Module 3: Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders, Intimate Partner Violence & Trauma

The goal of module 3 is to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of co-occurring disorders, intimate partner violence, and trauma. Child welfare workers will acquire knowledge specific to mental health inclusivity including strategies to prevent or reduce stigma; identify the prevalence and common types of co-occurring disorders including associated symptoms; recognize the three models of care management for co-occurring substance use and mental disorders; acquire knowledge about intimate partner violence and the intersections of co-occurring disorders including prevalence, power and control dynamics, interagency response efforts, and best practice screening tools; differentiate between intimate partner violence and the co-occurrence of child maltreatment including key considerations when assessing safety and risk; acquire knowledge and strategies for increasing safety and protective capacities for families experiencing violence; and finally, awareness of the cumulative effects of trauma and the importance of providing trauma-informed care.

After completing this training, child welfare workers will:

• Discuss mental health as a spectrum with key language paradigm shifts to further reduce stigma
• Identify the prevalence and common types of co-occurring disorders along with associated symptoms
• Recognize the three models of care management for co-occurring substance use and mental disorders
• Acquire knowledge about intimate partner violence and the intersections of co-occurring disorders including prevalence, power and control dynamics, interagency response efforts, and best practice screening tools
• Differentiate between intimate partner violence and the co-occurrence of intimate partner violence and child maltreatment, including key considerations when assessing safety and risk
• Acquire knowledge and strategies for increasing safety and protective capacities for families experiencing violence
• Understand the cumulative effects of trauma and the importance of providing trauma-informed care