Annual Gulf Coast Social Work Conference

Orientation & Introductions

Carol Partridge Moraway, LCSW, ACSW
Conference Director

Keynote Presentation

"Keeping Children Safe"
A Practical Approach to Strengthening Families**

Naomi Haines Griffith, MSW.
www.redclayandvinegar.com

This presentation will focus on an honest examination of ourselves, our
history, and our professional goals as they relate to the families we serve and
the practical outcomes we seek. This will be a fun, powerful presentation.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn the research findings on the impact of emotional maltreatment on the health and welfare of children.
• Participants will understand the findings of the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health as it relates to the protective factors necessary to keep children safe.
• Participants will understand the importance of empathy to the overall health of families and the new “old” approach to family intervention called “differential response” which can provide a practical blueprint for providing effective, coordinated services to all family members

Identifying and Responding to Sexually Exploited Youth**

Elizabeth Scaife, BA
Director of Training, Shared Hope International
www.sharedhope.com

The sexual exploitation of our nation’s children continues to be exposed at an alarming level. This presentation analyzes profile and vulnerability factors of domestic minor sex trafficking victims along with recruitment, grooming and control tactics used by various traffickers nationwide. Ms. Scaife will review case studies on traffickers and sex buyers, the impact of trauma on victims, and address how to identify and interact with at risk or victimized youth.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify three common indicators of recruitment and grooming by traffickers.
• Identify the three primary trafficking scenarios by recognizing physical, verbal and behavioral indicators of control or coercion.
• Implement basic-level trauma-informed, strengths-based practices during assessments with traumatized children.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions – Round One

Participants will attend 2 of the following 5 programs:

Program 1:
The HIV Crisis In The Rural South**

Kathy Garner – CEO AIDS Services Coalition
Susan Hrostowski, PhD, LCSW – School of Social Work-USM

Learning Objectives:

• Define the current statistics and demographics of HIV infection in the rural south as compared to the rest of the country
• Define current policies and programs that effect the distribution of resources for prevention and treatment
• Define treatment needs of individuals & families
• Define the role of stigma as a barrier to treatment

Program 2:
“Surviving Traumatic Head Injury”
The Journey to Recovery**

Debi Dean, LBSW, CBIS, CVSO
Alabama Head Injury Foundation

Not only is Debi a LBSW she is a survivor of 3 traumatic head injuries. Debi literally had to learn to “live again”. Her insights are amazing!

Learning Objectives:

• Define Traumatic Brain Injury statistics of incidence, leading causes, risk, social costs, and impact on family & community issues.
• Define normal brain function and demonstrate what happens when the brain is injured.
• Explain rehabilitation and recovery process and potential outcomes

Program 3:
De-Mystifying Christian Counseling**

Dr. Michael Sedler, MSW, Doctor of Ministry
CEO Communication Plus
www.michaelsedler.com

Learning Objectives:

• Contrast “Christian Counseling” as compared to “secular counseling”
• Compare and contrast approaches and styles within Christian counseling.
• Evaluate differences between secular and spiritual counseling.
• How do our personal faith beliefs impact our counseling strategies?

Program 4:
Common Ethical Mistakes in Social Work Practice

Karen Aderer, LMSW, Instructor – Ethics Program
USM, School of Social Work

Learning Objectives:

• Identify risk areas for ethical infractions, according to NASW
• Define boundary violations and dual relationships and discuss ways to avoid them; NASW Standard 1.06 Conflicts of Interest
• Define competent practice, and learn how to avoid a “poor practice” violation; NASW Standards 1.04 Competence & 5.01 Integrity of the Profession
• Define issues regarding confidentiality, documentation and “ethical dilemmas”; NASW -- Standard 1.07 Privacy and Confidentiality

Program 5:
Mental Health Disorders: Allowing the Symptoms to Guide the
Assessment**

Dana C. delaBretonne, LPC
Beacon Behavioral Health

Learning Objectives:

• Understand changes in DSM – 5 that effect diagnosing Mental Disorders, Substance Abuse and Personality Disorders.
• Understand common symptoms of Major Mental Disorders and Criteria for detox in patients with substance abuse.
• Understand criteria for assessing levels of care for patients with Substance Abuse, Major Mental Disorders, and Personality Disorders.
• Understand proposed changes to the DSM regarding Personality Disorders.
  

Afternoon Breakout Sessions – Round Two

Choose a different Break Out session listed above!!

Orientation & Introductions

Carol Partridge Moraway, LCSW, ACSW
Conference Director

“Challenging Faulty Belief Systems”
Strategies to Boost Self-Worth and Personal Fulfillment in
Depressed and Anxious Clients**

Joe Wegmann, P.D., LCSW
www.pharmatherapist.com

The primary obstacles keeping depressed and anxious clients from
achieving self-actualization and fulfillment are lack of self-worth,
feelings of inadequacy and the belief that they’re frauds and imposters
waiting to be found out. This is not a “chemical imbalance” or “biological”
problem – it’s a faulty beliefs problem.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine the dynamics of how poor self-worth and low esteem pave the way toward depression and anxiety
• Discuss the two key reasons that influence the erosion of esteem and self-image
• Explore manifestations of poor self-image and low self-worth commonly seen in depressed and anxious clients
• Address a series of action steps that help mood and anxietydisordered clients markedly improve their esteem

“Treating Transgendered Clients”
Myths, Misconceptions, Gender Identity**

Dr. Susan Hrostowski, LMSW, Ph.D. – Cultural Competency

There is a great deal of confusion and misinformation in the clinical
community about the definition of and treatment of “transgendered”
clients. This program will clarify critical clinical issues concerning the
treatment of transgendered clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Define gender identity and increase understanding of transgendered persons
• Describe the discrimination and oppression of transgendered people
• Dispel myths and misconceptions of transgendered people.
• Define clinical considerations for treating transgendered clients.

When to Speak Up and When to Shut Up
Ethical Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy

Dr. Michael Sedler, MSW, Doctor of Ministry – Ethics Program

When is the use of self-disclosure, confrontation, the introduction of personal morals and values and the use of “silence” appropriate in treatment? These are some of the issues and tools we will be exploring in this program.

Learning Objectives:

• When is “self-disclosure” appropriate and how much should be shared? NASW Standard 1.06 Conflicts of Interest
• Evaluating personal values and morals and how they impact counseling approaches. NASW Standard 5.01 Integrity of the Profession
• Recognizing when personal attitudes effect therapeutic input objectives
• The effective use of silence to encourage communication as well as to de-escalate aggressive situations