Speakers
Thirty-five locally and nationally recognized professionals
Cathy Baldwin-Johnson
Dr. Baldwin-Johnson is a Board-certified family physician and cofounder and volunteer medical director for The Children’s Place Child Advocacy Center in Wasilla as well as the medical director for Alaska CARES, the Child Advocacy Center in Anchorage. She has provided trainings for medical providers and multidisciplinary team members on child abuse topics in Alaska and nationally. She serves on the Alaska Children’s Justice Act Task Force, Alaska Children’s Alliance board, Alaska Maternal and Child Death Review Committee, and co-chairs the Pediatric Subcommittee of the Medical Advisory Board for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine and Swedish Hospital Family Practice Residency program.
Medical Director, The Children’s Place, CARES
Strangulation as a Form of Child Abuse
Child and Adolescent Clinical Forensic Skills Lab for Medical Providers
Interesting and Challenging Medical Cases
Bethel MDT
Amber Chung, Krystal Henry, Zach Johnson, Jennifer Prince, Farah Sears, Rodney Thomas, and Teague Widimer make up the Bethel MDT.
Bethel is the regional service and transporation center for the YK Delta, an area about the size of Oregon with a population of more than 23,000 people who live among 58 rural communities not connected by road. Bethel, the regional service and transportation center, has a population of nearly 7,000.
The CAC that serves the YK Delta is based in Bethel and called the Irniamta Ikayurviat “A place to help Children”.
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
JT Bolin
JT Bolin is a graduate of the Master of Social Work program at University of Missouri – Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice. He moved with his wife Leigh to Alaska from St. Louis in 2015. “We were just looking for a change from the heat and humidity of St. Louis and happened to have a friend working as a clinical social worker in Alaska.”
JT started his career in St. Louis at BJC HealthCare, a large nonprofit health care organization. Upon moving to Alaska, JT provided community mental health services as clinical director at Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation. JT is currently a Child and Family Services Clinical Supervisor at Tanana Chiefs Conference. Tanana Chiefs Conference is an Alaska Native non-profit corporation focused on meeting the health and social service needs of Tribal members and beneficiaries throughout 39 villages, 37 federally recognized tribes and an area of 235,000 square miles in interior Alaska.
JT Bolin – Child & Family Services Clinical Supervisor, Tanana Chiefs Conference
What is the Role of Mental Health on the MDT Anyway?
Leigh Bolin
Leigh Bolin is a graduate of the Master of Social Work program at University of Missouri – Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice. She and her husband JT both moved to Alaska from St. Louis in 2015. “We were just looking for a change from the heat and humidity of St. Louis and happened to have a friend working as a clinical social worker in Alaska.”
Leigh initially worked at Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, serving Dillingham, a remote town on the coast of western Alaska as the manager of a Child Advocacy Center. At Bristol Bay, Bolin traveled by plane, providing vital child advocacy services and mental health services to remote communities in the sparsely populated region. In 2020, Leigh relocated to Fairbanks to serve as a clinical supervisor at the Resource Center for Parents & Children, and in less than year, she was running the nonprofit as executive director. The nonprofit also houses a Stevie’s Place, a child advocacy center, which serves the vast interior region of the state.
Leigh Bolin – Executive Director, Resource Center for Parents and Children, Fairbanks
What is the Role of Mental Health on the MDT Anyway?
Jaime Browning
Jaime Browning, LCSW is the owner of Strengthening Families LLC, a private forensic practice providing expert witness testimony, child custody investigations, Parenting Coordination, Parental Risk Evaluations, Mental Health Assessments, and more. Prior to this, Jaime was employed with the Office of Children’s Services for nearly 12 years, in a variety of positions. Jaime specializes in both high conflict divorce cases and complex child protection matters.
LMSW, Strengthening Families, LLC
Introductory Training on Testifying in Court
The Intersection of Parental Substance Use and Neglect Meets Cultural Biases
Tara Christiansen-Stiller
Tara Christiansen-Stiller is a Program Director at the Alaska Children’s Trust (ACT). She is an Alutiiq/Aleut from Old Harbor, Alaska. Tara graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Master of Public Health degree and is currently enrolled in the University of North Dakota as a Doctorate Student in the Indigenous Health Ph. D program. She is passionate about working for and with communities to identify needs and develop strategies that best support health and wellness. She has worked in community health for ten years now and will continue her work at ACT to support the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Alaska.
Program Director, Alaska Children’s Trust
Pathway to Hope- indigenous approach to healing child sexual abuse in rural AK
Amber Chung
Originally from New York, Amber Chung obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2014. After graduation, she packed her bags and headed to Bethel, Alaska. Since her move to Alaska, she has been working the field of domestic violence and sexual assault in a variety of capacities, including as an advocate and shelter manager. Amber spent 2015-2016 working at the Nome CAC, where she first started her work as a forensic interviewer. Amber then moved back to Bethel where she continued her work as a forensic interviewer, conducting over 200 interviews. Amber recently obtained her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alaska Anchorage and she is now the social worker for the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation’s Child Maltreatment Team where she also continues to conduct forensic interviews.
Forensic Interviewer and SART Social Worker, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
Sharon Cooper
Dr. Sharon Cooper is the Founder of the MACE Foundation and CEO of Developmental & Forensic Pediatrics, P.A., a consulting firm providing medical care, research, training and expert witness experience in child maltreatment cases as well as children with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Cooper holds faculty positions at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. She served for 15 years as a consultant and board member for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) where she has taught thousands of professionals regarding child sexual exploitation and the victim impact of sexually abusive images of children in cyberspace.
Dr. Cooper has lectured both nationally and internationally in well over 300 conferences and has served as a lecturer and past board member of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children.
Dr. Cooper is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States and served 21 years in the US Army, retiring as a Colonel. She is also a classically-trained pianist.
MD, Founder of the MACE Foundation and CEO of Developmental & Forensic Pediatrics, P.A.
A Newly Recognized Form of Child Abuse: Familial Sex Trafficking
Sulking, Surfing, Shamed and Suicidal: Be on the Lookout for 13 Reasons
Death by Neglect
D. Scott Dattan
Since 1976, attorney D. Scott Dattan has been serving clients ethically, effectively and professionally. Established in 1984, the Law Offices of Dattan Scott Dattan, offers straightforward legal advice and effective litigation
Founder, Law Office of Dattan Scott Dattan
Role of the Medical Provider in Court
Brittany Dunlop
Brittany Dunlop is a lifelong Alaskan who has been working as a prosecutor in Alaska since 2006, when she first joined the misdemeanor unit in the Anchorage DA’s office.
She worked her way up to supervising the sexual assault unit before transferring to the Palmer DA’s office where she focused on sex crimes and domestic violence cases.
In 2019, Dunlop was promoted to be the Anchorage Deputy District Attorney, and in April 2020 was appointed as the District Attorney.
“I really enjoy holding people accountable. I enjoy protecting the community. I enjoy partnering with law enforcement and I love the Anchorage office. I feel like we’re always marching in the same direction towards the common good,” she said. “And you know, the people that work here work really hard, but they’re doing it for the right reasons and I’m happy to lead that team.”
JD, District Attorney, City of Anchorage
Role of the Medical Provider in Court
James Fitterling
Dr. Fitterling is a clinical psychologist who recently retired from the University of Alaska Anchorage Ph.D. Program in Clinical-Community Psychology. He received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology with specialization in behavior therapy from Georgia State University, and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers. Prior to his UAA faculty position, he was Chief Psychologist, Psychology Internship Training Director, and Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Coordinator at the Alaska VA Healthcare System, and Chief of the Chemical Dependence Treatment Program at the Jackson VA Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He also served as the Clinical Director of the Clinical Research Center at the Research Institute on Addictions in New York. In all of these positions, he has provided Motivational Interviewing training to psychologists, psychology interns, medical students, tobacco treatment specialists, primary care physicians, social workers, addictions counselors, diabetes educators, other clinicians and professionals in criminal justice and corrections. He was co-principal investigator in a CDC- funded multi-site study that demonstrated the efficacy of community reintegration interventions using motivational enhancement strategies to lower HIV risk among young men released from prison.
Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, former UAA professor
Motivational Interviewing
Christine Fontaine
Christine Fontaine is a clinical forensic nurse who provides care for patients of all ages at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer, Alaska. She has been a forensic nurse since 2013 and completed dual Master of Science in Forensic Nursing and Master of Science in Criminal Justice degrees from Xavier University in Cincinnati in 2022. Christine has served on the International Association of Forensic Nurses Foundation Board of Directors since 2019. Prior to becoming an RN, Christine worked in reproductive health and advocacy for victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and child maltreatment. As a member of the Southern Kenai Peninsula Resilience Coalition Leadership Team, Christine works to cultivate a healthy community free from violence. Christine is proud to volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska and was the BBBS Alaska Big of the Year in 2022.
MS, MSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, Forensic Nurse, South Peninsula Hospital, Homer, AK
Child and Adolescent Clinical Forensic Skills Lab for Medical Providers
Lori Frasier
Dr. Frasier graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine and completed a residency in Pediatrics and fellowship in Child Abuse at University of Washington/Children’s Hospital of Seattle. She completed a fellowship in Child Abuse at University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center. She has been on the faculties of the University of Missouri/Columbia, the University of Iowa, and the University of Utah. Dr. Frasier is board certified in General Pediatrics and Child Abuse Pediatrics. Dr. Frasier has served as the chair of the section on Child Abuse and Neglect of the AAP, was on the first subboard for child abuse pediatrics at the American Board of Pediatrics, where she served as chair of the subboard immediate past chair. She has been on the Board of Directors of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and is currently on the board of directors of the National Center for Shaken Baby Syndrome. Dr. Frasier is the immediate past President of the Ray E. Helfer Society. She is currently a Professor of Pediatrics at Penn State Milton Hershey Children’s Hospital and Division Chief of Child Abuse Pediatrics. Dr. Frasier has lectured extensively nationally and internationally and published many chapters and papers on the subject of child abuse.
MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Penn State Children’s Hospital
Abusive head trauma: Truth, Lies, Myths and Reality
Updates for Sexual Abuse Evaluation and Treatment, including sexually transmitted diseases
Mimics of Sexual Abuse: Do not miss these clues
Role of the Medical Provider in Court
Roxanne Grobbel
Roxanne Grobbel, JD, LCSW, RPT-S has focused her career on trauma treatment as a Certified EMDR Therapist and Consultant, as well as, an Infant Mental Health Specialist and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. As an EMDRIA approved EMDR trainer and RPT-S, she travels nationally conducting workshops and lectures for clinicians on Trauma, EMDR and Play Therapy. She has been an active advocate for quality services for a diverse range of clients with trauma related disorders.
In her clinical practice she helps clients with issues including attachment, depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, relationship difficulties, and other trauma related problems. She currently provides intensive trauma treatment as the Clinical Director at 11th Hour Trauma Retreat in Denver, Colorado and her agency, Insight Counseling Center in Boca Raton, Florida. She brings years of experience as a clinician, Clinical Director, University Instructor, and author.
JD, LCSW, RPT-S, Insight Counseling Center
Introduction to EMDR
Stabilization: Methods to help clients emotionally and physically regulate
Effects of trauma and poor attachment on self-beliefs, emotional and behavioral response
Krystal Henry
Krystal Henry attend Central Washington University and University of Alaska Anchorage for her studies in Criminal Justice. She worked at Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation for 8 years before transition from the medical sector to legal field. From 2014-2020, Krystal worked for the District Attorney’s office both in Bethel and in Anchorage. She later worked as a family advocate in 2020, Tribal Court Clerk in 2021 and is now the Program Director of the CAC since December 2021.
Irniamta Ikayurviat, Bethel Children’s Advocacy Center Program Director
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
Catherine Holt
LPC-S, RPT-S, Therapist at CARES
Resilience as Life Force
Cory Jewell Jensen
Currently the senior trainer for CBI Consulting, Cory Jewell Jensen, M.S., spent the last 35 years providing evaluation and treatment services to adult sex offenders and their families in Portland, Oregon. In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Jensen has provided training and consultation services to The National Center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse, The Office of Special Investigations-Diplomatic Security Services Agency, The U.S. Marshall’s Office, The Canadian Security Intelligence Service, The American Association of Police Polygraph Examiners, The National Child Advocacy Center, The National Children’s Alliance, The United States Navy, The National Crime Victims Association, The National Boy Scouts Foundation, NYPD Special Victims’ Unit and a number of other law enforcement, child advocacy and faith based organizations. Ms. Jensen has served on a number of state and national boards and provided training for countless Multi-disciplinary Teams throughout the United States and Europe. Jensen has been the recipient of Oregon’s “Commercial Crime Prevention Award,” the “Champions for Children Award,” the OATSA “Significant Achievement Award,” the Nunnenkamp “Award of Excellence,” and the Jan Hindman Memorial Award. She has published a number of articles related to sex offender treatment, risk management and child abuse prevention, testified as an expert witness in local and federal courts and been a featured guest on radio talk shows and the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Senior Traininer, CBI Consulting, Inc.
Sex Offenders 101
Protecting Our Children: “Advice From Child Molesters” – A Child Safety and Crime Prevention Program (Closing Keynote)
If They Knew What I Was Thinking: What Sex Offenders Can Teach Us About Interviewing
Sex Offenders: What Every MDT Member Should Know (Full Day)
Mariah Johnson
Mariah Johnson is the Office of Children Services Protective Services Manager II for the Southcentral Region and oversees 8 offices in the Southcentral area. She has been with OCS for approximately 13 years and has worked in both Alaskan rural and urban offices. Mariah is a Core Team member of the Mat-Su Valley Drug Endangered Children MDT. She is a wife and a mother.
OCS Protective Services Manager II for the Southcentral Region
Bringing Our Vision to Life: Development of the Mat-Su Valley Drug Endangered Children’s Multidisciplinary Team (Lunch Panel)
Zach Johnson
TBD
Office of Children’s Services
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
Pam Karalunas
Pam Karalunas has been involved in the area of child sexual abuse since 1986, when she began as a volunteer providing support for non-offending caregivers of children who had been molested. From 1988 to 2001 she worked with the Resource Center for Parents & Children in Fairbanks providing coordination, counseling, information, education & support services to non-offending parents in families where child sexual abuse had occurred. She worked with many of those families over a number of years and thus was able to follow their progress and the outcomes of the system intervention. Ms. Karalunas was the founding manager for RCPC Stevie’s Place Child Advocacy Center in Fairbanks, Alaska for six years. She assisted with a therapy group for convicted sex offenders. Although retired from the position, for 12 years Pam served as the Chapter Coordinator of the Alaska Children’s Alliance, an accredited state chapter of the National Children’s Alliance. She has provided many workshops, lectures and trainings on child sexual abuse, the CAC model and multidisciplinary response to child abuse; and has been involved in the start-up, accreditation and re-accreditation of many of the CACs in Alaska. She provides consultation services and testifies as an expert in both civil and criminal court cases involving child sexual abuse, and is a Site Reviewer for National Children’s Alliance for Child Advocacy Centers seeking accreditation or re-accreditation. She is a founding member of the Statewide Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Children’s Justice Act Task Force established to identify problems or barriers limiting Alaska’s child protection system effectiveness and to recommend solutions, including changes in laws, policies, practices and resources. Decades ago, as young mother in Nome, Pam was mentored by an Inupiaq elder who honored Pam with her Iñupiaq name.
Karalunas Consulting
Child Abuse: Past, Present, and Future
Beth Knecht
ElizaBeth (Beth) Knecht LPC, LPC-S, CDC1 is the Program Manager for Haven- Set Free Alaska’s Children and Families Behavioral Health Services. Beth is a core team member for the MDT Drug Endangered Child (DEC) project in the Mat-Su Valley.
LPC, LLC-S, CDC1, Program Manager for Haven – Set Free Alaska’s Children and Families Behavioral Health Services
Bringing Our Vision to Life: Development of the Mat-Su Valley Drug Endangered Children’s Multidisciplinary Team (Lunch Panel)
Joseph Laramie
Lt. Joe Laramie (ret) is a Program Manager with the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) of Fox Valley Technical College working in the Missing and Exploited Children’s and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Training and Technical Assistance Programs. He retired from the Glendale, Missouri Police Department, with more than 30 years of child protection, investigation, and training experience. He created the Greater St. Louis ICAC Task Force and was the founding Commander of the MO ICAC. He was later an Administrator with the MO Attorney General’s Office, with responsibility for online crimes against children, human trafficking, and the computer forensic lab. He was a subject matter expert on the MO Governor’s Cyberbullying Task Force, the MO Task Force for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and is currently on the TN DCS Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Committee. From 2016 through 2021 he was on the Board of Directors for the Davis House Child Advocacy Center in his home of Franklin, TN, and currently serving on Board of Directors for the National Children’s Alliance (NCA).
National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College
Truths About Youth and Technology
Investigative Response to Juvenile Perpetrated Child Abuse
Social Media and Privacy Issues
Josh Louwerse
Josh Louwerse is the Director of Integrated Services at the Covenant House Alaska. He has been with Covenant House Alaska for 10 years and has managed multiple programs including Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Education and Employment and Anti-Trafficking. Josh has provided training around the state of Alaska regarding identifying and serving survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC).
Director of Integrated Services, Convenant House, Alaska
Ending Exploitation in Alaska
Christina Love
Christina Love is an Alutiiq/Sugpiaq woman (she/her) from Egegik village who was raised in Chitina, Alaska. Christina is a consultant, recovery coach and civil and human rights activist. Christina has dedicated her work and energy to systems change for targeted and marginalized populations. She is a formerly incarcerated person in long term recovery who currently works as a Specialist for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), the state’s coalition of domestic and sexual violence programs. Christina’s role focuses on intersectionality with an emphasis on trauma. Christina is part of a collective movements that works to end violence, oppression, shame, and stigma through the liberation of education, community healing, and storytelling.
Senior Specialist, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Understanding the Nexus of Violence and the Science of Addiction
America’s History and Legacy of Violence
Recovery and Healing are Always Possible: NO MATTER WHAT! (Keynote)
Virginia Moring
Virginia Moring recently retired from the Office of Children’s Services after 15 years of service. Prior to OCS she worked 10 years in law enforcement in both rural and urban Alaskan communities. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration in addition to trainings in child protection, child forensic interviewing and law enforcement related subjects. Virginia joined the MatSu Valley Drug Endangered Children Multi-disciplinary team in 2020 and assisted in the creation of the Memorandum of Understanding and Protocols. She is a mother of four adult children and a grandmother of two.
Retired OCS PSM II
Bringing Our Vision to Life: Development of the Mat-Su Valley Drug Endangered Children’s Multidisciplinary Team (Lunch Panel)
Lauralee Peterson
I’m all about presence. Being completely and wholeheartedly present in my work and all aspects of life. As a leader, I encourage all others to do the same. My career spans 4 plus decades and expands out into numerous areas of this Industry in which we are currently working. Yes I am at the Helm of my MDT, but I am also a business owner of Lauralee & Associates which is all about self-care and inspiring people to take their careers and themselves to adventurous and exciting places. Personal and professional development at its best! Program Development is a passion and a skill that has given me the opportunity to develop and implement many valuable and interesting programs. I’ve opened Child Care programs, created and piloted outdoor educational program for young children, was on a team that put together a 3- story interactive children’s museum. I always land on a College/University campus wherever I am, and I am always teaching Child Development / Child Psychology & Family Dynamics wherever I go, whatever project I am on, whatever classroom I am in. Areas of formal studies include Child Development, Social Psychology, Leadership Area’s of passion and strength. My areas of study above, remain at the top of this list as well as Program Dev. Observation, Cognitive Dev. When growing up it was my great grandma Olive that set me on my path. She often would say to me “Laura, if there is something that needs to be done and you are capable of doing it….do it” Today my favorite quote and one I live by “Those that have the ability to take action…have the responsibility to take action.” Oh and I think I should mention… My side gig when home at my cabin is…. Squirrel Whisperer, and that’s a great story!
