When Life and Death Collide: Mothers Who Kill Their Children (Filicide)

SPS Webinar

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (1 – 2:30 pm ET)

Presenter: Paul Thomas Clements, PhD, RN, AFN-C, ANEF, DF-IAFN, DF-AFN

CEs:  1.5 Social Work contact hours

This presentation provides a comprehensive exploration of filicide—cases in which mothers kill their children—through real-world examples, statistical data, and psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It examines the multiple categories of filicide, including altruistic motives, psychosis-driven acts, unwanted children, accidental fatalities, and spouse-revenge cases, offering insight into the diversity of underlying causes. For social workers, the presentation underscores the importance of recognizing early warning signs such as maternal isolation, postpartum depression or psychosis, and family or community stressors. It also explores assessment challenges, including “splitting” behaviors and stigma surrounding mental illness, that can hinder effective intervention. The material emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration—linking social workers, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals—to develop coordinated prevention and intervention strategies. Ultimately, it equips social workers with a deeper understanding of risk assessment, family dynamics, and safety planning to better protect vulnerable children and support at-risk families.

Objectives:

• Risk Identification and Assessment – Social workers will be able to recognize key psychological, social, and behavioral warning signs associated with filicide risk, including postpartum mental health crises, family stressors, and patterns of isolation, to inform early intervention strategies.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Social workers will be able to apply best practices for collaborating with healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and child protection agencies to develop coordinated safety and prevention plans for at-risk families.

• Trauma-Informed Support and Advocacy – Social workers will be able to integrate trauma-informed principles when working with mothers, families, and children affected by filicide risk, ensuring both prevention efforts and post-crisis interventions address psychological, social, and systemic needs

Cost: SPS Members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $25 / Non-NASW Member: $40

Register now for "When Life and Death Collide: Mothers Who Kill Their Children (Filicide)"