program are invited to join Angela for monthly group calls to continue their educational journey, share experiences, and learn from others.