Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting CEUs

Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting Continuing Education Units CEUs

(7 hours/units)
© 2009 by Aspira Continuing Education. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, mechanical or electronic without written permission of Aspira Continuing Education.

Objectives:

1. Assess child abuse risk factors
2. Evaluate the need for a Suspected Child Abuse Report
3. Become familiar with relevant child abuse statistics
4. Differentiate between the roles of mandated and non-mandated reporters
5. Identify the symptoms and warning signs of child abuse
6. Utilize applicable clinical assessment and treatment tools
7. Utilize applicable treatment interventions
8. Identify and have accessibility to relevant resources

Table of Contents:

1. Definition
2. History and the Law
3. Types of Child Abuse
4. Statistics
5. Mandated Reporters
6. Child Abuse Symptoms
7. Clinical Assessment
2
8. Treatment
9. Resources
10. References

1. Definition

Child abuse is the physical, psychological or sexual maltreatment of children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines child maltreatment as “any act or series of acts or commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child”. Most child abuse occurs in the home, with a lesser amount occurring in the organizations, schools or community organizations. Currently, there are four widely recognized and identifiable categories of child abuse including neglect, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Different jurisdictions have developed their own definitions of what constitutes child abuse for the purposes of removing a child from his/her family and/or prosecuting a criminal charge. The Mental Health Journal defines child as “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”

Law and Ethics Continuing Education CEUS for BBS Approved California LMFTs and LCSWs

Law and Ethics CEUS

Description

This course is designed to help you:

Identify scope of practice issues and definitions
Increase familiarity with the characteristics of unprofessional conduct, negligence, and standard of care
Explore the legal issues of privilege, confidentiality, treatment of minors, record retention/storage, termination, informed consent, malpractice, and sex with clients.
Increase familiarity with HIPAA and third party reimbursement
Explore professional ethics information including CAMFT and NASW Ethical Standards.

Board/state approvals Professions
State Licensing Authority CADC I CADC II CADCA CCPS CCS CSWI LCSW LMFT LPC MFTI
California California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Continuing Education Units Hours (CEUS) for Social Workers

Course Information Click Here


Aging and Long Term Care CEUs


10 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Define aging and long term care • Become familiar with relevant demographic information. • Obtain information that includes but is not limited to, the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging. • Learn the psychological impact of aging • Describe the relationship between aging and culture • Distinguish between long term and alternative types of care • Identify and access relevant resources



Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Dependency CEUs


15 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Become familiar with clinical and statistical information regarding substance abuse history, DSM criteria, types of abuse, demographic characteristics, treatment, and outcomes • Define substance abuse and identify its effects • Become familiar with the medical aspects of alcohol abuse/dependence and other types of chemical dependency • Apply current theories of the etiology of substance abuse • Recognize the role of persons and systems that support/compound the abuse



Anger Management CEUs


3 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Become familiar with cultural influences on anger management • Become familiar with historical influences on anger management • Identify poor anger management symptomology • Utilize fundamental anger management techniques • Access vital anger management mental healthcare resources



Anxiety Disorders CEUs


6 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Define various anxiety disorders • Evaluate and diagnose various anxiety disorders • Identify common causes of various anxiety disorders • Distinguish between different anxiety disorders • Utilize effective treatment approaches and techniques



Bipolar Disorder CEUs


6 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Define Bipolar Disorder • Become familiar with historical influences • Identify Bipolar Disorder symptomology • Identify and distinguish between various Bipolar Diagnoses • Identify causes and associated features • Identify and apply effective treatment approaches



Boundaries CEUs


3 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Clear boundaries are essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and are not. Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us, mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts, emotional boundaries help us deal with our own emotions, spiritual boundaries help us distinguish God's will...



Boundaries in Marriage CEUs


3 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Two lives becoming one: That’s the marriage ideal. But maybe you’ve discovered that it’s easier said than done. How do you solve problems? How do you establish healthy communication? How do you work out conflict and deal with the struggle of differing needs? In the process of knitting two souls together, it’s easy to tear the fabric. That’s why boundaries—the ways we define and maintain our sense of individuality, freedom, and personal integrity—are so important.



Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting CEUs


7 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Assess child abuse risk factors • Evaluate the need for a Suspected Child Abuse Report • Become familiar with relevant child abuse statistics • Differentiate between the roles of mandated and non-mandated reporters • Identify the symptoms and warning signs of child abuse • Utilize applicable clinical assessment and treatment tools • Utilize applicable treatment interventions • Identify and have accessibility to relevant resources



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CEUs


4 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Identify Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Fundamental concepts • Explore the history and development of CBT • Apply CBT assessment strategies • Identify and utilize CBT clinical approaches • Apply CBT principles and therapeutic techniques • Utilize CBT tools and interventions • Access CBT resources



Conflict Resolution CEUs


3 Hours
AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, KY, LA, MA, MI, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX

Define the process of conflict resolution • Learn specific conflict resolution techniques • Identify various theoretical approaches to conflict resolution • Identify the barriers to conflict resolution • Clinically address the barriers to conflict resolution

HIV and Aids CEUs

Law and Ethics CEUs (California BBS approved)

Human Sexuality CEUs

Online Continuing Education Units CEUS for MFT, LCSW, and LPC License Renewal

Human Sexuality CEUs

© 2009 by Aspira Continuing Education. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, mechanical or electronic without written permission of Aspira Continuing Education.

1. Define the different study/research areas of human sexuality.
2. Increase familiarity with concepts related to the psychology of sex
3. Identify and evaluate clinical perspectives related to sexual activity and lifestyles.
4. Explore the impact religious belief systems on sex.
5. Learn specific laws related to sex and sexual crimes.
6. Identify the causes and symptoms of STDs
7. Increase familiarity with sexual disorders

1. Definition
2. Psychology and Sex
3. Sexual Activity and Lifestyles
4. Religion and Sex
5. The Law and Sex
6. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
7. Masters and Johnson

BBS Aproved LCSW and LMFT MFT Online Continuing Education Units (CEU, CEUs))

CEU COURSE INFO

Domestic Violence/Spousal and Partner Abuse CEUS
Substance Abuse and Dependence CEUS
Law and Ethics (Califonia only) CEUS
HIV and Aids CEUS
Aging and Long Term Care CEUS
Child Abuse CEUS
Crisis Counseling CEUS
Cross Cultural Counseling CEUS
Managed Care CEUS
PTSD CEUS
Anxiety Disorders CEUS
Depressive Disorder CEUS
Medical Necessity CEUS
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CEUS
Pychopharmacology CEUS
Bipolar Disorder CEUS
Conflict Resolution CEUS
Anger Management CEUS
Assessment and Diagnosis CEUS
Elder Abuse CEUS
Family Therapy CEUS
Group Therapy CEUS
Human Sexuality CEUS

Continuing Education CEUS for MFT, LCSW, and LPC License Renewal

AGING AND LONG TERM CARE(10 Hours/units)
© 2009 by Aspira Continuing Education. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, mechanical or electronic without written permission of Aspira Continuing Education.

Aging and LTC Courses

1. Define aging and long term care
2. Become familiar with relevant demographic information.
3. Obtain information that includes but is not limited to, the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging.4. Learn the psychological impact of aging
5. Describe the relationship between aging and culture
6. Distinguish between long term and alternative types of care7. Identify and access relevant resources

Table of Contents:
1. Definitions
2. Demographic Information
3. Biological Aging
4. Aging and Culture5. Long Term Care
6. Psychological Considerations
7. Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting8. Resources
9. References

Spousal and Partner Abuse CEUs

© 2009 by Aspira Continuing Education. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, mechanical or electronic without written permission of Aspira Continuing Education.

1. Learn definition and distinguish between types of abuse
2. Become familiar with relevant facts and statistics
3. Identify spousal/partner abuse symptoms
4. Evaluate the effects of spousal/ partner abuse5. Identify same gender abuse dynamics
6. Become familiar with relevant cultural factors
7. Learn the national domestic violence applicable laws
8. Become familiar with resources and referrals

Table of Contents:
1. Definitions and Types of Abuse
2. Facts and Statistics
3. Symptoms and Effects
4. Domestic Violence and the Law
5. Evaluation, Intervention and Treatment
6. Resources and Referrals
7. References

