Online Workshop – A Pluralistic Approach to the Management of Child Protection/Welfare Concerns in Therapy

Introduction

A client’s decision to disclose abuse in therapy is a radical and revolutionary act. As therapist, we are tasked with balancing the triumvirate of giving voice to the client’s experience, adhering to mandated reporting processes, and maintaining the therapeutic quality of the relationship. Without adequate training and reflexive practices, the intersect of these factors can be experienced as a ‘terrible privilege,’ resulting in therapist Moral Distress and failure to report.

A Pluralistic framework for Child Protection Training offers therapist’s support in understanding how the management of the reporting concerns, when informed by client knowledge, therapist professional knowledge, evidenced-based research, and collaborative meta-communication, can be a useful cultural resource, and a therapeutic act.

Course Content

• Overview of Pluralistic Practice
• What is TUSLA, Risk, Children First & Mandated Reporting?
• Mandated Reporting and Therapist remit
• Client & therapist as partners in the reporting process
• Importance of collaboration & meta-communication in ensuring client consent
• Importance of therapist knowledge in:
− Children First Law
− Children First Guidelines
− Current socio-political practices in CP
− Moral Distress
− Self-care