Manager, Central Peninsula CAC
The Art of MDT-ing
Mary Clyde Pierce
Dr. Pierce’s research interest focuses on injuries in children with an emphasis on differentiating abusive from accidental trauma. Dr. Pierece collaborates with a multi-disciplinary lab with emphasis on injury biomechanics. This lab combines the expertise of medicine and engineering and utilizes both a clinical and an experimental approach. Dr. Pierce’s research focus is the development of injury plausibility models, including clinical decision rules, for differentiating abusive and accidental trauma in the young child that combines medical, social, biologic, and engineering knowledge. Her interest is also in epigenetics, psychosocial risk factors, ecologic factors, and how child maltreatment confers health problems later in life.
Attending Physician, Emergency Medicine Professor of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) and Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Bruises- Ten 4 FACES P
Eliza Posner
Eliza Posner is a Program Specialist at the Alaska Children’s Trust. Originally from Connecticut, Eliza graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Political Science and the Middle East and North African Studies. She joined ACT in September 2021 for a nine-month fellowship through the Alaska Fellows Program before moving into her current role, where she assists with ACT’s programming, including History & Hope and Pathway to Hope.
Program Specialist, Alaska Children’s Trust
Pathway to Hope- indigenous approach to healing child sexual abuse in rural AK
Jennifer Prince
Dr. Jennifer Prince first came to Alaska in 2017 when she started working at Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) in Bethel as a pediatric hospitalist. Jennifer received her bachelors in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Florida and went on to complete her masters in bioethics and medical humanities from the University of South Florida. From 2007-2011, she attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida where she obtained her doctorate of osteopathic medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York in 2014. She first stared working in child abuse medicine in 2016 at the Chadwick Center in San Diego. Since being in Bethel, she has worked to create the STAR Clinic (Surviving and Thriving while At Risk) which provides family-focused and trauma-informed services to children and adolescents who may have experienced or witnessed maltreatment, abuse or violence. STAR Clinic provides medical services in a safe, child-centered environment using evidence-based practices to support the child and family to begin the healing process.
Medical Director of CMT, SART & STAR for Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
Natalia Ramos
Dr. Ramos is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine and a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. At UCLA, she oversees clinical care and training in LGBTQ-affirming and sensitive mental health practices for the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Ramos also serves as Medical Director for two specialized clinical training programs, the Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Clinic and the EMPWR (“empower”) Program, which provides interdisciplinary mental health care to LGBTQ patients. In addition to her clinical work at UCLA, Dr. Ramos is actively involved in teaching and scholarly work both locally and nationally. Her research on strength-based group and family interventions is currently funded by the NIDA/AACAP Physician Scientist Program in Substance Use K12 Award. Outside of UCLA, Dr. Ramos serves as Co-Chair for the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry’s committee on gender and sexuality.
MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor at Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine.
Affirming Trauma-Informed Care for Gender Diverse Youth: Tips and Best Practices
Best Practices for Working with Parents and Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Youth
Approaches to Somatic Symptoms in Children With Traumatic Stress
Farah Sears
Farah Sears obtained her Associates of Science of Nursing in 2012 and Bachelors of Science of Nursing in 2013 from San Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. She has worked in a variety of critical care settings including ICU/PCU and the Emergency Department. She then attended The University of Texas at Arlington and obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner in 2019. With a strong wanderlust she began looking for meaningful work and fell in love with the idea of working in the Alaskan Bush. She took a position at YKHC in Bethel, Alaska as an Itinerant Provider traveling to remote villages where she spent 20 days each month staffing village clinics. During this time, she encountered many sexual assault and child abuse victims and developed a passion for helping these individuals, which led Farah to becoming involved with the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and Child Maltreatment Team (CMT) in 2019. In early 2020, she transitioned to full-time work with the YKHC SART and CMT, and is now the Assistant Medical Director of the program.
Assistant Medical Director of CMT, SART & STAR for Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
Jerri Sites
With over 28 years of experience working in the field of child abuse investigations, Jerri Sites has developed and honed her expertise which includes two decades working in the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) movement. Her mission: To empower professionals to improve the system’s response to child abuse. Throughout her career, Jerri has conducted over 2100 child forensic interviews, testified on countless occasions as an expert witness, and has provided training at the national, regional, state, and local level. Jerri has vast experience in providing trauma-informed, research-based training and technical assistance to MDTs, CACs, and child serving professionals throughout the United States. She has led efforts to provide team and organizational strategic planning, create train-the-trainer programs, and facilitate curriculum development for a variety of trainings in the child abuse investigation arena. Jerri holds a Master of Arts Degree in Communications with an emphasis in professional development from Lindenwood University.
MA Child Protection Concepts, LLC
Identifying Corroborative Evidence from the Forensic Interview
The MDT/CAC Response to Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior
Recantation: Recommendations for the MDT and CAC Response
Rodney Thomas
Rodney was born and lived in Dallas Texas for thirty-one years, and moved to Bethel Alaska in February of 1993, where he still resides for the past twenty-nine years. Rodney’s background is theology of Biblical studies, he was the Director for an adult halfway house for five years, the Headstart, Staff Development Coordinator/Director for ten years, and currently has been with the Division of Juvenile Justice for eighteen years. Rodney is married with eight children and fourteen grandchildren. He loves outdoor activities and enjoys living the subsistence lifestyle.
Department of Juvenile Justice – Probation Supervisor
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
Lola Tobuk
Lola Tobuk is the Director of Family Services for the Nome Eskimo Community. Lola has been a strong advocate for tribal families, mentoring others on the spirit of ICWA as a way to preserve the Native community and culture, while holding child protection entities accountable to the law and to preserving cultural and traditional values. Lola is also a member of the Alaska CINA Court Improvement Program since 2020. She has been a speaker in public conversations, such as Community in Unity: Fostering our Future. Lola is the grandmother of five beautiful grandchildren. She is a Tribal Lead Negotiator for the Tribal State Compact Agreement as well.
Director of Family Services, Nome Eskimo Community
The Intersection of Parental Substance Use and Neglect Meets Cultural Biases
Darrel Turner
Dr. Turner received his PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Forensic Psychology from Sam Houston State University. He has published and continues to publish numerous research articles and book chapters on risk assessment of sex offenders, risk assessment tools, child sex offender and victim behaviors, risk assessment of child pornography offenders, and juror perceptions and decision making in sex offense cases. He worked for a period of time at the United States Penitentiary at Pollock, Louisiana, in the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a staff psychologist. Currently, Dr. Turner is in private practice. He works throughout the nation as an expert witness for attorneys in various state and Federal Courts and as a consultant with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and media on the topics of victim behavior in child sex offenses (e.g., reasons for delays in disclosure, reasons why victims may appear “attached” to their offenders) as well as offender characteristics such as grooming of child victims, self-grooming, grooming of the environment, assessment if risk, and detection of offenders.
PhD, Turner Forensic Psychology and Consultation
Risk Assessment of Non-Contact Sex Offenders – How is it Similar to Contact Offenders, and how is it Different?
Introducing the APOD (Analysis of Patterns of Denial among Sex Offenders) Part 1
Introducing the APOD (Analysis of Patterns of Denial among Sex Offenders) Part 2
Avoiding Secondary Trauma in Sex Abuse Work; Mental Self-Care and Helping to Prevent Burnout (Opening Keynote)
Staci Whitney
Staci Whitney, LMSW is the Senior Director for Modell Consulting Group, LLC (MCG). Since 2017, Ms. Whitney has been responsible for teaching and co- authoring trainings on interviewing children and adults with disabilities. This included leading a project with national experts to develop an advanced Forensic Interviewing Protocol for interviewing individuals with disabilities (Project FIND). Prior to her work with MCG, Ms. Whitney was the Senior Forensic Interviewer at Bivona Child Advocacy Center in Rochester, NY and was responsible for developing Bivona’s Forensic Interviewing Program. During that time, Ms. Whitney had extensive training and experience in the field of Forensic Interviewing including interviewing children and individuals with disabilities who are victims or witnesses of crime. She has developed and delivered numerous trainings to Multidisciplinary Team Members and other professionals on recognizing and responding to suspicions and reports of child abuse.
LMSW, Senior Director, Modell Consulting
Narrative Practice Considerations for Children with Disabilities
Overcoming Blocks and Barriers for Children with Disabilities
Adapting Forensic Interviews for Children who do not speak
Teague Widmier
Sergeant Teague Widmier started his law enforcement career in 1993 with the Sitka Policy Department. In 1999, he began working with the Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks and moved to the Bethel Post in 2004. While stationed in Bethel, Sergeant Widmier has been assigned to supervise Bethel Patrol, Bethel Judicial Services, Trooper Outposts, Violent Offenders Unit (VOU) and currently supervising Western Alaska Major Crimes Unit (MCU) under the Alaska Bureau of Investigations (ABI). He holds an Advanced certificate with the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC). He is a APSC certified Instructor in Field Training Officer (FTO), Sex Crimes, DV Investigations and Regional Sexual Assault Investigations for the Department of Public Safety. Teague was awarded “C” Detachment Trooper of the Year for 2005, 2007 and 2021, and Division Trooper of the Year for 2021. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Sergeant Widmier has been a member of the YK Delta MDT for 16 years.
Alaska State Troopers – Sergeant
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
Bruises- Ten 4 FACES P
Tuesday, November 15
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Live Streaming