1. Definitions and Types of Abuse

Domestic violence and emotional abuse is characterized by physically and/or psychologically dominating behaviors used by a perpetrator to control the victim. Partners may be married or unmarried; heterosexual, or homosexual; living together, separated or dating. Domestic violence occurs in all cultures; people of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexes and classes can be perpetrators of domestic violence. Domestic violence is also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, or intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is perpetrated by both men and women. Domestic abuse is any form of abuse that occurs between and among persons related by affection, kinship, or trust. It can occur with youth, adults or elders of all ages and walks of life. The perpetrator often will use fear and intimidation as a method of control. The perpetrator may also threaten to use or may actually use physical violence. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence. Domestic abuse is intentionally trying to control another person. The abuser intentionally uses verbal, nonverbal, or physical methods to gain control over the other person. Domestic abuse includes:
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse or sexual assault
• Verbal abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Financial abuse
• Neglect
• Ritual abuse
• Spiritual abuse
• Criminal harassment
• Stalking, and Cyber stalking(Stark, E., A. Flitcraft, 1996. Women at Risk: Domestic Violence and Women's Health. Sage).
There are many considerations in evaluating abuse including:
• Mode: physical, psychological, sexual and/or social.
• Frequency: on/off, occasional and chronic.
• Severity: in terms of both psychological or physical harm and the need for treatment.
• Transitory or permanent injury: mild, moderate, severe and up to homicide.
An area of the domestic violence field that is often overlooked is passive abuse leading to violence. Passive abuse is covert, subtle and veiled. This includes victimization, procrastination, forgetfulness, ambiguity, neglect, spiritual and intellectual abuse.
Increased recognition of domestic violence began during the women's movement. Awareness regarding domestic violence varies among different countries. Only about a third of cases of domestic violence are actually reported in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the Centers for Disease Control, domestic violence is a serious, preventable public health problem affecting more than 32 million Americans, or more than 10% of the U.S. population.
There is increasing awareness and advocacy for men victimized by women. In a report on violence related injuries by the US Department of justice (USDOJ August 1997) hospital emergency room visits related to domestic violence revealed that physically abused men represent just under one-sixth of the total patients admitted to hospital reporting domestic violence as the cause of their injuries. The report reveals that significantly more men than women did not disclose the identity of their attacker. This is likely due to shame, stigma, and embarrassment associated with men victimized by women.
According to a July 2000 Centers for Disease Control Report, data from the Bureau of Justice, National Crime Victimization Survey consistently show that women are at significantly greater risk of intimate partner violence than are men. In May, 2007, researchers with the Centers for Disease Control reported on rates of self-reported violence among intimate partners using data from a 2001 study. In the study, almost one-quarter of participants reported some violence in their relationships. Half of these involved one-sided ("non-reciprocal") attacks and half involved both assaults and counter assaults ("reciprocal violence"). Women reported committing one-sided attacks more than twice as often as men (70% versus 29%). In all cases of intimate partner violence, women were more likely to be injured than men, but 25% of men in relationships with two-sided violence reported injury
compared to 20% of women reporting injury in relationships with one-sided violence. Women were more likely to be injured in non-reciprocal violence.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is characterized by aggressive behavior that may result in the victim sustaining injury. Physical abuse attacks are used by the perpetrator to control the victim. The abuse is rarely a single incident and typically forms identifiable patterns that may repeat more and more quickly, and which may become increasingly violent.

Physical abuse can include:
• assault with a weapon
• biting, pinching
• burning
• choking
• kicking, pushing, throwing or shaking
• slapping, hitting, tripping, grabbing or punching
• tying down or otherwise restraining or confining
• homicide
Sexual Abuse and Assault
Sexual abuse and assault includes any non-consensual sexual activity ranging from harassment, unwanted sexual touching, to rape. Sexual harassment is characterized by ridiculing another person to try to limit their sexuality or reproductive choices, while sexual exploitation could involve forcing someone to participate in pornographic film-making. Examples of sexual abuse include fondling of genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, forced prostitution, forced production of pornographic materials (
Verbal/ Emotional/ Psychological Abuse
Abbott, Pamela and Emma Williamson, 1999.. "Women, Health and Domestic Violence". Journal of Gender Studies).
Domestic violence is not only physical and sexual violence but also psychological. Psychological violence can be defined as intense and repetitive degradation, creating isolation, and controlling the actions or behaviors of the spouse through intimidation or manipulation to the detriment of the individual. Emotional and psychological abuse sometimes involves tactics to undermine an individual's self-confidence and sense of self-worth, such as yelling, mocking, insulting, threatening, using abusive language, humiliating, harassing and degrading. It can also include deprivation of emotional care, and isolating the individual being targeted (Five Year State Master Plan for the Prevention of and Service for Domestic Violence." Utah State Department of Human Services, January 1994).

