Going to Court - Ethical Considerations and Practical Guidance - SP24

Held Friday May 31, 2024 via Zoom

9 AM - 3:30 PM CST

5.5 CEUs including 2 Ethics hours

It is every therapists worst fear . . receiving a subpoena.  It is rarely anyone’s first choice to have to go to court, but sometimes it is unavoidable. Many times our voices are needed to advocate for justice when due to societal and personal traumas our clients’ voices have been silenced.  As social workers, we need to understand how to ethically support our clients in these difficult situations. 

 In this course, we will discuss ethical considerations around court testimony, how to speak to attorneys and our clients about court, and how to prepare and build your confidence before testifying. 

Upon concluding this course, fully engaged participants will be able to: 

• Identify and assess 3 ethical considerations regarding subpoenas and court testimony
• Discuss how to navigate conversations with clients and attorneys around court testimony
• Prepare a clinical record for release to attorneys
• Identify and apply strategies for effective court testimony
• Explain the difference between fact and expert witness testimony

Karen Sullivan LCSW-S, RPT-S, EMDR Approved Consultant, is a graduate of UH – GCSW.  She began her career as a caseworker and supervisor at CPS in  Sexual Abuse units.  Since that time, she has worked as a therapist at advocacy centers in both Harris and Fort Bend Counties. In her private practice, Karen continues to specialize in trauma, sexual assault, and attachment.  She frequently testifies on these matters in both civil and criminal courts.