Date: Saturday November 20, 2021 (9am-12 noon) AND Tuesday November 23, 2021 (6pm-9pm) Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: ONLINE Presenters: Colin Morrison & Karen Carey

Description: Children can show clear characteristics of anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism, at a very early age. And while signs can be present before age five, a diagnosis is rarely made in very young children. Even in older children, diagnoses should be made only with extreme caution, due to controversy around the notion of labeling and stigmatizing chil-dren. And because young children respond to and process emotional experiences and traumatic events in ways that are very different from adults and older children, understanding their needs and how best to support these challenged troubled young children becomes that much more challenging.
 Science tells us that the foundations of sound mental health are built early in life, and that early experiences, including children’s relationships with parents, caregivers, relatives, teachers, combine and interact with biology to shape the architecture of the developing brain. Disruptions in this developmental process can impair a child’s capacities for learning and relating to others, with lifelong implications. Not addressing the mental health needs of young children can come with a heavy burden and high cost to society. Objectives of workshop: Through this workshop we will explore the distinct traits of children with mental health, emotional and behavioural challenges and examine the unique ways they process emotional and traumatic events that set them apart from same age peers.. We will have a better understanding of young children’s mental health problems within the context of their families, homes, and communities and how it is directly related to the well being of their caregivers and communities. We will uncover new research in emotional and behavioural challenges and self regulation that may potentially provide helpful strategies and interventions to address issues and allow troubled children to leave more healthy lives.


Presenter Biographies: Colin Morrison has over 20 years’ experience working with children, youth & families in the mental health field. Colin has served primarily as youth care worker & case coordinator for families & children in the Child & Family Day Treatment Program at the IWK. He has extensive experience in developing & implementing skill groups with children, particularly in the area of emotional regulation, & providing supportive counselling to families. Colin is currently completing a Master of Social Worker degree at Dalhousie University, & is working on a thesis related to male childhood sexual abuse, & the impacts of “toxic masculinity” on mens’ help seeking behaviours. He has a keen interest in trauma focused therapy, attachment theory, mens’ health, & issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Karen Carey has over 15 years’ experience working with children, youth & families as a social worker, youth care worker, case coordinator, in home support worker & direct care practitioner. Through evidence 
based & best practice methods, Karen is a strong advocate for the children, youth & families. Although Karen has strong roots in attachment theory, systems theory, positive parenting, trauma & resilience; her personal philosophy is to promote mental, physical & emotional health/wellbeing though a solution focused & social learning model. 
Together Colin & Karen have seen positive & long lasting benefits for children AND families when they are provided education, strategies, guidance, empathy & support. They see effective communication & open collaboration as the key ingredients in supporting positive futures for the children & families under their care.