Ethics of Working with Children and Families

This virtual workshop will provide a review and discussion of state and federal laws, rules and regulations and ethical guidelines that apply to licensed mental health professionals who provide mental health and forensic services to children and families.

A family’s relationship is often interrupted by death, divorce, separation, the involvement of CPS or other agencies, or a serious health or mental health diagnosis that requires outside intervention. There are additional ethical and legal considerations that must be understood and considered by mental health professionals who provide services to children and families. There will be specific instruction on identifying the client, dealing with families in litigation, responding to requests for records, and maintaining professional ethics in legal situations. Attendees will gain an understanding of how the legal system works and the importance of staying within the role of therapist when dealing with a family in crisis.

Specific Learning Objectives:

1. Understand state and federal laws that apply to providing mental health services to children

and families.

2. Understand specific ethical guidelines that apply to providing mental health services to children and families.

3. Understand Texas law regarding mandatory reports of suspected abuse and neglect of a child, an elderly person or a disabled person.

4. Maintain professional boundaries when dealing with the legal system or families in crisis.

Kenda Dalrymple is a Partner in the firm of Dalrymple, Shellhorse, Ellis & Diamond,

L.L.P. in Austin, Texas. She earned her B.A. in Communications from Baylor University

and her law degree from Baylor University School of Law. She practices in the areas of

administrative and health law, with an emphasis on representing licensed professionals

before their licensing boards and advising them on matters related to their practices. She

is married to her college sweetheart, Bill Dalrymple, and they live in Cedar Park with

four bossy little poodles.

Total of 6 CEU credits is offered. The cost is $50.00 for both days.

The Ecumenical Center is an approved provider of continuing education by the State of Texas for the following: LPC, LMFT, LSW, LCSW, LMSW, and LCDC. The Center is also an APT Approved Provider 08-217 and an approved provider of CPE by the Texas Education Agency, TEA CPE Number 902304.

This is a virtual event, please save your zoom log in information.