Please note: This seminar is scheduled to be held in person. We will be following the state of Maryland’s COVID-19 guidelines, as well as other safety measures, in place at the time of the seminar. Should the course of COVID-19 change, prohibiting in-person meetings, we may be required to reschedule or offer the seminar remotely.
Trauma & PTSD: Working with Victims Who Have Become the Accused
Thursday, June 3, 2021 * 8:30 am - 3:45 pm (6 CEUs)
(8:00 am: check-in & continental breakfast, lunch provided)
This program is funded in part by the William B. & Sylvia A. Hunsberger Fund
Individuals who have experienced traumatic events often also experience symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When the traumatic event involves the criminal justice system, the situation can be complex and the mental health effects profoundly more complicated. This seminar is designed to provide clinicians with an understanding of the unique aspects of forensic trauma and how a victim might become the accused. Clinicians will learn effective strategies to help victims more effectively manage stress and move toward healing. The presenter will share her expertise and experience as a bi-cultural forensic social worker specializing in criminal defense mitigation: capital and non-capital felonies, pre-trial phase through post release cases and transfer of jurisdiction in juvenile matters. Interactive case scenarios will be presented and discussed during the training.
At the conclusion of the seminar, attendees should be able to:
- Describe the symptomology of PTSD
- Discuss the unique characteristics of PTSD as a result of being victimized
- Explain PTSD and its link to the criminal justice system
- Work with clients to develop coping skills and preventive measures to manage symptoms of PTSD
Featuring Veronica Cruz, LCSW-C. Ms. Cruz is a bilingual (Spanish/English) clinical and forensic social worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. She specializes in criminal defense mitigation, dual diagnosis, crisis intervention, addiction, trauma and working with diverse ethnic groups. She is a frequent educator and lecturer on the topics of trauma, cultural competency, substance use, mental health and the criminal justice system, ethics and other mental health concerns. Ms. Cruz is the founder and CEO of Cruz & Associates, LLC where she specializes in preparing comprehensive forensic psycho-social reports for criminal and civil matters. Ms. Cruz is a graduate of the Catholic University of America with a B.A. in psychology and received her Masters of Social Work, specializing in mental health and addiction from the University of Maryland School of School Work. Veronica holds an advanced two-year post graduate Forensic Social Work certification through the University of Maryland.
Registration Information:
Seminar Fee: $119.00 (includes 6 CEUs)
Cancellation Policy: A $10.00 processing fee applies to all cancellations. To receive a refund (less the $10.00 cancellation fee), cancellations must be made in writing and received no later than one week prior to the seminar. After that date, no refunds will be made.
Continuing Education Credits:
An important message about Continuing Education Credits: Brook Lane seminars are approved for continuing education credits as an entire event. PARTIAL CREDIT WILL NOT BE AWARDED. To assure that you receive continuing education credit, you must be on time and complete the entire seminar.
Counselors/Therapists: Brook Lane Health Services has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP TM) # 5452. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Brook Lane solely is responsible for all aspects of the program. This program will provide 6 clock hours; partial credit will not be awarded.
Social Workers: Brook Lane Health Services is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland. This program will provide 6.0 credit hours of Category I continuing education; partial credit will not be awarded.
Psychologists: The Maryland State Board of Examiners for Psychologists will accept continuing education hours provided by Brook Lane, an approved CE sponsor by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners.
Other Healthcare Professionals and Attendees: A certificate of completion noting the number of educational/contact hours will be provided for other disciplines to allow attendees to apply for CE credit as an individual.