October 30, 9am-2pm

OU-Tulsa Learning Center: 4502 E 41 St, Tulsa, OK 74135

CEUs available for LCSW and LPC: $20 for 3.5 credit hours

1. Physical Punishment, Maltreatment, and the Continuum of Violence Against Children

Elizabeth Gershoff’s research focuses on how parental and school discipline affect child and youth development and how parent education and early education programs can improve the lives of at risk children. She is an internationally recognized expert on the effects of corporal punishment on children. Dr. Gershoff also studies how and for whom early intervention programs, such as the Head Start program, have the strongest impacts. She currently serves as the Director of the Population Research Center. She was previously an associate professor of social work at the University of Michigan and a research scientist at the National Center for Children in Poverty at Columbia University.

Brief summary: The UN has stated firmly that physical punishment is a form of violence against children, and over 60 countries have agreed to ban physical punishment. However, most countries still distinguish between acceptable physical punishment and unacceptable maltreatment. In this talk, Elizabeth Gershoff will make the case that any “line” between physical punishment and maltreatment is arbitrary, largely because the negative outcomes for children vary only in degree.

2. Spanking and Corporal Punishment: Strategies for Change

Tabitha Fleming is an Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and a licensed psychologist. Her clinical work includes evidence-based care for children who have experienced traumatic events and/or exhibit behavioral difficulties. Her research focuses on avenues to advance effective parenting attitudes, expectations, and behaviors.

Tricia Gardner, JD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in the Department of Pediatrics, and a licensed attorney.  She currently serves as the Administrator of the Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Director of the Interdisciplinary Training Program in Child Abuse and Neglect (ITP) and is a member of the member of the Training and Technical Assistance Team for the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth.

Brief summary: The legal history and current status of corporal punishment in the state of Oklahoma will be highlighted. This background knowledge will be augmented with strategies to discuss spanking with caregivers of children to promote attitude and possible behavioral change. Information will include suggestions for positive parenting to be utilized in lieu of spanking.