TOUCH Community Services’ Post

Reality check: The need for parent coordinators is escalating. Due to parents not being able to set their selfish needs aside. This is a good read! Educate yourselves. “High-conflict co-parents usually have one or both parents with characterlogical disorders. Consequently, they are prone to harbor deep resentments, to act out feelings, and avoid accountability. They aren’t interested in solving conflict or protecting the welfare of their children as much as they are invested in exacting revenge, getting or maintaining control, and self-fulfillment. These co-parents need to be held accountable and they need help making decisions for their children because they are sacrificing their children on the altar of perpetual conflict, bitterness, self-righteousness, and unresolved ex-spousal issues.” https://lnkd.in/e9SSUaR4

May 6-10 marks Well-Being Week in Law—and a perfect time for the legal profession to consider mental health and positive change. Weighing in on this critical issue is managing partner Deborah Brouwer, who noted that although many law firms still allow remote work, isolation and increased substance abuse can be real concerns—and law firms should ensure their professionals at all levels are supported and connected in real time with real people. Read more in Cory Linsner's Michigan Lawyers Weekly article, “Well-Being Week in Law: Ways to reboot, reconnect and recharge in 2024” https://lnkd.in/gh9a6tBz #mentalhealthawareness #InstituteforWellBeinginLaw #legalprofession #lawfirms #lawyers #ABA 

Feeling the Pressure? Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers Can Help. The legal profession can be demanding. That's why Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers offers confidential and free peer support groups, many led by experienced clinicians. Connect with other legal professionals who understand the challenges you face. Share your experiences, learn new coping mechanisms, and offer support to others. Ready to find a group? Visit our groups page to see if one is a good fit for you: https://lnkd.in/gJ3uTwnu We'll also be highlighting individual groups in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! LCL's groups: Addiction Recovery Support, Solo Stress Connection, Practicing Law with ADHD, SuperMom, Mindfulness for Busy Legal Professionals, Yoga for Busy Professionals, Immigration Lawyers, and Professional Conduct. Shawn Healy, PhDTracey MeyersJeffrey FortgangBarbara Bowe

What is a #Section7Report? 📋 Dive into our latest blog post to better understand how you can navigate a #childarrangements dispute. Read it at the link below:

It is important to understand the legal framework of the new Practice Direction on Applications under Part II of the Mental Health Ordinance (Cap.136). This Practice Direction comes into effect today and represents a significant step forward in Hong Kong's approach to protecting its most vulnerable residents. Check out the related article written by our Alfred Ip! https://lnkd.in/gbnk_Y46 #LegalIssues #ElderLaw #MentalCapacity #Estate #LegalUpdates

Adolescent Males & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): A Public Health Crisis Did you know that adolescent males often experience higher rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (#ACEs)—factors like abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction—that increase the risk of long-term health and social challenges? These ACEs are strongly linked to higher risks of #sexual #exploitation, #labor_trafficking, #opioid_poisoning, #suicide, and #incarceration and other #poor_health_outcomes. #Stigma, #bias and #lack_of_resources make it incredibly challenging for male youth to overcome these unaddressed and #untreated doses of #trauma. The good news? Young men are incredibly #resilient, especially when they have the support of a trauma-informed, engaged, and gender-responsive services. With the right resources, funding, and #leadership from those with lived experience, we can build #systems that help these young men heal and thrive. However, gaps remain in trauma-informed mental health services, healthcare, and recovery housing for male survivors of violence. It’s crucial that we start conversations with community partners about the existing interventions, identify those gaps, and explore potential #solutions to support these young survivors. Call to Action: Let's work together to ensure all young people get the support they need to break the cycle of trauma and reach their #full #potential. Read the article attached to learn how service providers can break down biases & barriers to help boys & men thrive. https://lnkd.in/eWwsgbaX Comment below or reach out to discuss how we can strengthen our community’s response. City of New Haven NEW HAVEN HEALTH DEPARTMENT Yale New Haven Health #Connecticut #PublicHealth #ACEs #TraumaInformedCare #YouthResilience #MaleSurvivors #CommunitySupport #HealthEquity #SocialJustice #MentalHealth

When it comes to decision-making for adults who lack mental capacity, ensuring their best interests are protected is paramount. In our latest blog, we explore the role of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, what goes into a best interests meeting, and how the Court of Protection can help resolve disputes. Discover how our team can guide you through these complex decisions with clarity and compassion: https://buff.ly/3yEFboe

In my practice, I've learned the critical importance of being selective about the clients I choose to work with. Not all clients have the best interests of their children at heart and are able to place their children’s interests before theirs. Through past experiences, I’ve identified two major red flags during initial consultations that often signal deeper issues with the potential client. Red Flag #1: Insisting the Other Parent Should Have No Access/Visitation Rights One significant red flag is when a potential client insists that the other parent should have no access or visitation rights with their child. While there are certainly cases where restricting access is necessary for the child's safety, these situations are relatively rare. Blanket statements seeking to eliminate the other parent from the child's life can indicate unresolved personal conflicts, a desire for control, or an unwillingness to co-parent. When a potential client makes such demands without a justifiable cause, it raises concerns about their motives. Red Flag #2: Refusing to Contribute to Child Maintenance Despite Being Gainfully Employed Another concerning red flag is when a potential client refuses to contribute towards maintaining the child, despite being gainfully employed. Financial support is a fundamental responsibility of parenting, and ensuring that children have their basic needs met is paramount. When a potential client is unwilling to fulfill this responsibility, it reflects poorly on their commitment to their child's well-being or a desire to manipulate the situation to their advantage. Both of these red flags bring the possibility of prolonged legal battles and unnecessary stress, particularly for the child. By being selective about the clients I work with and identifying these red flags, I can avoid potential clients whose expectations are unrealistic and not in accordance with the law. This approach ensures that I can better serve the interests of justice and most importantly, the well-being of the children who are central to my work.

SECTION 20? WE ARE HERE TO HELP - ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS A Section 20 Agreement is an arrangement between parents and Social Services, allowing the Local Authority to temporarily care for children. Under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, social services must provide accommodation for certain children in need within their area. This can include placing children with family or friends. Social Services may ask you to sign a Section 20 Agreement if they have concerns about your child's safety or if you are unable to care for your child. Key Points to Understand: • A Section 20 Agreement does not transfer parental responsibility to the Local Authority. Decisions for the child remain with the parents or carers. • The Local Authority must keep parents or carers informed of any changes in the child's circumstances. If you're asked to sign a Section 20 Agreement, it often indicates that Social Services are considering further action regarding your child. It's crucial to seek legal advice before signing. Already signed a Section 20 Agreement but reconsidering? Contact us immediately for guidance. For further assistance and advice, reach out to us. https://lnkd.in/e7g94maT LAW IS OUR BUSINESS. IT HAS BEEN SINCE 1867. ⌨️ www.waldrons.co.uk 📞 01384 811 811 #BlkCountryHour #Wearewaldrons #SpecialistLawyer #ConveyancingSolicitor #PropertyInvestment #SolicitorsFirm #PersonalInjury #MedicalNegligence #ChildProtection #FamilyLaw #Section20 #ParentalResponsibility

With the increasing integration of mental health and substance use, law enforcement and other agencies are turning to social workers for support in navigating appropriate responses and care for individuals who may be experiencing a crisis. Social workers are encouraged to stay informed about their role, the scope of their practice, and the ethical considerations that may arise when social work and law intersect. https://buff.ly/4hfO4FS