This course introduces students to the core concepts that inform evidence-based assessment and intervention for traumatized children, adolescents, adults and their families in school settings. Strength-based practice is highlighted with a focus on the identification of protective and promotive factors that foster resiliency and post-traumatic growth. The course will introduce students to basic concepts (general theory and foundational knowledge) of trauma-informed practice in schools (including primary, secondary and post-secondary schools). Trauma is broadly defined, and includes children, adolescents and adults exposed to traumatic events including abuse and neglect, witnessing interpersonal crime (e.g. domestic violence), community violence, natural disasters, the traumas of war, and other traumatic events. The course highlights the role of development, culture and empirical evidence in trauma-specific assessment, referral and interventions with children, adolescents, and adults. It will address the level of functioning of primary caregiving environments and the capacities of school systems to facilitate restorative processes.

Forensic Mental Health blends the intricacies of law and mental health disorders with the understanding that each individual case is very unique and needs to be evaluated very carefully. This is a very informative, fast-paced and detailed course that is meant to give students samples of the Forensic and Mental Health worlds; how they complement each other and collide against each other. Throughout this course, students will learn the basics of identifying and reporting on childhood abuse, neglect and trauma related to safety and harm. Students will learn the differences between clinically and forensically interviewing victims, alleged perpetrators and collateral's for the sole purpose of information seeking. Students will conduct research on a serial killer of their choosing while making connections to any possible childhood trauma. Students will learn what is expected and acceptable in a court room regarding etiquette and proceedings when involved in a case as a professional and/or other participant.