Wednesday Closing Plenary - It's How We're Seen: Empowering Identity and Resilience in Social Justice – General; Mental-Behavioral Health, Trauma-Informed Care, Children, Teens & Young Adults, Diversity, Self-Care (Ethics), Social Justice/Advocacy, Cultural Competence; Lyric Wardlow.
This a dynamic workshop led by Lyric Wardlow that explores Black identity, perception, and resilience within the context of social justice. Through powerful storytelling and engaging activities, participants will gain practical tools to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusivity, and support marginalized communities. Lyric's session equips social workers with the skills needed to advocate for change, create supportive environments, and address the unique challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and more.
Limited to 280. Premier 1 & 2. (1.5 General)
8:15 AM
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C-32: Addressing Racial Bias in Child Welfare Reporting – Ethics; Social Justice/Advocacy, Social Work & Courts, Child Welfare; Marya Wright, DSW, MSW, BSW. This workshop explores the impact of racial bias in child welfare reporting, linking it to the NASW Code of Ethics and the broader social justice mandate. Participants will learn strategies to identify and mitigate bias, while promoting equity in practice. Through interactive discussions and practical tools, this presentation will help social workers incorporate cultural responsiveness, data-driven decision-making, and ethical considerations into their daily work with children and families. Limited to 200. Premier 1. (3.0 Ethics)
10:00 AM
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C-33: Ethical & Effective Therapy for Neurodivergent Clients – Clinical; Mental-Behavioral Health, Diversity, Developmental Disabilities; Whitney Storey, MS, LPC and KD Holmes, MS, LPC, EMDR Certified. 'Neurodivergent' is an umbrella term describing groups of people whose brains function differently from the norm in some way (e.g., Autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, Anxiety Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders, learning differences, etc.). These diagnoses are associated with co-occurring conditions/unique presentations that can be misdiagnosed, which leads to client harm. This presentation is an introduction to the world of Neurodivergence, focusing on diagnosis and an exploration of working effectively with neurodivergent clients in the therapy room. Limited to 200. Premier 2. (3.0 Clinical)
10:00 AM
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C-34: Navigating the Ethical and Clinical Challenges of Reproductive Rights Limitations – Ethics; Mental-Behavioral Health, Ethics, Public Health; Racheal Hebert, LCSW-BACS and Alix Tarnowsky, LCSW, MBA. This workshop explores the ethical considerations and profound effects of limiting reproductive rights on clients within therapeutic settings. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these restrictions can impact mental health, emotional well-being, and the therapeutic process. Through discussions, case studies, and practical strategies, participants will be better equipped to support clients navigating these challenges. Limited to 65. Cypress 1. (3.0 Ethics)
10:00 AM
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C-35: Difference Between ASD1 & the Rest of the Autism Spectrum – Clinical; Mental-Behavioral Health, Children, Teens & Young Adults, School Social Work; Lisa Jacob, LCSW. This presentation will provide participants with information regarding the (often confusing) change in nomenclature of Autism as well as providing insight into the struggles that those with the diagnosis face in getting a "correct" diagnosis especially when there are co-occurring diagnosis and/or exceptionalities. Difficulties in the academic setting and in the workplace will also be examined along with some helpful information for aiding this population in their social, academic and employment settings. Limited to 200. Premier 3. (3.0 Clinical)
10:00 AM
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7-36: The Law, Ethics, and Your Social Work Practice – Ethics; Ethics; Lisa Lipsey, LCSW, BCD, ACSW and Emily DeAngelo. In this interactive presentation, data will be presented from sanctioned complaints from the previous year, as well as examples of sanctioned complaints. Risk management strategies to protect yourself and your clients will be provided. Questions submitted to LABSWE by social workers regarding ethical concerns will be discussed. Limited to 65. Mississippi/Delta. (1.5 Ethics)
10:00 AM
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7-37: Safeguarding Survivors: Domestic Violence – General; Domestic/Partner Violence; DaVante Jenkins-Gethers, LMSW. This workshop provides social workers with essential skills and knowledge to address domestic violence effectively. Participants will explore the dynamics of abuse, learn evidence-based intervention strategies, and discuss ethical considerations in supporting survivors. The session emphasizes trauma-informed care, risk assessment, safety planning, and advocacy, equipping social workers to navigate complex cases with confidence and sensitivity, ultimately enhancing their ability to promote safety, healing, and empowerment for those affected by domestic violence. Limited to 65. Samuel Clemons/Natchez. (1.5 General)
