Parenting Plan Evaluations involving Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: Psychosocial and Legal Perspectives

Parenting Plan Evaluations involving Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: Psychosocial and Legal Perspectives

Hosted by: Lori A. Love, Ph.D.

Instructor: Allan Barsky, JD, MSW, Ph.D.

Approved for 2.0 Hours of CE Credit

Fulfills License Requirements

Program Description:

Transgender and gender-diverse youth (TGDY) are among the most vulnerable groups served by parenting plan evaluators. TDGY often face discrimination and harassment within schools and health care systems, as well as among peers and possibly from family members. These negative experiences increase the risks of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental health issues. When families are experiencing separation and divorce, conflicts may arise regarding what type of gender-affirming care and parental support may be in the youth’s best interests. This workshop will provide parenting plan evaluators with a fundamental information regarding the legal, social, spiritual-religious, medical, and psychological challenges faced by TGDY and their family members. Participants will learn how to apply the principles of gender-affirming practice, cultural humility, and a person-centered approach when working with TGDY and their families.

Topics will include:

• The use of affirming language
• Developmental challenges and concerns
• Conflicting perspectives of parents and youth
• Social, psychological, medical, and legal transitions
• Relevant laws regarding transgender rights and health care decisions
• Legal, social, and psychological impacts of anti-trans movements
• Evidence-based standards and expert testimony regarding gender-affirming care

Participants will also learn about additional sources of support for working with TGDY and their families. Although TGDY continue to face hate crimes, transphobia, and anti-trans legislation in many parts of the United States, there are also many gender-affirming individuals, professionals, organizations, and communities that can be a positive source of support.

This course is a breakout course that was presented as part of the 8-hour 2024 Annual CCE Update.

Goals & Objectives:

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Describe different types of transition for transgender and gender diverse youth, including social, psychological, medical, and legal transitions.
2. Evaluate levels of parental support and dissupport and their impact on transgender and gender-diverse youth.
3. Apply the principles of gender-affirming practice, cultural humility, and a person-centered approach to gathering information and evaluating the dynamics of a family with a transgender and gender-diverse youth.
4. Develop parenting recommendations based on an unbiased evaluation process, evidence-based research, and standards of care that promote the youth’s safety and psychosocial wellbeing, while taking the perspectives of the parents and youth into account.

Registration Information     $79.00

CE Approval Information The Steve Frankel Group, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists. This course is also approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for its licentiates' CE license renewal requirements. The Steve Frankel Group, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hours of CE credit for Psychologists, MFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs. The course outline or agenda for Child Custody training have been approved as corresponding to subject areas specified in California Rules of Court, rules 5.225 and 5.230, et. seq. The views expressed in these trainings are those of the trainers and do not necessarily represent the official positions or policies of the Judicial Council of California.