Mary Clyde Pierce
Attending Physician, Emergency Medicine Professor of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) and Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
This talk will review the most common injury findings prior to a fatal or near fatal case of child abuse and will discuss different bruising and history characteristics that can help improve recognition of the absurd child. The bruising clinical decision rule, TEN-4-FACESp will be discussed and reviewed with case examples for illustrative purposes.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session the learner will be able to describe:
- The 3 most common skin findings that help differentiate abuse from accidental injury in young children.
- The 2 most common errors that occur prior to a fatal or near fatal event from child abuse.
- What the acronym TEN-4-FACESp represents and it’s strengths and limitations for identifying abused children.
Interesting and Challenging Medical Cases
Wednesday, November 16
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person

Cathy Baldwin-Johnson
Medical Director, The Children’s Place, CARES
This workshop will allow the opportunity for medical providers around the state to share interesting and/or challenging cases for review and discussion by attendees.
Learning Objectives:
- Have exposure to findings they may not have seen before.
- Share thoughts and ideas with peers.
- Increase confidence in diagnostic acumen in future cases.
Strangulation as a Form of Child Abuse
Tuesday, November 15
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
In person

Cathy Baldwin-Johnson
Medical Director, The Children’s Place, CARES
This case-based presentation will review the clinical ways in which children who have been strangled may present and the anatomic and physiologic differences between child and adult victims. Known risks and complications based on current literature will be reviewed. Finally, we will use recent studies to discuss a rational approach to the medical evaluation and imaging of children who have been strangled.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize common signs and symptoms of children who have been strangled.
- Utilize developmentally appropriate medical history questions to guide what work up is needed.
- Develop a rational approach for imaging of strangled children when clinically indicated.
Pathway to Hope- indigenous approach to healing child sexual abuse in rural AK
Tuesday, November 15
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
In person, Recorded

Tara Christiansen-Stiller
Program Director, Alaska Children’s Trust

Eliza Posner
Program Specialist, Alaska Children’s Trust
Pathway to Hope (PTH) is a community-led framework to heal and prevent child sexual abuse (CSA) in Alaska Native communities. The program was first developed in 2004 by Alaska Native stakeholders, with Diane Payne at the Tribal Law and Policy Institute. Pathway to Hope seeks to help communities break the silence surrounding CSA, promote healing for survivors, and prevent future abuse. The Alaska Children’s Trust is working with an Alaska Native Advisory group and the program’s original faculty to revitalize this important project. Unlike many canned public health programs that seek to prevent CSA through “evidence-based” models but lack cultural relevancy, Pathway to Hope is a promising framework that integrates and supports Alaska Native cultural practices, values, and ways of healing. It works because it allows communities to drive the healing and prevention strategies as they see fit. PTH recognizes that most sustainable prevention and healing frameworks for Alaska Native (AN) communities are created by community members, not outsiders. Therefore, PTH trains Community Facilitators who implement the program in their communities to give each AN community ownership of its journey towards healing and thriving. PTH Community Facilitators begin by conducting community readiness assessments, then bring the community together to implement strategies appropriate to that readiness level. The project is unique in that it is flexible to meet the unique needs and readiness of each community. PTH helps communities explore the impact of unresolved trauma on the safety of children today, understand CSA in Alaska, recognize the barriers preventing communities from acknowledging and addressing CSA, and, ultimately, design and implement strategies to prevent CSA and promote healing.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn about the revitalized project, Pathway to Hope, which works to help communities heal from unresolved trauma and develop strategies to prevent abuse.
- Participants will understand the relationship between unresolved trauma and adverse childhood experiences (particularly CSA) in Alaska.
- Participants will learn how communities can apply to be trained in the Pathway to Hope project.
Opening Keynote: Recovery and Healing are Always Possible: NO MATTER WHAT!
Wednesday, November 16
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
In person, Recorded

Christina Love
Senior Specialist, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Christina Love learned to keep a lifetime of violence a secret for over two decades. Like many survivors, she turned to alcohol and drugs as a way to cope with trauma. As an adult Christina experienced homelessness. She found herself a shell of the human she once was and unable to recognize her reflection in the mirror. She was often denied access to the services that were designed to help. This form of systemic abuse not only retraumatized her but was its own trauma. Through the art and tradition of storytelling, Christina Love will recall harmful events as a child and adult. She will also tell stories of what services, practices, and words empowered healing and hope. In this fifth segment of our ongoing series, Christina will weave together each of the previous topics, that include: the importance of understanding how our history of violence has laid the groundwork for the injustices we see today, the multiple layers of trauma that each survivor can experience, the intersection of substance use and trauma, the liberation of education and the power of community and connection. Christina wants the world to know that recovery and healing are possible “NO MATTER WHAT” and that each life is worthy of our time and efforts!
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will better understand how the history of violence has laid the groundwork for the injustices we see today.
- Participants will better understand the multiple layers of trauma that each survivor can experience.
- Participants will better understand the intersection of substance use and trauma.
- Participants will better understand the liberation of education and the power of community and connection.
Understanding the Nexus of Violence and the Science of Addiction
Tuesday, November 15
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
In person, Recorded