10:00 AM
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7-38: Que Pasa with Bilingual Mental Health? Ethical Considerations – Ethics; Mental-Behavioral Health, Ethics, Cultural Competence; Catie Munguia, LCSW. Mental health providers who speak English and Spanish are expected to carry out all functions of their jobs in both languages, but research and practice wisdom both show that there is much more to bilingual practice than knowing two languages. This workshop will explore ethical considerations for agencies and practitioners providing behavioral health services in English and Spanish, as well as practice and training guidelines. Limited to 65. Bayou/Levee. (1.5 Ethics)
10:00 AM
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8-39: Adolescent Substance Use: Bridging Gaps in Prevention and Care – Clinical; Children, Teens & Young Adults, Social Justice/Advocacy, Addiction; Hayley Felter, LMSW and Kevin R. Jenkins, M.Ed. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the complex relationship between adolescent substance use and social justice, focusing on the disparities in prevention, intervention, and treatment. This presentation will also highlight the importance of integrating social justice principles into strategies addressing adolescent substance use. Limited to 65. Mississippi/Delta. (1.5 Clinical)
11:45 AM
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8-40: How to Capitalize off your Social Work Skills – General; Private Practice, Admin/Business/Management; Danielle Bailey, LCSW-BACS. This presentation guides social workers on maximizing their skills for career growth and client impact. Participants will learn how to leverage core competencies, such as communication and problem-solving, and gain insights into publishing journals, workbooks, and coloring books to advance the field and practice. This session offers practical strategies for expanding influence, enhancing client outcomes, and achieving sustained success in the dynamic social work landscape. Limited to 32. Riverboat. (1.5 General)
11:45 AM
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8-41: How to Care for Self When Work Life Comes Home – Ethics; Self-Care (Ethics); Shannon Poe, DSW, LCSW. This presentation will focus on what happens when your work comes home. How do you recognize that things are "a little to close to home?" When do you need to step away? It will address setting boundaries with clients and self-disclosure and care of self through difficult times. This is based upon my own experience as a clinician focusing on grief and loss and medical diagnosis in private practice when my husband became ill. Limited to 65. Samuel Clemons/Natchez. (1.5 Ethics)
11:45 AM
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8-42: Restorative Practices in Schools: The Prevention & Reduction School Discipline – Clinical; Children, Teens & Young Adults, Corrections, Forensics, & Juvenile Justice, School Social Work; Lacitta Matthews-Lavergne, LMSW, C-SSWS. The focus of restorative practice is providing Administrators and students the tools needed to identify behavior problems before they occur. It's important to build healthy relationships in a school community where trust is built. Developing a base level of respect for adults allows students to build strong relationships. Positive communication from all parties helps to reduce the number of office discipline referrals(ODR'S). Limited to 65. Bayou/Levee. (1.5 Clinical)
11:45 AM
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D-43: Unmasking DEI: Igniting Authentic Inclusion in the Modern Workplace – Clinical or Ethics; Ethics, Diversity, Social Justice/Advocacy, Cultural Competence; Dr. Katie Dotie, DSW, LCSW-BACS. This workshop explores how many organizations fall short in truly embracing DEI by failing to foster authentic environments. We'll examine the disconnect between DEI policies and real-world implementation, highlighting the importance of genuine inclusivity. Participants will learn strategies to cultivate authenticity, break down barriers, and create workplaces where all employees feel valued and empowered to be their true selves, ultimately enhancing productivity and innovation. Limited to 200. Premier 1. (3.0 Clinical or Ethics)
2:15 PM
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D-44: Trauma Informed Care: Developmental Theories Across the Lifespan – Clinical; Mental-Behavioral Health, Trauma-Informed Care, Social Justice/Advocacy; Harry Turner, LCSW. This session will focus on integrating trauma-informed care, mental-behavioral health strategies, and social justice advocacy into social work practice. Through a combination of lectures and group exercises, participants will gain practical tools and insights to address complex client needs while promoting equity and justice within diverse populations. Limited to 200. Premier 2. (3.0 Clinical)
2:15 PM
