In this two-hour workshop we will address mandatory reporting and the identification of clinical indicators of suspected abuse and neglect, as applicable; federal and state laws, requiring disclosure of confidential information for law enforcement purposes, including compliance with a court order, warrant, or subpoena; duty to warn, pursuant to relevant professional standards and as required by law; policies and procedures on confidentiality and disclosure of service recipient information, and penalties for violation of these policies and procedures; legal rights of service recipients; and requirements associated with consent decrees.

Nora Dewitt, MSSW is a Legal Relations Specialist for Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.  She assists CPS program staff in working with the courts to address the needs of the children we serve as a subject matter expert on legal issues.  She serves as a point of contact for CPS staff on court related issues. Nora acts as a regional point of contact on CPS policy, procedures, initiatives, and changes for judges, court personnel, etc.