Child Welfare

This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.2 PS-Legal CEUs at the little/none Content Knowledge Level. RID HQ is an approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. 

Deaf children and families involved with child welfare face unique challenges due to systemic vulnerabilities. Research indicates that a lack of appropriate early intervention approaches to family support can heighten the risk factors associated with maltreatment. Without culturally responsive and linguistically accessible services, Deaf children and their families may find it difficult to report concerns, access necessary support, and receive appropriate intervention and care. These challenges are compounded by isolation in foster and group homes, linguistic deprivation, and challenges with reporting, placing Deaf children at increased risk of various forms of maltreatment within the child welfare system. This workshop will present evidence- based strategies for prevention and intervention, emphasizing the importance of awareness and tailored support for Deaf children and families involved in child welfare.

Educational Objectives:
1. Understand systemic vulnerabilities that increase the risk of maltreatment among Deaf
children in the child welfare system.
2. Identify barriers to reporting abuse and accessing services, and learn advocacy
approaches to address these issues.
3. Apply evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies to improve outcomes and
support for Deaf children and families involved with child welfare.
4. Apply needs of children and families involved with child welfare to situations salient to
interpreters such as court, visitation, investigations, etc.
5. Identify how language and cognitive functioning may impact the way a Deaf child in the
child welfare system communicates, underscoring the need for a CDI or other
adaptations.