Association of Professionals Solving the Abuse of Children. In partnership with The New York Foundling
This event has completed.

The New York Foundling & APSAC Webinar Series on Controversial Topics
3/27/2025 - 3/27/2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Eastern Time

Event Description

Skill Level: Introductory/ Intermediate 
General Admission (individual session): $30.00
APSAC Members and The New York Foundling Staff Admission: Free
1 CE Credit (Social Work & Psychology) Non-Members: $30.00
1 CE Credit (Social Work & Psychology) APSAC Members and NY Foundling: $20.00
APSAC Members: You will receive your discount automatically when registering.
The New York Foundling Staff: Please email FontanaCenter@nyfoundling.org to request your entry code.

Title: Social Conformity in Responses to Child Maltreatment: Awareness is Key!

Presenters: Thomas Mitchell, LPC-S, NCC

Description: The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) model is an essential framework for addressing the judicial, physical, and emotional needs of children following incidents of child abuse. MDTs have been proven to yield the best outcomes for children and families while prioritizing survivors' recovery and resilience. During the review, discussion, and assessment of presented cases, each MDT member serves as an autonomous representative of their respective field, offering expertise and insight specific to their discipline. Social conformity refers to an individual’s tendency to align with the majority position, whether driven by a desire for acceptance (normative conformity), a belief that the majority is correct (informational conformity), or the need to adopt a social role (identification). In this session, Thomas Mitchell, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Center-Hope House, will provide insight into the dynamics of social influence within group settings and explore strategies for fostering positive group dynamics within MDTs. The integrity of the MDT process can be compromised by factors related to social conformity. This workshop will equip participants with an understanding of social influence and practical tools to mitigate conformity, ensuring the MDT functions with purpose-driven focus and optimal effectiveness.

Learning objectives: 

  1. Recognize the Influence of Normative Conformity in MDT Decision-Making

    • Define normative conformity and explain how it impacts individual decision-making within multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions.

    • Identify real-world examples of how group pressure can unintentionally influence child abuse professionals in case assessments and decision-making.

  2. Analyze the Risks and Consequences of Social Conformity in MDTs

    • Examine how social pressure and the desire for group cohesion can lead to compromised objectivity, reduced critical thinking, and potential biases in child abuse investigations.

    • Discuss past research findings on conformity and their relevance to MDT collaboration and case review processes.

  3. Implement Strategies to Mitigate Conformity and Strengthen MDT Effectiveness

    • Apply evidence-based strategies to encourage independent critical thinking and professional autonomy within MDT meetings.

    • Develop team norms and discussion techniques that foster diverse perspectives, constructive debate, and a culture of psychological safety to counteract group pressure.


Registration will remain open through the start of the Webinar
 
Zoom Webinar System Requirements
For the best experience, use a computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection. Please have the latest version of Zoom installed, along with working speakers and a microphone. A webcam is required if you're requesting continuing education credit.

CE Course Completion Steps
  • Register for the live, interactive webinar.
  • Attend the full session (please have camera on).
  • Complete a posttest (with a passing score of 70% and option to retest up to two additional times) or engage with discussion questions embedded within webinar-you will be notified at start of webinar.
  • Submit evaluation form
  • Receive your certificate electronically through email within 30 days.

Accessibility Accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact APSAC at onlinetraining@apsac.org.

 
Provider Statements:
Social Work: The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Inc (APSAC), provider #1622, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB ), www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education ( ACE ) program. APSAC maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period: 7/27/22-7/27/25. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for continuing education credits. The Social worker participating in this conference received 1 continuing education clock hour.”
 
Psychology: The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Inc (APSAC) is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. 
 
Cancellations and Refunds: No cancellations. No refunds. Registration is transferable. Requests for transfer to a future event will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions, please email us at onlinetraining@apsac.org.

Questions and Concerns: Please contact the APSAC team at onlinetraining@apsac.org