(Social Work CE)

This session is designed to equip social workers with tools to respond to the trauma of gun violence at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Participants will learn the negative impact of the threat of gun violence in schools, discuss the value of proactive school safety measures, the importance of secure firearm storage through the Be SMART for Kids program, and receive salient, trauma-informed recommendations for learning tools and techniques for adults to respond to their own needs and the needs of a child if they are activated by an incident of gun violence.

(Social Work CE)

Concurrent Breakout Session 1B: Program Design and Policy Related to Meeting the Needs of Children with Behavioral Treatment Needs Involved with Child Welfare: Opportunities and Challenges

(Macro Social Work CE)

It has been said the very foundations of our democracy are at stake in the 2024 elections. The Social Work Code of Ethics tells us “Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions to meet basic human needs and promote social justice.” Social workers of all persuasions are looking at the 2024 election to see how it may impact the direction of the country.

(Social Work CE)

Social media has forever changed how we communicate, making it easier to connect and foster community, but can also lead to unintended negative consequences such as anxiety, depression, and diminishing self-worth. This session will overview research and insights into the psychological effects of social media, and how it shapes identity, self-esteem, and social interactions. Additionally, the session will explore how social workers can help students and young people cultivate healthier online habits and use social media to benefit themselves, their mental well-being, and their community.

(Social Work CE)

This session explores the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the lives of children, youth, and families, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. AI influences mental health, access to resources, and family dynamics, with potential ethical and social implications. Social workers must be equipped to understand and navigate these impacts, ensuring that AI technologies support the well-being of our children and youth and foster equitable outcomes for all. Join us to discuss best practices and the future of social work in an increasingly AI-driven world.

(Social Work CE)

NASW Practice Standards and Guidelines “reflect current and emerging best practice trends and are a critical component of the professional social worker's toolkit.” The 2024 NASW School Social Work Practice Standards provide guidance to equip new and experienced school social workers for work in today's educational climate. This training will review the new standards and highlight important updates to practice guidelines. Participants will also practice applying the standards to AI generated case scenarios!

(Clinical Social Work CE)

Explore the transformative impact of hip-hop therapy in school settings and how it helps students overcome academic, social, and personal challenges. Hip-hop therapy helps to foster a culturally responsive environment that breaks down barriers, allowing students to connect, heal, and build rapport through the shared love of music. This session will also highlight how hip-hop therapy helps boost school engagement and graduation rates and serves as a powerful tool to process trauma and foster joy and purpose through creativity.