Description
This training provides a comprehensive guide for clinicians interested in conducting immigration evaluations or those already providing such a service. Participants will acquire the practical skills necessary to confidently prepare for immigration cases. Case examples will facilitate understanding of the most common types of evaluations, how to assess identified individuals, and how to prepare a strong, detailed, and anti-oppressive report. Prioritizing a trauma-informed and culturally humble approach, participants will receive a practical guide covering strategies from the point of referral to report submission, including how to communicate with the legal team. Resources and handouts will be utilized throughout the presentation and made available for future reference.
Instructor
Dalissy Jose Washington is a Dominican-American, bilingual (Spanish & English) licensed clinical social worker, educator, and activist specializing in immigration psycholegal evaluations for over twelve years. As a first-generation college graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University and a Master of Social Work from West Chester University. In 2019, Dalissy earned the Social Worker of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers, Delaware Chapter. Her career began in integrated healthcare settings in Pennsylvania and Delaware, and she now leads The Compassion Agents, a group practice focusing on immigration evaluations and clinician training. From 2018 to 2021, Dalissy was a member of Network Delaware’s Safe Communities Coalition, advocating for policies protecting immigrant communities. She co-founded the Delaware Immigrant Fund in response to COVID-19 disparities among undocumented workers and families. Dalissy also serves as an adjunct instructor at Esperanza College of Eastern University, a federally qualified Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Miriam Geiger is a Bilingual (English & Spanish) licensed clinical social worker, licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from West Chester University. With over 10 years of experience, she has provided social and mental health services in integrated behavioral health and private practice settings. Her expertise also includes individual and couples counseling, adolescent therapy, crisis intervention, domestic violence, and trauma therapy. Since 2020, Miriam has specialized in psycholegal immigration evaluations and now serves as the Chief Program Officer for The Compassion Agents, a group practice focusing on immigration evaluations and clinician training. Miriam is deeply passionate about serving and advocating for marginalized populations, including BIPOC, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and neurodivergent individuals.
Agenda & Learning Objectives
AGENDA:
9:20 am – 9:30 am Log on
9:30 am - 10:10 am: U.S. Immigration Legal System & Role of Evaluator
10:10 am- 11:20 pm: Immigration Case Types
11:20 am - 12:00 pm: Assessment Tools & Clinical Interview Tips
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm: 15-minute break
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm: Report Writing & Collaboration with Legal Team
1:15 pm - 1:45 pm: Review of Resources & Q & A
1:45 pm Adjournment
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Understand the factors influencing the high demand for evaluators based on the U.S. immigration legal system.
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Learn the functions associated with the role of an evaluator.
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Learn the various case types and use of assessment tools.
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Learn how to prepare a comprehensive and strong report.
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Discuss how to communicate and collaborate with the referring legal team.
Bibliography & References
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
Atkinson, H., Wyka, K., Hampton, K., Seno, C., Yim, E., Ottenheimer, D., & Arastu, N. (2021). Impact of forensic medical evaluations on immigration relief grant rates and correlates of positive outcomes in the United States. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 84, 102272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102272
Ferrera, M. J., & Giri, M. (2022). What Should Count as Best Practices of Forensic Medical and Psychological Evaluations for Children Seeking Asylum?. AMA journal of ethics , 24 (4), E267–E274. https://doi.org/10.1001/amajethics.2022.267
Hampton, K., Mishori, R., & Forensic Asylum Evaluation Expert Group (2023). What constitutes a high-quality, comprehensive medico-legal asylum affidavit in the United States immigration context? A multi-sectoral consensus-building modified Delphi. Journal of forensic and legal medicine , 96 , 102513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102513
Mercado, A., Antuña, C. S., Bailey, C., Garcini, L., Hass, G. A., Henderson, C., Koslofsky, S., Morales, F., & Venta, A. (2022). Professional guidelines for psychological evaluations in immigration proceedings. Journal of Latinx Psychology, 10 (4), 253–276. https://doi.org/10.1037/lat0000209
Miller, K. K., Brown, C. R., Shramko, M., & Svetaz, M. V . (2019). Applying Trauma-Informed Practices to the Care of Refugee and Immigrant Youth: 10 Clinical Pearls. Children, 6(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/children6080094
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
Shibley, M. G., & Holt, M. (2022). Conducting Immigration Evaluations: A Practical Guide for Mental Health Professionals (1st ed.). Routledge.
Tervalon, M., & Murray-Garcia, J. (1998). Cultural humility versus cultural competence: A critical distinction defining physician training outcomes in multicultural education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 9(2), 117-125.https://doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2010.0233.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS policy manual. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual
Target Audience
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
We welcome anyone interested in the topic!
Late Fees and Refunds
The base price is $85, which includes CE credit.
Late Fee: On November 27, 2024, a non-refundable late fee of $20 is added to the base price. Late fees cannot be refunded or applied to account credit.
Cancellations: **ALL cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee.** Cancellations must be received 24 hours in advance prior to the workshop to receive a refund or an account credit.
ADA Accommodations
If you are requesting ADA accommodations, please contact our office via email at least two weeks prior to the workshop date. Requests after that date may not be fulfilled.
Our email address is cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.
