(2 CEU Live Webinar) Legal Issues in Social Work Practice: What is the Risk and How to Manage It

Joseph T. Monahan is the founder of Monahan Law Group, LLC and one of the preeminent mental health law attorneys in Illinois. Under Mr. Monahan's direction, Monahan Law Group, LLC provides legal services to over 80 hospitals and numerous mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, and social service agencies. In addition to professional clients, the firm also represents individuals at all levels of administrative and judicial proceedings. Mr. Monahan has tried countless guardianship, mental health, and child welfare cases over the past 36 years. From confidentiality of mental health records to same-sex adoption, Mr. Monahan has successfully argued cases at every level of the Illinois court system, including the Illinois Supreme Court. He has been appointed by the court to represent persons with disabilities in complex or extraordinary mental health cases. His background as a social worker makes him acutely aware of the legal issues that impact social service professionals and the people they serve. Joe is the Past President of the Board of Directors of the NASW Risk Retention Group, the malpractice insurance company for social workers, and has been an active member of NASW for decades. Joe continues to service on the NASW Risk Retention Group Executive Committee. Mr. Monahan has been an engaging member of the legal community throughout his career and has played an integral role in developing important policies and legislation to assist individuals with disabilities and those involved in their care. As a recognized leader in his field, he is frequently invited to teach courses and provide trainings to law students, attorneys, medical and mental health professionals, and family members. Mr. Monahan is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he has taught mental health law for over 28 years. He has also taught at Northwestern University School of Law. Mr. Monahan has repeatedly served as Chair of the Illinois State Bar Association Mental Health Law Section Council and has been appointed to numerous other leadership positions in state and local not-for-profit groups throughout his longstanding career. Mr. Monahan is a steadfast advocate for persons with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who serve them. He cares deeply about each of his clients and strives to represent them with principled advocacy and practical legal advice.

Betsy retired from Kansas State University in May 2019. She served as Associate Social Work Program coordinator from May 2015 to May 2019 following ten years as head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work at Kansas State University. During her 25 years at KSU, Dr. Cauble taught every course in the social work curriculum. Her prior experience includes serving as child welfare administrator at Franklin County Children's Services in Columbus, Ohio, director of a hospital social work department, family therapist, director of a custody mediation research project, and foster parent. Betsy received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and her MSW and PhD from the University of Minnesota. Her areas of interest include social work practice, public policy, ethical behavioral health practice, and child welfare. NASW Involvement Presently Board Director NASW Insurance Company President and Chair of NASW Assurance Services, Inc. Board of Directors (2012-2015) Director of NASW Assurance Services (2009-2012) NASW Board Member (2004-2007) NASW Board Executive Committee (2006-2007) Chair NASW Membership Committee (2005-2007) NASW Board Representative to the National PACE Committee Presenter for the NASW Assurance Services Risk Management Program

Yvonne M. Chase is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Services at the University of Alaska/Anchorage. Dr. Chase’s prior experience includes serving as deputy commissioner for two state departments in Alaska and one in Washington State. She also has significant experience in the non-profit sector. Dr. Chase holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Loyola University in Chicago, a Masters in Social Work from Howard University in Washington, DC, and a Doctorate in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Her areas of interest include social work ethics, child welfare, serving diverse client populations and the global social work community.