School Social Work Symposium 2026 
Theme: School Social Work: Maximizing Impact in Challenging Times 
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026  

Time: 8:00-2:30 pm
4.5 CEUs 

Register here.

Working With Non-Binary and Queer Parents and Caretakers: Creating Anti-Oppressive Inclusion for Family Care
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026; 10:00 am - 1:15 pm
Presenter: Shanea Thomas, LICSW, CSE
Synopsis: The models, frameworks, and lessons taught in family studies and social work programs are built to focus on a family structure that does not always include queer-oriented families and miss the mark when considering nonbinary parenting structures. This session takes inclusion for families a step further by exploring nonbinary identities, queer-oriented family building, and the legal and policy obstacles within the therapeutic and medical systems that prevent equitable care. Though this session will be grounded in queer-oriented families, this will be beneficial for any service provider working with families, as we never know when people choose to come out, or when non-traditional means of family building need to be utilized.

Register here.

Addressing Implicit Bias & Structural Racism for Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026; 9:00 am - 12:15 pm 
Presenter:  Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C
Synopsis: This workshop focuses on the exploration of implicit bias and structural racism in the delivery of social work services. These common (unconscious and conscious) attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes impact the delivery of services and contribute to disparities in care. Content will cover the following: implicit bias, structural racism, and their impact on child welfare decision-making, therapeutic outcomes, and agency practices, as well as strategies for identifying and addressing bias (implicit and structural) for anti-oppressive social work practice. The laws and licensing regulations that define implicit bias, structural racism, and the professional responsibilities for behavioral health, will be highlighted. 

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Title: MD20260812 - Incorporating New Laws to Guide Ethical Social Work Practice 
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026; 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM 
Presenters: Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C and the NASW-MD Legislative Committee Panel 
Synopsis: Each year the legislative session results in changes that require social workers to reestablish ethical practice standards, including new laws that passed in the 2026 Legislative session.  This workshop provides social workers with practical guidance on applying laws and policies for ethical social work practice. Participants will examine ethical issues addressed in statutes and regulations and explore how different sources of legal authority shape practice requirements. The workshop will also review the NASW Code of Ethics and COMAR 10.42.03 Code of Ethics as a framework for ethical decision-making and will also cover risk management strategies to support ethical and legally sound practice. A panel of social workers will also provide an overview of recent and emerging laws impacting key areas of social work practice, including aging, children and families, criminal justice, licensing, school social work, and the use of artificial intelligence in behavioral health.

Register here.

Mapping Connections: Attachment and the Social Network Diagram in Clinical Practice

Date: June 3, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:15 PM ET
Format: Live Virtual Training
CEs: 3 Category I CEs

Strong, healthy relationships are foundational to emotional well-being, resilience, and recovery. Yet many clients struggle with relational patterns shaped by early attachment experiences that continue to influence how they connect with others, navigate conflict, and seek support.

Join us for this engaging and interactive workshop exploring the connection between attachment theory and relationship-building in clinical practice. Participants will review core attachment styles and examine how these patterns emerge in both client relationships and therapeutic settings.

The session will introduce the Social Network Diagram, a practical and adaptable assessment and intervention tool designed to help clients visualize, understand, and strengthen their support systems. Through guided experiential activities and a live demonstration, participants will learn how to apply this paper-and-pencil technique to increase client insight, deepen relational awareness, and support meaningful change.