Description
When working with undocumented youth it is important to provide a comprehensive assessment to determine differential diagnosis, cultural barriers, and treatment considerations. Undocumented youth often present with a myriad of trauma narratives that require understanding the developmental impact of trauma, attachment/bonding deficits, post-traumatic growth, and resiliency-building. Youth, by default, are in the process of developing their sense of self. Effective treatment interventions can help counter or reduce any negative symptoms related to undocumented status and trauma that comes with it. This workshop will explore the various challenges and solutions to increase client engagement by exploring numerous assessment tools and treatment modalities to promote effective service delivery. An emphasis will be placed on investigating various differential diagnoses and treatment modalities. For example, exploring PTSD diagnosis and cultural variations that should be considered during the assessment process and during the formation and implementation of treatment. Part 1 of this workshop will focus on assessment, and Part 2 will focus on treatment. There will be an exploration into the major mental health challenges faced by immigrants due to the immigration process: acculturation, discrimination and racism, clinical-procedural barriers, assessment, and diagnosis. We will be analyzing various treatment modalities to include TF-CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Theory, Exposure Therapy, and more. This is an interactive workshop where case vignettes will be presented, and participants will engage in group discussions to further maximize their understanding of the concepts presented.
Instructor
Cruz and Associates
Ms. Cruz is a bilingual (Spanish/English) clinical and forensic social worker who has worked with children, adolescents and families for over eighteen years. Ms. Cruz was employed for ten years, as a forensic social worker at the Office of the Public Defender in Montgomery County. In addition from 2000-2014 she worked as an emergency room and psychiatric social worker. She has extensive experience in inpatient psych and partial hospitalization psych programs. Ms. Cruz specializes in criminal defense mitigation, dual diagnosis, crisis intervention, addiction, trauma and working with diverse ethnic groups.
Ms. Cruz is a graduate of the Catholic University of America with a B.A. in psychology and received her Masters of Social Work, specializing in mental health and addiction from the University Of Maryland School Of School Work. In 2014 she completed an advanced two year post graduate Forensic Social Work Certification through the University of Maryland Continuing Education Department. In 2008 she co-created the Forensic Social Work Committee for NASW and in 2010 became the sole chair, a position she maintained until 2016 when she resigned due to other professional obligations but she continues to advocate for legislative changes. Under her leadership the committee successful hosted two national forensic social work conferences and successfully advocated for various legislative bills and reform. She maintains various professional memberships and affiliations.
Ms. Cruz is an Adjunct Professor:
-
In 2016, Ms. Cruz joined the University of Maryland (Shady Grove) School of Social Work teaching Advanced Trauma.
-
In 2015, Ms. Cruz joined the Catholic University of America School of Social Work teaching Advanced Ethics.
Agenda & Learning Objectives
AGENDA:
08:45 – 09:00 Log On/Registration
09:00 - 10:00 Learning Objectives, Undocumented Youth & Trauma
10:00 - 11:00 Power Point: Cultural & linguistic barriers (Case Examples)
11:00 - 11:15 Break
11:15 – 12:00 Pre and Post Migration Trauma (Group Discussion & Videos)
12:00 - 01:00 Lunch
01:00– 02:00 Power Point: Screening Tools, Assessment, and case presentation
02:00 – 03:00 Power Point: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations
03:00 - 03:15 Break
03:15 – 04:30 Presentation Summary
04:30 Questions & Adjournment
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
-
Appraise one’s knowledge of various cultural and linguistic barriers that can arise in service delivery and how to prevent them.
-
Analyze key concepts in cultural competency, including but not limited to assimilation, acculturation, and enculturation.
-
Evaluate and apply tools to help undocumented youth thrive and grow despite their trauma narratives.
-
Deconstruct case examples by using a variety of assessment and treatment approaches for further understanding and direct application of workshop material.
-
Summarize the key elements of treatment from diagnostic considerations to assessment tools to enhance overall cultural competency.
Target Audience
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
We welcome anyone interested in the topic!
Late Fees and Refunds
Fee & Registration:
Cost is $130 and includes CE credit. Registering after 09/22/23 will incur an additional $20 late fee. Cancellations* must be received 24 hours in advance prior to the workshop to receive a refund or an account credit.
*ALL cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee.