Christina Love
Senior Specialist, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Many people do not understand why or how people become addicted. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their use simply by choice. Studies of trauma and substance use show a strong association between the two.
Drug addiction is a complex issue, and access to resources takes more than good intentions or a strong will.
Drugs change the brain in ways that makes addiction an equity issue.
Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain.
Many people do not understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to do so. In reality, drug addiction is a complex issue, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Studies of interpersonal trauma and substance use show a strong association between the two. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to quit. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn the science of trauma and addiction.
- Understand of why substance use disorders are a disease of the brain as well as a disability.
- Learn about the cycles and stages of addiction and explore addiction as an issue of disparity.
- Identify pathways of recovery.
America’s History and Legacy of Violence
Wednesday, November 16
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Christina Love
Senior Specialist, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Why are women abused more than men? Why are Native American, and our LGBTQ2S relatives physically and sexually assaulted at much higher rates than any other demographic? This training answers our biggest questions by exploring the roots of violence that have led to a culture of abuse and violence.
This training will examine the history of genocide, colonization, assimilation, and the anti-violence movement. Viewers will learn how gender-based and race-based oppression and violence intersect leading to higher rates of victimization and lethality. We hope people will walk away with a holistic view of indigenous culture and the impact these issues have on every aspect of their life and community for generations.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the history of genocide, colonization, assimilation, and the anti-violence movement.
- Learn how gender-based and race-based oppression and violence intersect leading to higher rates of victimization and lethality.
- Learn about holistic view of indigenous culture and the impact these issues have on every aspect of their life and community for generations.
Ending Exploitation in Alaska
Thursday, November 17
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Josh Louwerse
Program Director, Convenant House, Alaska
The Ending Exploitation in Alaska Presentation will cover, Definitions and Language, Stereotypes, Intersections of Abuse, Processes used by Traffickers, Human Trafficking in Alaska, Survivor Identification and Engagement, Covenant House Alaska’s Program Response.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn the definitions of Human Trafficking.
- Participants will learn about Human Trafficking in Alaska.
- Participants will learn how to identify and engage with survivor’s of Human Trafficking.
Approaches to Somatic Symptoms in Children with Traumatic Stress
Wednesday, November 16
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Natalia Ramos
Assistant Clinical Professor at Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
Children experience high rates of physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches, which often worsen with stress and trauma. This talk will explore connections between stress and physical symptoms and review cognitive-behavioral strategies for supporting children in decreasing distress and improving functioning. Individual and caregiver strategies will be presented.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the connection between stressful events in childhood and body symptoms.
- Define traumatic stress and understand its biological and psychological effects on numerous organ systems in the body.
- Outline evidence-based strategies for helping children and families manage acute and chronic body symptoms, especially pain.
Identifying Corroborative Evidence from the Forensic Interview
Tuesday, November 15
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
In person

Jerri Sites
Child Protection Concepts LLC
This case study illustrates the dynamics of abuse and the importance of identifying corroborative evidence from the child forensic interview. By viewing videoclips of the forensic interview of a 12 year old victim of child sexual abuse, participants will engage in a process by which they not only focus on the child’s disclosure of abuse and possible physical evidence, but also identify the dynamics of the child victim’s relationship with the offender, offender manipulation, and other points to be corroborated.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify different types of evidence revealed in child sexual abuse cases.
- Discuss the importance of corroboration in child sexual abuse cases.
- Practice identifying corroborate evidence from the child forensic interview.
The MDT/CAC Response to Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior
Tuesday, November 15
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
In person, Recorded

Jerri Sites
Child Protection Concepts LLC
Cases of children ages 12 and younger with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) can present a myriad of challenges for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). Fortunately, the MDT approach and the CAC model are ideal vehicles for development and implementation of an integrated and comprehensive systems approach to cases of children with PSB, recipient children, and their families. This course will review recommendations designed to guide and support MDTs and CACs to enhance current practices, improve professional response, and promote positive outcomes for children with PSB, children impacted by the PSB, and their families. Participants should have an understanding of children’s sexual behaviors and the dynamics of these cases for this workshop.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify historical assumptions related to children with problematic sexual behaviors.
- Identify the elements of the continuum of the sexual behaviors.
- Identify person-first language and terminology related to children with problematic sexual behaviors.
- Identify four areas in which MDTs and CACs can enhance professional response to children with PSB and their families.
- Identify available resources that support MDTs and CACs in providing a comprehensive response to children with PSB, recipient children, and their families.
Recantation: Recommendations for the MDT and CAC Response
Wednesday, November 16
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Jerri Sites
Child Protection Concepts LLC
Recantation is prevalent in child sexual abuse cases, especially when the abuser is someone close to the family or from within the home. This session will provide research-based information focusing on identifying risk factors and ways to prevent recantation, practical steps for the MDT to take in the event recantation does occur, including decision making regarding the need for and how to conduct a recantation forensic interview. Participants should have an understanding of the dynamics of abuse and children’s process of disclosure for this workshop.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify risk factors for recantation
- Discuss steps the MDT/CAC can take to reduce the risk for recantation
- Using cases studies, discuss ways the team can prevent recantation and address it when it occurs.
Affirming Trauma Informed Care for Gender Diverse Youth: Tips and Best Practices
Tuesday, November 15
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
In person, Recorded

Natalia Ramos
Assistant Clinical Professor at Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
The number of youth presenting for care related to their gender identity is consistently increasing. Due to a number of inequities faced, gender diverse youth experience increases rates of negative psychosocial outcomes, including depression, self injury, suicidality, anxiety, substance use, and low school performance. Appropriate evaluation, treatment, and support improve the mental health and wellbeing of gender diverse patients. This talk will cover key concepts and language related to gender, best communication practices for working with clients, and key topics around risk and confidentiality.
This talk will include a 60 minute presentation and 30 minute audience Q&A.
Learning Objectives:
- Increase competency and comfort in discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with your clients.
- Learn key principles of the gender-affirmative model of care and how to integrate them into trauma-informed care.
- Learn about relevant protocols and clinical guidelines for working with gender diverse patients across the lifespan.
Best Practices for Working with Parents and Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Youth
Tuesday, November 15
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Natalia Ramos
Assistant Clinical Professor at Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
This talk focuses on predictors of long-term psychosocial outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth, exploring key protective and risk factors related to caregiver and family environments. Attendees will learn skills for working with caregivers at various stages of understanding. Specific skills addressed include: normalizing parental reactions to children’s identities; identifying personal (caregiver), family, and child strengths; and concrete skills families can use to communicate supportively with their youth. This talk will include a 60 minute presentation and 30 minute audience Q&A. This talk will include a 60 minute presentation and 30 minute audience Q&A.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the effects of family support and/or rejection on psychosocial outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth.
- Learn concrete strategies for working with parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth who present in care settings.
- Increase knowledge of available resources for LGBTQ+ clients and their families.
Emerging Issues in the Field of Forensic Interviewing
Wednesday, November 16
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
In person

Rita Farrell
Director, ChildFirst for Zero Abuse Project
Note: This session is open to those working with Child Advocacy Centers and their multi-disciplinary partners, including the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, social work, behavioral health, forensic interviewing, and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime. Attendance for this session is not open to defense attorneys and defense psychology experts.
The training provides both lecture and group discussion. Participants will learn how to overcome difficult situations during forensic interviews and handle those tough questions. Upon entering the workshop, participants will have a chance to write down difficult situations they have encountered, and the presenter and participants will work to find solutions and practical tools that can be used in the future. Participants will have an opportunity to watch interview clips of difficult situations.
Learning Objectives:
-
Learn how to overcome difficult situations in forensic interviews.
-
Discuss situations they have encountered and find solutions and practical tools to use.
-
View and discuss videos of forensic interviews and difficult situations.
The “Perp” is Just a Child. Now What? (Lunch panel)
Tuesday, November 15
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
In person, Recorded

Amber Chung
Forensic Interviewer and SART Social Worker, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Krystal Henry
Irniamta Ikayurviat, Bethel Children’s Advocacy Center Program Director

Zach Johnson
Office of Children’s Services

Jennifer Prince
Medical Director of CMT, SART & STAR for Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Farah Sears
Assistant Medical Director of CMT, SART & STAR for Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Rodney Thomas
Department of Juvenile Justice – Probation Supervisor

Teague Widmier
Alaska State Troopers – Sergeant

Bethel MDT
Child-on-child cases of sexual abuse can be extremely challenging. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) reports Youth with Problematic Sexualized Behavior (YPSB) commit more than one third of sexual offenses committed against minors. However, children with problematic sexual behavior are first and foremost children. Misinformation often leads the public, and even professionals, to negatively label these children, offering little hope for change. Learn how the YK Delta MDT has come together to understand the dynamics of YPSB and strategize how best to service these youth, the children impacted, and the families involved.
Learning Objectives:
- Define problematic sexual behaviors (PSB).
- Understanding the difference between health, age-appropriate expressions of sexuality and PSB.
- Discern myths about YPSB from facts about YPSB.
- Differentiate between children and adolescents with PSB and adult sex offenders.
- Recognize safety concerns related to children and adolescent with PSB.
- Discuss models for MDTS to approach YPSB.
- Identify appropriate treatments for YPSB.
Interviewing Reluctant Children
Wednesday, November 16
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person

