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

The goal of module 3 is to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of co-occurring disorders, domestic violence, and trauma. Child welfare workers will acquire knowledge specific to the mental health spectrum, including strategies to promote optimal health and well-being; 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 domestic violence and how it overlaps with co-occurring disorders including prevalence, power and control dynamics, interagency response efforts, and best practice screening tools; differentiate between domestic 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 improvements to promote optimal health and well-being
• 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 domestic violence and how it overlaps with co-occurring disorders including prevalence, power and control dynamics, interagency response efforts, and best practice screening tools
• Differentiate between domestic violence and the co-occurrence of domestic 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