On Wednesday, February 11, 2009, New York City

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, 2009 we are sponsoring a spectacular one-day continuing education program entitled: Drugs, Pregnancy and Parenting: What the Experts in Medicine, Social Work and the Law Have to Say. Please join us and please help us spread the word. You can register now.

If your work 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 – 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. Substance Abuse Counselors can earn New York CASAC 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, 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, methamphetamine, 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 we 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, 2009 from 9am to 6pm.

Where : NYU School of Law, 40 Washington Square South, Manhattan

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!

This program was developed through a consultative process with representatives from all aspects of New York City's child welfare system.  We really appreciate the time people have taken to inform us and to share their knowledge and experiences with us.

This program is co-sponsored by: National Advocates for Pregnant Women, New York University School of Law, and New York University Silver School of Social Work

Continuing Legal Education (7-NY CLE credits), Social Work (8 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. Students are welcome as well.

For more information, contact Allison Guttu, NAPW Equal Justice Works Staff Attorney, at 212.255.9252 or aguttu@advocatesforpregnantwomen.org.

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