Rita Farrell
Director, ChildFirst for Zero Abuse Project
Note: This session is open to those working with Child Advocacy Centers and their multi-disciplinary partners, including the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, social work, behavioral health, forensic interviewing, and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime. Attendance for this session is not open to defense attorneys and defense psychology experts.
Children face many barriers when disclosing child abuse and maltreatment. Research tells us that even in cases where there is external corroborating evidence children only disclose 42-50% of the time in the formal interview. This training provides guidance on how to address reluctance in the forensic interview process, specifically with regard to the multidisciplinary team response, how to prepare children and families for our process and strategies for the interview.
Learning Objectives:
- Help forensic interviewers and multidisciplinary teams understand why reluctance occurs and identify factors that contribute to reluctance in cases.
- Increase understanding of the barriers to disclosure and how to address those dynamics before, during and after the forensic interview process.
- Provide interview strategies and techniques for addressing reluctance in the forensic interview.
Resilience As Life Force
Wednesday, November 16
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
In person, Recorded

Catherine Holt
Therapist, CARES
Resilience is our ability to adapt well and recover quickly during and after adverse situations, navigate through stressful times, and face traumatic events with healthy outcomes. It is what allows us to maintain our buoyancy with a healthy level of physical and psychological wellness in the face of life’s greatest hardships. When our resilience is compromised we are more likely to dwell on problems, feel overwhelmed, use unhealthy coping tactics to handle stress, develop anxiety and depression, and withdraw from our personal and professional lives. Resilience is developed by training our cognitive abilities to focus on more-positive aspects of any situation, supporting our emotional well-being, taking care of our bodies, and finding meaning in our lives. Just like we exercise to build muscle strength, we can use that same intentional behavior to “beef up” our resilience. Reliance training will improve resiliency, enhance quality of life, and decrease stress and anxiety by practicing how to view life’s inevitable challenges as opportunities as we face them from a place of personal strength. As our resiliency strengthens, we are better equipped to be present for our clients and communities as well as for our families and ourselves.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding that resiliency is not just self care but an actual bio-neurological occurrence that is either supported or damaged with every experience and we have the ability to build strong resilience.
- Explore the empirically based strategies that build resiliency and learn what to do and what not to do in the face of adversity.
- Develop your own unique resiliency plan using self assessments and goal setting.
Truths About Youth and Technology
Wednesday, November 16
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
In person, Recorded

Joe Laramie
Program Manager, National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College
In an age where technology is in the hands of youth of all ages, the dangers of abuse can affect any child, from any background. These dangers, ranging from cyberbullying to self-victimization (sexting) to sexual exploitation (sextortion) and sexual abuse can be difficult to address. This presentation will focus on our perceptions versus reality for youth’s use of technology, and how it influences how adults speak with youth about their tech usage. The presentation will conclude with tips on effective technology safety and prevention messaging.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how youth use technology.
- Explain teen’s risks versus reward perspective.
- Define Sexting and Sextortion.
- Identify effective technology safety messaging.
Physical Abuse and Polyvictimization: Interviewing Strategies
Wednesday, November 16
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
In person

Rita Farrell
Director, ChildFirst for Zero Abuse Project
Note: This session is open to those working with Child Advocacy Centers and their multi-disciplinary partners, including the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, social work, behavioral health, forensic interviewing, and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime. Attendance for this session is not open to defense attorneys and defense psychology experts.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACES) indicates to us that 66% of children experiencing one adverse childhood experience will be experiencing at least one other. Recognizing the prevalence of polyvictimization, this training will better prepare forensic interviewers to appropriately respond to disclosures of multiple forms of maltreatment in the forensic interview and screen for forms of maltreatment not previously disclosed. In addition, this training specifically looks at research with physical abuse cases and provides suggestions on addressing this form of maltreatment with interviewing strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Increase the understanding of how polyvictimization impacts children, families and our cases.
- Increase the understanding of research relating to physical abuse allegations and children’s disclosures.
- Practice addressing polyvictimization in the forensic interview through case example exercises.
Sex Offenders 101
Thursday, November 17
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
In person

Cory Jewell Jensen
Senior Trainer, CBI Consulting
This presentation will provide a brief review of some of the formation covered in Friday’s full day session regarding the various types of sexually criminal behavior, the rate of undetected sexual crimes occurring in our communities, the actual rates of “false allegation,” “cross-over” behavior and re-offense rates among sex offenders. In addition, information about the strategies sex offenders report using to target certain victims and “get away with it” will be addressed. Participants will have a chance to watch several video-taped interviews with sexual offenders about “how and why” they committed sexual crimes.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will develop an understanding of the process involved developing a sexual interest/preference for children and the pro-offending attitudes that support and allow for child sex abuse and other criminal sexual behavior.
- Participants will gain information about the typical number and patterns involved in undetected sexual crimes committed by sex offenders.
- Participants will gain information about some of the unique differences between male and female, adult and juvenile sex offenders.
Abusive Head trauma: Truth, Lies, Myths and Reality
Thursday, November 17
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
In person

Lori Frasier
MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Penn State Children’s Hospital
Note: This session is open to those working with Child Advocacy Centers and their multi-disciplinary partners, including the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, social work, behavioral health, forensic interviewing, and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime. Attendance for this session is not open to defense attorneys and defense psychology experts.
This presentation will discuss the current state of the medicine and science in the evaluation of head trauma. The presenter will discuss common presentations, discussion of basic mechanics of head trauma, and sorting out other conditions and accidents from what might be abusive head trauma in infants and children. Common legal arguments against the concepts of Abusive Head Trauma will be discussed and literature-based approaches to these arguments.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the most common presentations of Abusive Head trauma.
- Discuss additional medical evaluations that can be done to support or exclude the diagnosis of abusive head trauma.
- Describe frequent legal arguments presented in cases of Abusive Head trauma and the literature which supports or refutes these arguments.
Investigative Response to Juvenile Perpetrated Child Abuse
Thursday, November 17
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
In person, Recorded

Joe Laramie
Program Manager, National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College
This workshop will identify child-centered investigative protocols for law enforcement and CPS when responding to reports of a juvenile (adolescent and younger children) perpetrated child sexual abuse or exploitation. Discussion will include how the expanded use of technology by minors has led to an increase in facilitated and learned behaviors and the importance of identifying these outside influences.
Learning Objectives:
- Define child-centered investigation.
- Describe juvenile perpetrated child sexual abuse.
- Identify technology facilitated child exploitation.
Narrative Practice Considerations for Children with Disabilities
Thursday, November 17
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
In person, Recorded

Staci Whitney
LMSW, Senior Director, Modell Consulting
This workshop is intended for multidisciplinary professionals who wish to expand their understanding of utilizing narrative event practice and narrative prompts when interviewing children with disabilities. Recent research indicates that children with disabilities have greater capacity for narratives than was previously understood. Participants will learn more about building narratives using the narrative mapping funnel and how to gather reliable information from children with disabilities.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn communication considerations when interviewing children with disabilities.
- Participants will be able to describe accommodations that can be made when interviewing children with disabilities.
- Participants will have increased understanding of how best practices in interviewing can be applied to interviewing children with disabilities.
Protecting Our Children: “Advice From Child Molesters”- A Child Safety and Crime Prevention Program (Closing Keynote)
Thursday, November 17
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
In person

Cory Jewell Jensen
Senior Trainer, CBI Consulting
Participants will have an opportunity to review Oregon’s grassroots prevention project – “Protecting our Children: Advice From Child Molesters.” Initially developed by two veteran sex offender treatment providers, “PYC” has grown into a multi-state, multi-disciplinary child abuse prevention campaign. The project was designed to educate parents, youth service staff, educators, community volunteers and the faith community about child sexual abuse, offender behavior, risk management and more effective prevention strategies. Workshops challenge public misperceptions about children’s ability to protect themselves and promote the idea that all adults must be informed and take an active role in confronting offender behavior and promoting child safety. Information about grooming behavior, Internet crimes, victim advocacy, reporting, sexual behavior between children and talking to children about child sexual abuse are covered. Potential project benefits such as jury education and early intervention with potential offenders are expected. Classes are taught by child abuse detectives, child/victim advocates, prosecutors, probation/parole officers and sex offender treatment providers.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will understand some of the deficits inherent in early models of child sex abuse prevention models.
- Participants will be able to describe the benefits derived from adult focused child abuse prevention education.
- Participants will be able to describe some of the problems related to promoting adult focused child abuse prevention education.
Updates for Sexual Abuse Evaluation and Treatment, including sexually transmitted diseases
Thursday, November 17
10:45 AM - 12:15 AM
In person, Recorded

