Pre-conference Workshops
Thursday 7 November 2024
Workshop 1
Integrating infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) in child-welfare and children’s court systems
9.00am to 12.00pm
Presenter: Mike Sherman
Description: This pre-conference workshop focuses on the integration of infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) in child-welfare and dependency court systems. Attendees will engage in exploring and reflecting on potential ways in which developmentally informed, trauma-responsive, and relationally focused practice can inform child welfare and dependency court systems. After the break, we will come together to engage in discussion of a case vignette involving a Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), where we will delve into practical approaches aimed at supporting young children and families and how effective teaming can improve practice for infants, toddlers, families, and professionals at all levels.
Workshop 2
Supervising within the Circle of Security Intervention: The Centrality of Reflective Video Review in Developing Competence in State of Mind Intervention
9.00am to 12.00pm
Co-presenters: Joe Coyne and Erin Atkinson
Description: This workshop will provide an overview of the Circle of Security (COS) approach to supervision and the core competencies that are sought to be developed in practitioners. Interaction and practical engagement with the supervision process will be facilitated through the use of video material from COS treatment and small group activities.
Workshop 3
Enhancing Reflective Practice in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health: Cultivating Insight
1.00pm to 4.00pm
Presenter: Ashley McCormick
Description: This session is designed to deepen understanding and skills in reflective supervision/consultation (RSC) within the infant and early childhood professional community. Key topics include exploring the Reflective Interaction Observation Scale (RIOS) and utilizing critical self-awareness. Attendees will be invited to engage in activities that promote reflection on professional use of self, understanding family stories, and identifying/using parallel processes in RSC. The session emphasizes the importance of cultural humility and the integration of personal and professional experiences to enhance relational safety and support within supervisory relationships.
Workshop 4
Structured assessments of infant-parent relationships
1.00pm to 4.00pm
Presenter: Nicole Milburn
Description: An assessment framework for understanding the internal and external aspects of infant parent relationships will be presented. Video material will demonstrate core concepts and processes for organising and understanding observations to reach a formulation of the relationship and the strengths and challenges identified. This will then be linked to conclusions and recommendations for intervention. The framework will be demonstrated mostly in the context of assessment and intervention for infants who are involved with Child Protection Services or the Family Court.
