Post date: Jul 30, 2011 5:31:37 PM
Part 1-Children Exposed to Family Violence: The Relationship Among Trauma, Abuse, Attachment, ADHD, and The Brain; Part 2-Child Custody Evaluations: Issues And Techniques When There Are Domestic Violence or Child Abuse Allegations
Dr. Robert Geffner (3 Hrs)
Recent research has shown a connection between childhood maltreatment, family violence, attachment, trauma and ADHD. In addition, our understanding of the neurodevelopmental effects of these types of adverse childhood experiences on the brain has also expanded. This workshop discusses the various types of multiple victimization experienced by children in their homes or communities that often leads to later aggressive, impulsive, and bullying behavior due to the interaction of the brain and psychosocial factors. The goal is to help those working with domestic violence offenders and victims, and child protection cases in various settings better understand the dynamics, characteristics, controversies, and issues for these children. Implications for assessment and intervention are presented, and specific suggestions are discussed. This workshop also discusses issues and procedures that mental health professionals and others need to know about child custody cases when there are allegations of child abuse or exposure to domestic violence. Appropriate investigative techniques and common errors that often are made in these cases are presented. The myth of “parental alienation syndrome” that is often alleged in these cases is discussed, along with ways to avoid common pitfalls.