Developmental Milestones and Disorders of Personality
We will use Eric Erickson's model of normal development in children and adolescents as the basis for discussion. We will look at the organizational problems seen in children as well as maladaptive behaviors seen in adolescents in the form of behavioral problems and personality disorders when children and adolescents do not master these age-specific development milestones. Specifically, we will examine the relationship between conduct disorder in children and antisocial personality disorder in adults, as well as the relationship between reactive attachment disorder in children and borderline personality disorder in adults. Other personality disorders to be discussed include narcissistic, paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, dependent, and avoidant personality disorders.
Adult Psychiatric Disorders
We will examine the most often seen adult psychiatric disorders in general, and then those most often seen in social services clientele in particular. We will discuss:
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Antisocial Personality Disorder
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Borderline Personality Disorder
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Bipolar Disorder/Syndrome
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ADHD in Adults
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Major Depression
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Psychotic episodes to include Schizophrenia and Drug-Induced Psychosis
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Post-Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Stress and Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
In a workplace setting it is difficult to discuss mental illness without discussing the stressful impact that it has on others. Twenty percent of people fully employed in the U.S. are symptomatic of a mental illness. The purpose of this presentation is to heighten awareness of possible mental health issues within the workplace and to discuss strategies to support those individuals. We will discuss characteristics of psychiatric disorders seen most often in the workplace, issues of performance, accommodations, confidentiality and strategies in accessing professional diagnostic assessment and treatment. NOTE: The purpose of this seminar is not to single out of in any way discriminate against those who have a mental health concern, nor is it to equip staff or supervisors to diagnose mental illness.
Kinship Care: A Case Study
Kinship caregiver challenges are similar to challenges faced by foster parents. However, the emotional impact of raising a relatives child is unique. Foster parents make a conscious, well-planned decision to take a child into their home. Kinship caregivers often haver to make the decision quickly and without preparation. We will explore a case study of a 56 year old woman and grandparent thrust into the kinship caregiving role. Through this lens we will examine the logistics of kinship care:
-available services
-safety requirements for the home
-permission for medical treatment
-schooling
-health insurance
-mental health issues in children and caregivers
-court appearances.
Additionally we will look at terminology, discuss kinship vs. foster care, and intervention and planning strategies.
We will discuss the general population and specifically look at PTSD in children/adolescents, women, military personnel and their families. Additionally we will look at treatment modalities.
Post Tramatic Stress Disorder
Prescription Drug Abuse
The Center For Disease Control (CDC) has classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic in the U.S. One third of prescription drug abusers are teens ages 12-17.
We will discuss in-depth, the most commonly abused prescription drugs to include: opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and sedative/hypnotics. Additionally, we will discuss the road to addiction, from pain relief to heroin dependency.
Distinguishing Between Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Issues, and Their Impact on Parenting
We will discuss signs and symptoms of intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and substance abuse, as well as symptomatology commonly seen in all the above. We will then discuss risk and safety concerns in those children whose caregivers have a developmental disability, substance abuse problem, or mental health issue.
Additionally, we will discuss the monumental importance of obtaining a thorough history and mental status exam when assessing needs and identifying referral services for clients.
Parenting With a Mental Illness
20% of American adults have a mental illness. Five to eight percent experience a serious mental health malady that disrupts family and adversely impacts children.
We will discuss in depth, adult mental health and illness and its’ impact on families and children, and the implications for child welfare. Additionally, we will discuss current treatment modalities and prognosis for recovery.
While all presentations are about 5-6 hours in duration, all presentations are accompanied by a set of objectives and a pre-test.
Dangerous Assessment in the Social Services Clientele
This is an in-depth discussion about parents, guardians, step-parents and paramours who kill their children. We will look at motivational factors, commonly seen characteristics, parent types, signs of impending violence and treatment, planning, and prevention.
*A special presentation of Parents Who Kill Their Children was delivered at the 2009 Annual New York Public Welfare Association Conference in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.