Drugs, Pregnancy and Parenting: What the Experts in Medicine, Social Work and the Law Have to Say
People working in the field of family law and child welfare often have cases that involve issues of drug use. These lawyers, social workers, counselors, advocates and investigators, however, are often trying to do their jobs without the benefit of evidence-based research or access to experts knowledgeable about drugs, drug treatment and the relationship between drug use, pregnancy and parenting. That is why on February 11, NYU School of Law, NYU Silver School of Social Work and National Advocates for Pregnant Women are sponsoring a one-day continuing education program entitled “Drugs, Pregnancy and Parenting: What the Experts in Medicine, Social Work and the Law Have to Say.” You can register now by clicking here.
If your practice or area of study involves family law, child welfare law, advocacy on behalf of children, parents or families, pregnant and parenting women and their families or issues of drug use, then this continuing education program is for you. Even if this is not specifically your field of work, this truly interesting day will be a great way to earn continuing education credits.
This dynamic program features nationally and internationally renowned medical, social work and legal experts as well as people with direct experience who will help distinguish myth from fact and evidence-based information from media hype, and provide meaningful tools for improved advocacy, representation, care and treatment. Panelists will discuss current research on marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines, as well as other areas of research regarding drug use, prenatal exposure to drugs, recovery, treatment and parenting. This up-to-date research is critical for effective representation and care.
Discussion points will include:
• What does a positive drug test predict about future neglect and abuse?
• What tools can I use to distinguish between myth and fact regarding the effect of drugs and other claims made about drug use and drug users? Is there such a thing as a “crack baby”?
• Is there a difference between drug use and abuse? Can a person parent and be a drug user?
• How should social workers, lawyers, counselors, advocates and judges use and interpret drug tests?
• How do we determine what, if any, treatment should be required, and how do we measure its success?
• What is the relationship between drug use, abstinence, relapse and recovery?
• What does evidence-based research tell us about the effectiveness of different kinds of drug treatment?
• How can I implement safety plans that keep families together?
• How can I best advocate for/help my client when drug use is an issue?
No matter what kind of work you do or practice you have, this course will challenge your assumptions, identify valuable resources and generate hope about families where drug use is an issue.
Please join us for “Drugs, Pregnancy, and Parenting: What the Experts in Medicine, Social Work and the Law Have to Say.”
When : Wednesday, February 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where : Vanderbilt Hall
Registration: The fee is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Breakfast, lunch and beverages will be provided. Financial aid is available. Please register here.
This program was developed through a consultative process with representatives from all aspects of New York City’s child welfare system.
This program is co-sponsored by New York University School of Law, New York University Silver School of Social Work, and National Advocates for Pregnant Women.
Continuing Legal Education (seven NY CLE credits), Social Work (eight CEU credits) and CASAC (7.5 credits) for full- or partial-day program available for New York. This program is appropriate for practitioners at all levels, and students are welcome.
For more information contact Allison Guttu, NAPW Equal Justice Works staff attorney, at (212) 255-9252 or aguttu@advocatesforpregnantwomen.org.
January 20th 2009