University of Toronto

Same Sex Parenting

                A growing number of same-sex couples are becoming parents. Well before the legalization of same sex marriage, children have been raised by two moms or two dads, or in other combinations of 'family.' The diversity is as rich as it is controversial - both in Canada and the U.S.

                 And what about the other challenges that accompany the joys and triumphs of parenting? This one-day workshop will examine the issues facing same-sex parents as they navigate through their own relationship and the tasks of parenting.

 The course is intended for counselors and clinicians in the social service network, same-sex parents, and others in allied professions/sectors.  A framework for assessment and treatment will be presented that include:

 - Internalized and externalized homophobia

- Gender-role socialization and expectations

- Coming out - stages and issues

- Different types and shapes of families

- Families of choice

- Unique challenges and impacts on couples

- Impacts on the children

- Stories from the children themselves

 Case examples and interactive exercises will be woven into the workshop which relies on participants to be active in its experiential components.  

[SSP123F]            November 19, 2011
[SSP123W]          February 25, 2012

Luis F. Goncalves MSW, RSW

With over 18 years of experience in Family Services, Luis' expertise also extends to child welfare, social work, and children’s psychiatry. He is keenly interested in relational matters in families and couples, with extensive clinical and supervisory experience. He has implemented both court-ordered and community-based programs in Peel and Halton regions, focusing on partner abuse, violence against women, and children’s exposure to violence. He is currently a supervisor and coordinator of the Partner Abuse Response Program at Burlington Counselling and Family Services, and the former Clinical Manager of the Individual, Couple and Family Counselling Services at Family Services of Peel. Mr. Goncalves has been a valued guest-lecturer on same-sex couple therapy at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work since 2002.