In Dignity Workshop by Dr Allan Wade

In Dignity: Violence, Resistance and the Power in Language
Presented by Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS)

Join internationally respected family therapist, researcher, and educator Dr Allan Wade, C.M., for a powerful one-day workshop exploring dignity, resistance, violence, and the impact of language in professional practice.

This workshop examines how adults and children resist violence in all its forms and how responses to violence are often overlooked or misunderstood. Participants will explore the connections between resistance, offender responsibility, and the role of social and institutional responses in supporting dignity and justice.

Dr Wade will also demonstrate how language can unintentionally conceal violence, obscure offender responsibility, and blame victims, while offering practical approaches for more accurate and respectful communication. Drawing on Response-Based Practice, participants will learn how these concepts can strengthen assessment, engagement, safety planning, documentation, and everyday conversations with children, young people, adults, and families.

This workshop is ideal for professionals working in community services, child protection, family support, counselling, education, justice, health, and related fields.

Date: Monday 19 October 2026
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue: SYFS Warilla Centre, 25 Lake Entrance Road, Warilla NSW

About the Presenter
Dr Allan Wade is a family therapist and independent scholar based in Canada and is internationally recognised as a co-developer of Response-Based Practice. With more than 40 years of experience working with adults and children affected by violence, Allan has provided training and consultation across Canada and internationally. In 2024, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to addressing violence and advancing socially just responses.

Limited places available.

For more information, please contact:
[email protected]