An introduction to working effectively with gender-variant children and families

This session will be delivered by Sophie Cockell, Systemic Psychotherapist and Specialist Social Worker; Helen Dalton, Highly Specialist Social Worker and Daniela Ivan, Specialist Social Worker.

We are all currently working for the Gender Identity Development Service which is a highly specialised service for young people and their families wishing to explore their gender identity. Whilst the workshop will give a general introduction to working effectively with gender diversity, the main focus would be working with children, young people and their families up to the age of 18.

The workshop will aim to:

• Give a brief introduction to the Gender Identity Development Service;

• Increase knowledge and confidence when working with children, young people and their families, with a range of different experiences of developing gender identities (and sexualities);

• Be able to explore these feelings and issues from your own professional role and context whilst holding onto a developmental frame;

• Reflect on the feelings you bring to your work with young people who are diverse in terms of gender and sexuality;

• Situate this work in the current socio-political and clinical climate;

• Highlight ethical dilemmas and possible safeguarding issues when working with this population;

• Discuss practical ideas and ways to help.

*This event is only open to social workers and practitioners working in social care within our Partner organisations, comprising of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Islington councils, the charity Norwood and Middlesex University.

*** Due to the limited spaces available, if this event is oversubscribed, registration will close seven days ahead of the event and places will be equally shared between Partner organisations. We ask that participants who sign up for this event save the date in their diary; however, a final confirmation email will be sent to participants seven days before the event.