Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - 12:00pm-1:00pm CT via Zoom

Presenter: Sonja Mertz, MLIS, CPP, Community Educator, Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) 

1 CEU  - Clinical

As access to gambling and its influences on society and communities increases, the need for problem gambling awareness becomes vital to ensure that those communities remain healthy. The typical gambler, now younger and more diverse, can also be affected by mental health issues, substance use disorders, and financial distress. All of which can co-occur with problematic gambling behavior. The blurred lines between gambling and gaming can also cause problems for young people, as well as adults. Social workers are in the pivotal position of recognizing the signs of problem gambling and gaming and providing services to those in need. This presentation will include the signs of problem gambling and gaming, the risk factors for those affected by problem gambling, common co-morbidities, treatment and tools that are available, and the concept of low-risk guidelines and other prevention topics. 

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 10:00am-12:00pm CT via Zoom

Presenter: Miriam Itzkowitz, MSW, LICSW

2 CEUs - Ethics

Mandated reporting is a professional responsibility for all helping professionals. Despite our best intentions, and our belief in evidence-based practice, mandated reporting remains one of the few areas in which professionals do not regularly examine best practices or look beyond their perceived legal and ethical obligations. How do we incorporate all that we know about trauma, racial disproportionality in child welfare, the importance of relationships, and ethical, evidence-based practice into our legal duty as mandated reporters? In this training, professionals will learn alternatives to mandated reporting that can prevent child maltreatment, promote family preservation, and maintain client engagement. Participants will be asked to take a critical eye to the legal and ethical implications of the decision to report and consider ways in which these decisions have impact for families, and for our professions, beyond the reporting call.