(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.

(Social Work CE)

School Safety issues are a top concern for both students, parents, and educators.  Social work has played a central role in listening to the voices of students, teachers, parents and community members as a basis for providing systemic solutions to unsafe school and community contexts. School violence and bullying can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and emotional abuse, creating toxic environments that have lasting impacts on mental health and overall well-being. The school shootings and actions of hate have been linked in the media to bullying and victimization in schools.  Social workers play a critical role in addressing this issue by supporting those who experience bullying and fostering prevention approaches that promote systemic change resulting in safer, more respectful environments. This session will explore the role school and community social workers could play in aiding those affected and implementing preventive measures.  Specifically, Dr, Astor will focus on his method of Welcoming, Empowerment, Mapping and Monitoring Approach (WEMMA) that uses the voices of those in the school and community to create environments that are uniquely meeting the needs of each school and community.