Lori Frasier
MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Penn State Children’s Hospital
This session will review the state of the art and medicine in sexual abuse evaluations, and review updates in the testing and interpretation of testing for sexually transmitted diseases. The presenter will provide an updated literature review, and case based presentations to illustrate the concepts.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the standard approach to the medical examination in sexual abuse in 2022.
- Know when to test for Sexually Transmitted diseases.
- Discuss interpretation of sexual abuse cases based upon presentation, presence or absence of physical findings, and laboratory testing, if indicated.
Social Media and Privacy Issues
Thursday, November 17
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
In person, Recorded

Joe Laramie
Program Manager, National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College
With the ever-increasing use of social media, professionals should be aware of the potential dangers involving the blurred lines between personal and professional use of social media. The Plain View Project and recent social issues highlighted the increased scrutiny of law enforcement, including their personal social media posts. This presentation will discuss how to avoid professional embarrassment, such as witness impeachment or discipline, along with personal or family risks due to social media posts. Resources to assist in the development of agency policies, social media privacy and removal tips will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe 1st Amendment restrictions for government and other employees.
- Define the “Brady and Giglio Rules”.
- Identify social media dynamics and methods to remove data.
Overcoming Blocks and Barriers for Children with Disabilities
Thursday, November 17
10:45 AM - 12:15 AM
In person, Recorded

Staci Whitney
LMSW, Senior Director, Modell Consulting
Have you ever been interviewing a child with disabilities and felt stuck? When that little voice in your head says “Oh no, what do I do now?” or even worse “this interview is over” you may have more options than you think. This workshop is intended to introduce multidisciplinary team members to new ways to overcome blocks and barriers in an interview and some techniques on how to prevent blocks and barriers from presenting in the first place. Sometimes it takes pre-interview considerations and accommodations, other times it’s in the moment. From multi-session interviews to ensuring that the process is clear and predictable to victims, this session will encourage policies and procedures to empower victims with disabilities and make interviews as accessible as possible to this population.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to explain new ways of overcoming blocks and barriers in interviews with children with disabilities.
- Participants will understand the use of new techniques when working with children who engage in perseveration.
- Participants will learn how to gather additional information about how to reduce blocks and barriers through pre-interview considerations.
If They Knew What I Was Thinking: What Sex Offenders Can Teach Us About Interviewing
Thursday, November 17
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person

Cory Jewell Jensen
Senior Trainer, CBI Consulting
Note: This session is open to those working with Child Advocacy Centers and their multi-disciplinary partners, including the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, social work, behavioral health, forensic interviewing, and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime. Attendance for this session is not open to defense attorneys and defense psychology experts.
This presentation examines the relationship between confession rates and sex offender characteristics (i.e., offender age, relationship to victim, personality type, offense history and prior experience with the criminal justice system). In addition, several studies that investigated the effectiveness of various interviewer styles (investigator demeanor and approach) will be reviewed. Lastly, the presenter will provide anecdotal comments (from 121 admitting adult male sex offenders) related to the thoughts and concerns they had while they were initially being interviewed by detectives. Comments focus on the reason they declined to be interviewed, lied about their behavior or confessed. Video clips will be used to illustrate some of the specific skills used by police to enable offenders to confess, along with recommendations for specific interview comment/questions from 26 veteran child abuse detectives from 10 law enforcement agencies in Oregon.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will review the research related to overall confession rates with sex offenders and the factors that inhibit and increase confession rates.
- Participants will review the various interviewer styles that appear to increase confession rates.
- Participants will review the various offender characteristics that increase and decrease confession rates.
Mimics of Sexual Abuse: Do not miss these clues
Thursday, November 17
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Lori Frasier
MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Penn State Children’s Hospital
This session will review the common conditions that are often mistaken for sexual abuse. The presenter will base the assessment on a differential diagnosis and organ systems approach.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize some of the major medical mimics that can be confused with findings due to sexual abuse.
- Discuss the differential diagnosis of various presentations of genital complaints.
- Describe how photographic review of cases assist in making accurate diagnoses of medical mimics.
Role of the Medical Provider in Court
Friday, November 18
Full Day
In person

D. Scott Dattan
Founder, Law Office of Dattan Scott Dattan

Brittany Dunlop
District Attorney, City of Anchorage

Lori Frasier
MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State Hersey College of Medicine, Penn State Children’s Hospital
Note: This session is open to those working with Child Advocacy Centers and their multi-disciplinary partners, including the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, social work, behavioral health, forensic interviewing, and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime. Attendance for this session is not open to defense attorneys and defense psychology experts.
Testifying in court for criminal and child protection cases is part of the role of health care providers involved in evaluating children and adolescents for sexual abuse/assault, physical abuse, or other forms of maltreatment. This session will review how our court system works in child abuse cases and give attendees the opportunity to practice testimony skills in a mock court setting.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the roles of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses in court.
- Understand the difference between fact, expert, and blended witnesses.
- Prepare for and participate in a mock court using case information provided.
Child and Adolescent Clinical Forensic Skills Lab for Medical Providers
Tuesday November 15
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
In person

Christine Fontaine
BA, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, Forensic Nurse, South Peninsula Hospital

Cathy Baldwin-Johnson
Medical Director, The Children’s Place
Note: This session is open to medical providers only.
This workshop will provide attendees with a review and hands-on practice for exam and evidence collection techniques including forensic photography, exam techniques, and forensic evidence collection techniques for optimal results with both pre-pubertal and adolescent children.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify correct techniques for the examination of children and adolescents who may have been sexually or physically abused.
- Demonstrate correct positioning and use of a colposcope.
- Use correct techniques and time frames for forensic evidence collection, starting with correct kit and kit component selections.
- Demonstrate proper forensic photography techniques.
Introductory Training on Testifying in Court
Tuesday, November 15
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Jamie Browning
LMSW, Strengthening Families, LLC
This session is designed to provide an introduction to the nuts and bolts of testifying in court. This session will explore trial practice, with an in-depth discussion on preparing and testifying in court.
Learning Objectives:
- Know the basics of responding to a subpoena.
- Know how to prepare for testifying in various roles.
- Learn the nuances and pitfalls of testifying in court.
The Intersection of Parental Substance Use and Neglect Meets Cultural Biases
Thursday, November 17
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Jamie Browning
LMSW, Strengthening Families, LLC

Lola Tobuk
Nome Eskimo Community
This practical and hands-on session is designed to help participants with both the nuts and bolts of parental substance use and neglect, while exploring the impact on children. The session will take it to the next level and explore cultural biases and implications when working with Alaska Native families facing these crises, providing a deeper understanding of the past, present, and future of supporting these families. The presenters will lead in-depth discussions on these subjects.
Learning Objectives:
- Be able to identify the components of child neglect and parental substance use.
- Be able to understand the implications of cultural biases when working with Alaska Native families.
- Learn solution-focused concepts when facing these intersections.
Sex Offenders: What Every MDT Member Should Know (Full Day)
Friday, November 18
Full Day
In person