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D-45: Imprints of Injustice: Trauma Patterns and Social Impact – Clinical; Trauma-Informed Care; Noel Andrus, LCSW-BACS. This workshop explores how trauma imprints shape behavioral patterns and intersect with systemic injustices like racism, poverty, and discrimination. Participants will learn to identify these imprints, analyze their social impact, and develop trauma-informed strategies to address them in clinical and community settings. Emphasizing the connection between trauma and social justice, this workshop equips social workers to promote healing and advocate for systemic change. Limited to 200. Premier 3. (3.0 Clinical)
2:15 PM
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9-46: Working Alongside Attorneys for Social Justice: Effective Teamwork – Ethics; Mental-Behavioral Health, Case Management, Social Work & Courts; Quaneisha Browning, LMSW. Social Workers throughout our nation are working in law firms to improve the lives of individuals who otherwise might not engage with a Social Worker. This presentation will explore best practices in interdisciplinary teamwork in this unique setting and explore approaches to addressing ethical dilemmas that may arise. Come ready to discuss how we can effectively partner with attorneys to bring about social change on the individual and systemic levels. Limited to 65. Cypress 1. (1.5 Ethics)
2:15 PM
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9-47: Social Justice Considerations When Working With Hate Groups – General; Social Justice/Advocacy, Cultural Competence; Shannon Poe, DSW, LCSW. This session will explore the role of the social worker in preventing domestic terrorism. In today's heated political climate, hate groups are often responsible for many injustices against our clients. However, it is possible for individuals to change. What is the role of the social worker, who is on the multi-disciplinary team, and what are the ethical considerations that need to be explored when working with individuals leaving these groups. Limited to 65. Mississippi/Delta. (1.5 General)
2:15 PM
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9-48: Survived the Storm: Fresh Innovations to Heal Eco-Trauma – Clinical; Mental-Behavioral Health, Trauma-Informed Care; Candice Sorapuru, LCSW-BACS, Dr. Nyoki Cosey-Brown, DSW, LCSW-BACS and Charisse Speaks, LCSW. This presentation explores innovative strategies for addressing eco-trauma, focusing on how communities can recover and thrive after environmental disasters. Drawing from cutting-edge research and real-world examples, we'll discuss therapeutic approaches that foster resilience, promote mental health, and support long-term recovery. Attendees will gain practical tools for integrating these strategies into their work with individuals and communities affected by environmental trauma, empowering them to facilitate healing in the aftermath of ecological crises. Limited to 65. Samuel Clemons/Natchez (1.5 Clinical)
2:15 PM
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9-49: Clinical Goal Setting for Therapists – Clinical; Mental-Behavioral Health, School Social Work; Ebony Allen, LCSW-BACS. This presentation explores effective goal-setting strategies for therapists, emphasizing a clinical perspective. Participants will learn to develop measurable and achievable therapeutic goals tailored to the unique needs of their clients. By focusing on clinical practices, attendees will gain valuable insights to enhance their therapeutic effectiveness and support the growth and development of clients in various settings. Limited to 65. Bayou Levee (1.5 Clinical)
2:15 PM
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10-50: Changing Approaches to Diversity Education in Social Work – General; Diversity, Social Justice/Advocacy; Jessica Fultz, MSW. LCSW and Andrew Fultz, PhD, LCSW. This workshop will explore approaches to teaching diversity in Social Work Education, including changes in CSWE’s EPAS and NASW's Code of Ethics. Topics covered include privilege, oppression, shame vs guilt, emotional off-loading, and anti-racism. Interactive discussion will occur about one Louisiana university’s Social Work program’s approach to diversity education, as well as other best practices. Participants will consider their own intersectional identities and how those affect their clients, mentees, supervisees, and/or students. Limited to 65. Cypress 1 (1.5 General)
4:00 PM
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10-51: Defining Remission and Relapse: Implications for Research, Practice, Social Justice – Clinical; Addiction; Jill Murray, PhD, LCSW-BACS, ACSW and Nickolus Harrison, CIT, RPSS. The terms “remission” and “relapse” have been inconsistently defined in the literature on substance use disorders. Implications on research, clinical assessment, intervention, funding, marginalization, and access to services for individuals with substance use disorder will be discussed. There will be a review of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and how substance use disorders are diagnosed. The presenters will discuss the marginalizing impact on clients created by arbitrary use of terminology in treatment of substance use disorders. Limited to 65. Mississippi Delta (1.5 Clinical)
4:00 PM
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