Ethical Considerations: Preparing to Effectively Testify on Behalf of Children and Adolescents
Dr. Morgan Jenkins, PhD, LPC, ACS; Dr. Margaret Taylor, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, BCTMHC; Clayton Kim Taylor, JD
Friday, april 17, 2026
Counselor education curriculums across counseling disciplines address the importance of ethics and legal issues but do not specifically attend to ethics in counselor testimony. The lack of education on legal proceedings leaves counselors unprepared to serve as a competent witness, and incapable of representing the counseling profession adequately. Being poorly informed about aspects of the judicial system places counselors at risk for ethical violations, including violating confidentiality and not protecting the welfare of clients.
During this workshop, the essential areas of knowledge and skills are described that counselors should know prior to being called to provide testimony in courts. Specific information on ethical documentation will be provided, court documents will be explained included subpoenas and motions to quash, and tips for providing testimony.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn ways to document ethically when involved in court proceedings. Participants will be provided with information on how to file a Motion to Quash to protect clinical documentation.
Participants will be provided information about the various court documents. Participants will be provided examples of subpoenas and given information on how to proceed with subpoenas.
Participants will learn specific suggestions for testifying in court.
Participants will be provided information of various court systems.
Participants will observe role play examples of court testimony.
Presenter
Dr. Morgan Jenkins, Ph.D., LPC, ACS
Dr. Morgan Jenkins is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of West Georgia. Dr. Jenkins has been a counselor for 14 years, working with a range of client concerns. Dr. Jenkins currently has a private practice in Auburn, AL, and sees couples, adults, and adolescents with issues related to anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ concerns, trauma, life transitions, and sexual dysfunctions. Before private practice, she worked as a forensic interviewer and therapist at the Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center for three years. Dr. Jenkins testified on behalf of clients around 25 times in multiple court settings and appreciates any opportunity to share her experiences as an expert witness.
Dr. Margaret Taylor, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, BCTMHC
Dr. Margaret Taylor is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health program at Auburn University. Dr. Taylor has twenty years experience as a clinical mental health counselor. Prior to opening a private practice and working at Auburn University, Dr. Taylor worked as the Executive Director and forensic interviewer for the Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center for 10 years. During this time Dr. Taylor testified in over 100 court hearings in various courts including District, Circuit, Juvenile courts, grand jury, custody hearings and Federal court. Dr. Taylor enjoys educating and training counselors to become competent and confident expert witnesses and has done so at State, Regional and National and International conferences.
Clayton Kim Taylor, JD
Judge Clayton Kim Taylor is a retired District Judge for Tallapoosa County Alabama and has served in this position for 28 years. Judge Taylor presided over District, Criminal and Juvenile courts, while also being responsible for DHR custody hearings and termination of parental rights hearings. Prior to becoming a Judge, he served as a private attorney for various criminal cases. Judge Taylor enjoys preparing professionals to provide professional testimony in court and has presented at State, Regional and National conferences.
Schedule
| Registration | 8:00-8:30 |
|---|---|
| Morning Session Part I | 8:30-10:00 |
| Morning Break | 10:00-10:15 |
| Morning Session Part II | 10:15-12:00 |
| Lunch On Your Own | 12:00-1:00 |
| Afternoon Session Part I | 1:00-2:30 |
| Afternoon Break | 2:30-2:45 |
| Afternoon Session II | 2:45-4:00 |
All times are CST
Continuing Education Credit
No APT Credit will be awarded for this workshop.
Six Contact Hours will be awarded for a full day of attendance (ETHICS ONLY).
Counselors: Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified. Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves NBCC-approved courses for CE credit.
Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.
Social Workers: AAPT is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0284.
Registration Fees
AAPT/APT Member $150
Non-Member $175
Full-Time Student $125
Group Discount
A discount of $10.00 per registrant for groups of 3 or more registering together. Email the Treasurer (treasurer@alabamaplaytherapy.org) to complete a Group Registration. Credit Cards are accepted if registering online. No purchase orders accepted.
Scholarships
Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Thursday evening, April 16th, and all day Friday, April 17th, to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup before the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Hannah Finley at studentrep@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, etc).
Location
The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa
26 N Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602
Special Needs
Please contact CE & Registration at ceandregistration@alabamaplaytherapy.org
Cancellations
Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before a workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee (per day). All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds will be issued for any reason after April 15, 2026. In the unlikely event the workshop cannot be held, registrants will receive complimentary admission to a rescheduled workshop or a full value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.
Membership Information
To join the Association for Play Therapy, click here.
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