Foster Care Training

The DSM 5 (fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is being implemented and will be used in licensing exams starting in December of this year. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the DSM 5 with attention to changes relevant for youth service, child welfare, and juvenile justice providers. Critical information for service providers is given including recognizing new diagnoses, understanding mental health reports, and working providers to ensure appropriate services. The history of the DSM is reviewed and the origins of mental illness discussed. Controversies in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders are discussed including the rising prevalence of mental disorders, the diagnosis of children and youth, and the overuse of psychotropic medications. The organizational structure and changes in the DSM 5 are reviewed.