‘Understanding Neurodiversity when working with children in the Social Work and Legal System’
Monday 17 June 2024 at 2.30 – 5.30 pm by Zoom
At least one in three people in the family legal/social work system may be neurodivergent and they may also have several other challenges in their life, both past, and present. This talk will cover an in-depth consideration of recognising neurodiversity and tailoring approaches in everyday practice for all who work with children and families. The link between childhood trauma, neurodiversity and adversity will be explored.
The session will end with a 60-minute questions and answers session with our esteemed panel of speakers. They are:
Dr Rhiannon Lewis, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Dr Lewis is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has worked across a number of different settings over the past 20 years - including YOIs, forensic hospitals and Youth Justice services. She currently works as Clinical Lead for the South East London (SEL) Vanguard programme which aims to improve access to mental health support for marginalised young people at risk of community violence and exploitation. Dr Lewis also works as an independent Chartered Psychologist offering trauma-informed leadership consultancy, supervision and Reflective Practice as well as an expert witness in the criminal courts. She has a particular expertise in complex developmental trauma and forensic risk in children and young people. Dr Lewis is neurodivergent and has lived experience of the Care system.
Lucy Barnes, Future Pupil Barrister and Care Experienced Advocate
Lucy is a Future Pupil Barrister at East Anglian Chambers (commencing October 2024) and Co-Founder and Director of Lawyers Who Care CIC, the UK’s first legal mentoring organisation for care-experienced aspiring lawyers. LWC has been endorsed by Sir Andrew McFarlane who is one of their Champions. Lucy is care-experienced herself, having been placed into foster care at 13. She is also neurodivergent and advocates for the care experienced and neurodivergent communities as a keynote speaker. She is interested in the relationship between young people with care experience, Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and neurodivergence. Lucy passed the Scottish Law Society ‘Trauma-Informed Lawyer’ accreditation course in 2023 and is passionate about making legal practices in England and Wales more trauma-informed.
Ravi Mahey, Consultant Solicitor, TV Edwards
Ravi Kaur Mahey is a Solicitor Advocate who has specialised in children law for more than 20 years. As a member of the Law Society's Children Panel, she has extensive experience of representing neurodivergent children in legal proceedings and advocates for reform within the justice system and the workplace. Ravi is neurodivergent, having had a late diagnosis in life and has since campaigned to raise awareness as a keynote speaker, reflecting on her own journey and lived experiences. Ravi also has personal experience of navigating the assessment process for children.
The training will attract 3 hours CPD
Please contact nagalro@nagalro.com for further details