An Educational Experience in Helping Play Therapists Learn About the Child Welfare System

Abstract: 

This presentation will provide a history for clinicians about The Child Welfare System in Texas, it's origins and prevalence.  In learning about the history, clinicians will have a better understanding of what children and families face when they are involved in a child protection investigation.  A common factor found in most families involved with child protective services is generational trauma. This presentation will educate clinicians on the Texas Family Code and the definitions of child abuse and neglect in Texas.  The legalities involved in the foster-care system will be discussed.  A thorough discussion will be held on child abuse and neglect reporting and reporting scenario examples will be presented.  The focus of the presentation is to help clinicians feel more competent in the area of child abuse and neglect reporting and further have a clearer understanding of the children and family child protective services experience.

Presentation Objectives:

1. Participants will learn the history about the child welfare system in Texas and how Play Therapists can better be informed of the dynamics of children and

families involved in the system.

2.Participants will learn about the Texas Family Code and what constitutes child abuse and neglect in the state of Texas.  Play Therapists will gain knowledge

in this area to better understand the legalities involved in the foster-care system of Texas.

3.Participants will learn about making reports of child abuse and neglect to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.  Play Therapists will learn

about the steps in reporting and what constitutes a child abuse and neglect investigation.

Presenter Biography:  My name is Erika Monique Montoya, MS, LPC-A, NCC.  I have been a child welfare worker for eleven years, employed with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Investigations.  In my role as a field worker and manager, I have learned about the importance of family unity and children growing up in safe, loving homes.  The majority of families that have crossed my path, have one life factor in common, generational trauma.  As my department moves towards a more trauma informed approach in working with families we are gaining a better understanding of listening more to individual family needs and helping to link families to community resources that will help in the healing process.  My educational studies have always centered in psychology and understanding the human mind.  Throughout my educational experiences, public service experiences, and own personal experiences, I have learned that healing the heart of a child early on, while also helping to heal the child's family system, can help in putting an end to generational trauma.  Due to such a dream, I opted to become my current role as a clinician, primarily focused on working with children and families, while also continuing my role as a child welfare worker.  It is not only important to help keep children safe, but to also help heal their hearts.

*This training will provide 2 contact CE hours

*Play therapy credit may not be awarded to non-mental health professionals

* APT approved provider #99074

*Payment will be received the day of presentation.  Only accepting cash or check at this time. If you wish to become a member, you may do so at the day of the presentation.  All memberships renew annually on August 1st.  Memberships include all presentation fees and CE certificates.

     -Student Membership: $25 

     -Professional Membership: $45

     - Presentation only: $50