Serving LGBTQIA+ Children and Families in the MDT Response

*VOCA APPROVED*

This course will provide an overview of affirmative practices for all multidisciplinary team (MDT) professionals supporting and serving LGBTQIA+ children, youth and families when responding to child abuse and maltreatment. In addition to providing an overview of gender and sexuality terminology, some of the topics covered will include cultural considerations when working with LGBQTIA+ children, youth and families, advocacy, preparing the team, family and child for the process, allyship, pronouns, engaging community partners, vetting resources for LGBQTIA+ families, considerations for the forensic protocol and the use of interview aids. While considerations for the forensic interview will be discussed in this course, the primary focus of this training is on the MDT, as a whole.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss considerations for engaging LGBQTIA+ victims/survivors and their families in the MDT process.
2. Increase understanding of LGBTQIA+ culture, including the issues that affect the LGBTQIA+ community and how victim/survivor’s experiences with systems providers and the experience of polyvictimization can affect interactions child abuse professionals may have with LGBTQIA+ victims and their families.
3. Offer tools for professionals to examine current practices and create more affirmative interactions and environments for LGBTQIA+ children and families.

This training will be provided live via Zoom. It includes three breaks, one of which is an extended lunch break, and an interactive afternoon activity. Please see the agenda for more specific details. It will not be recorded.

To view the Agenda, click here

Facilitators:

Rachel Johnson, Lead Forensic Interview Specialist, Zero Abuse Project

Jacob (Jake) Barnes, Attorney

Mary Russell, Attorney

*This course is not currently approved for specific continuing education credits. It will count as continuing education in the field of child maltreatment and everyone who stays for the full day will receive a certificate of attendance including hours.*

Register here