Financial/Economic Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when one individual attempts to take total or partial control of another's finances, inheritance or employment income. It may include denying access to one's own financial records and knowledge about personal investments, income or debt, or preventing a partner from engaging in activities that would lead to financial independence.

Financial or economic abuse includes:
• withholding economic resources such as money or credit cards
• stealing from or defrauding a partner of money or assets
• exploiting the partner's resources for personal gain
• withholding physical resources such as food, clothes, necessary medications, or shelter from a partner
• preventing a partner from working or choosing an occupation
Ritual Abuse
Ritual abuse is defined as a combination of severe physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual abuses used systematically and in combination with symbols, ceremonies and/or group activities that have a religious, magical or supernatural connotation. Victims are terrorized into silence by repetitive torture and abuse over time and indoctrinated into the beliefs and practices of the cult or group. Ritual abuse may also be linked to Satanism or devil worship.
Spiritual Abuse
Spiritual abuse may include:
• using the partner's religious or spiritual beliefs to manipulate them
• preventing the partner from practicing their religious or spiritual beliefs
• ridiculing the other person's religious or spiritual beliefs
• forcing the children to be reared in a faith that the partner has not agreed to
Spiritual and religious abuse is also abuse done in the name of, brought on by, or attributed to a belief system of the abuser, or abuse from a religious leader. This can include Priests, Ministers, cult members, family members, or anyone abusing in the name of a deity or perceived deity. Spiritual or religious abuse can find its way into every religion and belief system that exists. It may encompass many other forms of abuse, especially physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial (Warshaw, C. (1993). "Limitations of the Medical Model in the Care of Battered Women". in Bart, P., E. Moran. Violence Against Women: The Bloody Footprints. Sage).

Harassment, Stalking and Cyberstalking

Stalking is harassment of or threatening another person, especially in a manner that physically or emotionally disturbs them. Stalking of an intimate partner can occur place during the relationship, with intense monitoring of the partner's activities, or it can take place after a partner or spouse has left the relationship. The stalker may be trying to get their partner back, or they may wish to harm their partner as punishment for their departure. Regardless of the motive, the victim fears for their safety. Stalking may occur at or near the victim's home, near or in their workplace, on the way to any destination, or on the internet (cyberstalking). Stalking can be on the phone, in person, or online. Stalkers sometimes do not reveal themselves, or they may just “show up” unexpectedly. Stalking is often unpredictable and dangerous. Stalkers may utilize threatening tactics including:
• “showing up” wherever the victim is located
• repeated phone calls (often hanging up)
• following the victim
• watching the victim from a hiding place
• sending the victim unwanted packages/gifts/letters
• monitoring the victim's phone calls
• monitoring the victim’s mail or internet use
• sifting through the victim's garbage
• contacting the victim's friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors to obtain information about the victim
• damaging the victim's property
• threatening to hurt the victim or the victim’s family, friends or pets
Cyberstalking is defined as utilizing the internet with the intention to harass and/or stalk another person. Cyberstalking is deliberate and persistent in nature. It may be an additional form of harassment, or the only method the perpetrator employs. The cyber stalker’s communication may be disturbing and inappropriate. Often, the more the victim protests or responds, the more rewarding the cyberstalker experiences the stalking. The best way to respond to a cyberstalker is not to respond. Cyberstalking may graduate to physical stalking, aggression, and violence.
Battering relationships are often characterized by cyclical phases, sometimes referred to as The Cycle of Violence. A period of peace and calm is followed by escalating tension. A woman might feel as though she were walking on eggshells. Minor incidents may occur that the woman tries to minimize or deny, sometimes by taking the blame. When the tension becomes unmanageable, aggression occurs. The victim may be kicked, thrown against a wall, raped, threatened at gun or knife point, slapped, punched or subjected to any of the endless mental and physical abuses that batterers use to intimidate and control their partners.