Agenda/Course Description
Working with child protective services, law enforcement, and the court system can feel overwhelming for even the most seasoned therapist. What do you say when a child discloses abuse? How do you document in a way that protects both your client and yourself? What’s your role when CPS, attorneys, or a subpoena land on your desk? This 3-hour training will give you tools needed to navigate these situations with clarity and confidence. Through real-world examples and discussion you will explore multiple aspects of reporting, documentation, responding to subpoenas and request for records as well as setting professional boundaries as a counselor and remaining calm throughout the process.
Objectives:
Define key terminology related to mandated reporting and legal systems
Demonstrate proper documentation and reporting procedures when child abuse is suspected or disclosed.
Establish and articulate professional boundaries by explaining the counselor’s role to parents, CPS, and other legal entities.
Identify strategies to reduce the likelihood of being subpoenaed and demonstrate appropriate responses when a subpoena is received.
Demonstrate effective courtroom skills by practicing at least three techniques for testifying ethically and calmly on the stand.
Discuss real case examples of working with the systems from disclosure to being subpoenaed to testifying.