Cory Jewell Jensen
Senior Trainer, CBI Consulting
Part 1: Sex Offenders: How They Get That Way and the Basic Facts Your Team Should Know
Sex crime investigators, prosecutors, judges, probation officers, medical staff, child welfare workers and child/victim advocates should be familiar the various theories about the etiology of pedophilia and development of pro-offending attitudes, plus the more typical patterns of sexual offending (rape, sexual assault & computer crimes against children) committed by juvenile and adult sex offenders. This presentation will highlight (via video taped interviews with various sex offenders) some of the more common pathways to developing deviant sexual interests and criminal sexual behavior patterns. In addition, the presenter will review various studies that examined the number of detected vs. undetected offenders and sexual crimes occurring in our communities, the true rate of false allegations and the average degree of “cross-over” or “crime switching” behavior sex offenders engage in. The misconceptions about “re-offense” and “recidivism” rates and the expected outcomes for sex offender treatment will also be addressed.
Part 2: Creepy but Crucial Information: Advanced Grooming as Described by Sex Offenders
Participants will examine (via film clips of interviews with various types of sex offenders) some of the specific strategies offenders describe using to target, seduce and exploit children and adults. Information was collected from several thousand adult sex offenders who were involved in long-term, court mandated sex offender treatment. In addition, a variety of similarly focused research studies will be reviewed. The areas of focus includes offender descriptions of “grooming” tactics (how and why they: targeted certain children, adults, families and youth serving agencies, then seduced and manipulated each of these individuals/agencies, inhibited disclosure, detection and reporting. A variety of video clips, research studies and anecdotal interview data from numerous sex offenders will be utilized to illustrate each stage. Although this presentation is not for the “faint of heart,” it provides crucial information related to trauma and the need to improve training and skill in forensic interviewing, investigation and prosecution.
Learning Objectives:
Part 1. Sex Offenders: What Every MDT Member Should Know
- Participants will develop an understanding of the process involved developing a sexual interest/preference for children and the pro-offending attitudes that support and allow for child sex abuse and other criminal sexual behavior.
- Participants will gain information about the typical number and patterns involved in undetected sexual crimes committed by sex offenders.
- Participants will gain information about some of the unique differences between male and female, adult and juvenile sex offenders.
Part 2. Creepy but Crucial: Advanced Grooming as Described by Child Molesters
- Participants will understand some of the issues related to the low rates of reporting and detection of sexual crimes.
- Participants will be able to identify the strategies and goals of “grooming behavior” used by sex offenders.
- Participants will gain an understanding of some of the dynamics of grooming that make it difficult for children to fully/accurately comprehend the abuse they are experiencing, report and recover from child sexual abuse.
Adapting Forensic Interviews for Children who do not speak
Friday, November 18
Full Day
In person

Staci Whitney
LMSW, Senior Director, Modell Consulting
This workshop is intended for forensic interviewers who want to learn about interviewing children who do not speak or who are considered “non-verbal.” Through this workshop, participants will have increased understanding of verbal behavior and communication methods; increased knowledge of common biases regarding communicating with children who do not speak; increased knowledge of pre-interview considerations when preparing to interview a child who does not speak; and learn reliable and legally defensible techniques that can be applied in forensic interviews with these children. Participants will have opportunities to apply what they have learned through class and small group activities. This training is founded in forensic interviewing best practices with considerations and adaptations to account for individuals who do not speak, use gestures, use a communication device, or speak few words.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to explain how to interview children who do not speak.
- Participants will understand the use of the “hybrid question style.”
- Participants will learn how to gather additional information from someone who does not speak, speaks few words or uses a communication device.
Effects of trauma and poor attachment on self-beliefs, emotional and behavioral responses
Friday, November 18
Half Day
In person

Roxanne Grobbel
Licensed Psychotherapist & Instructor, Insight Counseling Center
Trauma and poor attachment create negative self-beliefs and emotional/behavioral reactions in young children. These trauma reactions to triggers are learned survival reactions to living with neglect or abuse and are often misunderstand and mislabeled, creating more frustration and stress. With this understanding, one can respond to clients more effectively and provide more efficient interventions.
Learning Objectives:
- List 3 negative beliefs that children develop from neglect and abuse.
- Identify 3 behaviors in children which may be trauma survival responses.
- Recognize how mislabeling or inappropriate interventions/reactions increase the symptoms and trauma response.
Stabilization: Methods to help clients emotionally and physically regulate
Thursday, November 17
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Roxanne Grobbel
Licensed Psychotherapist & Instructor, Insight Counseling Center
Understanding the cause of the dysregulation in order to select the appropriate stabilization method is important. We will briefly review brain function and the impact of attachment and trauma on dysregulation. A variety of stabilization/regulation methods for children, teens and parents will be explored and practiced.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the brain using the fist as a model.
- Identify 3 methods to help clients emotionally regulate.
- Demonstrate 3 resourcing exercises.
Introduction to EMDR
Thursday, November 17
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
In person, Recorded

Roxanne Grobbel
Licensed Psychotherapist & Instructor, Insight Counseling Center
This workshop will provide an introduction to EMDR including its approach to treating trauma and theoretical basis. The EMDR protocol and the types of problems it can resolve will be discussed. A demonstration of an EMDR session and a case study will be presented so participants can better understand how the modality works. This is not an EMDR training course, but it will provide information in order to make appropriate referrals or to further explore this approach.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Adaptive Processing Theory.
- Recognize the phases of the EMDR protocol.
- Identify 3 clinical applications for EMDR.
Motivational Interviewing
Tuesday, November 15
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
In person, Recorded

James Fitterling
PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Motivational Interviewing Network Trainer
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is “a person-centered goal-oriented approach for facilitating change by exploring & resolving ambivalence.” (Miller 2006). MI has been shown to be relevant and effective in a broad range of clinical and psychosocial applications. The primary focus of this 90-minute MI breakout session is to acquaint participants with basic concepts and methods of MI – covering both the “spirit” and skills involved in effective MI practice. While a 90-minute workshop cannot be expected to develop competency in MI (or any clinical skill, for that matter), participants will experience both the delivery and receipt of MI through brief structured practice sessions. The primary purposes are to (a) develop an accurate understanding of MI and its primary target or purpose, (b) experience and gain appreciation of MI and its relevance and applicability in their respective practice and profession, and (c) stimulate or strengthen interest in further MI training to become a competent MI practitioner. Training includes didactic presentation, practice exercises, discussion, and demonstration of MI in scenarios typically encountered by Multidisciplinary Team members and regarding Child Advocacy Centers.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand and embrace the “spirit of MI” as an attitudinal and perceptual foundation for MI practice and competency.
- Develop a basic understanding of the skills of MI and experience the use of MI skills during a structured practice exercise.
- Develop interest in further MI skill development for use in professional practice.
What is the Role of Mental Health on the MDT Anyway?
Tuesday, November 15
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
In person, Recorded

JT Bolin
Child & Family Services Clinical Supervisor, Tanana Chiefs Conference

Leigh Bolin
Executive Director, Resource Center for Parents and Children, Fairbanks
Therapists have a unique perspective regarding cases seen through child advocacy centers. Therapy is often one of the first referrals made for children and families after they visit a CAC, but what is our role on the MDT? What can we disclose to the team? What do we do when we have differing opinions than our colleagues on the MDT? How do we get clients to trust us when they know we are part of this team? The list goes on. In this session the ethics of being a mental health provider on an MDT will be discussed. This session is not just intended for clinicians but anyone who works on an MDT that would like to more clearly understand the roles of therapists and why they sometimes seem reluctant to share as much as other professionals.
Learning Objectives:
- Review of mental health clinicians role on the MDT and why is it important to be an active part of the team.
- Review of the NCA Standards and how they align with the code of ethics.
- How to present a dissenting opinion to the MDT/colleagues in a thoughtful way.
Child Abuse: Past, Present, and Future
Wednesday, November 16
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
In person, Recorded

Pam Karalunas
Karalunas Consulting
Child Abuse intervention has certainly progressed since 1874 when the first case of child abuse was prosecuted under the prevention of cruelty to animals statutes because there was no law against abusing children. Since the first Child Advocacy Center was established in 1985 the multidisciplinary intervention model has grown to 939 CAC in this country, and has expanded to 12 other countries. However, there are still numerous challenges encountered daily by those facing the daunting challenge of improving outcomes for abused children and their families.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the history of child abuse intervention.
- Learn about what is being done presently in Alaska.
- Help identify present-day challenges and suggest possible solutions.
The Art of MDT-ing
Wednesday, November 16
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
In person

Lauralee Peterson
Manager, Cental Peninsula CAC
Whether at the Helm or holding a different seat at the MDT table, in this session we are going to dive into Life on an MDT. Yes, MDT Leadership is an extremely vital role in the grand scheme of things, however the team as a whole should be informed and involved in:
- Consistency in evaluating and strengthening the team.
- Structure & Strategies for healthy & productive monthly meetings.
- Gracefully Mixing and Mingling of Protocols from all MDT lanes.
- Understanding & utilizing effective Communication Channels.
- Support and Self-care for the Team & Community.
- Community Partners and other relationships that extend beyond the MDT.
Let’s take some time to talk about the things we don’t normally talk about. Have you ever been benched? If not…have you had times when you probably should have been? How does that look and what can be done with it at the time?
Learning Objectives:
- Identify strategies for healhty and productive monthly meetings.
- Recognize the importance of self care for the team and community.
- Reconize strategies for utilizing effective communication chanels.
Bringing Our Vision to Life: Development of the Mat-Su Valley Drug Endangered Children’s Multidisciplinary Team (Lunch Panel)
Wednesday, November 16
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
In person, Recorded

Virginia Moring (facilitator)
Office of Children’s Services PSM II (retired)
Panelists:
Lt. Daron Cooper, Alaska State Troopers
Capt Tony April, Alaska State Troopers
Cyndi Smith, Knik Tribe
Beth Knecht, Set Free Alaska
Chief Dwayne Shelton, Palmer Police
Officer Keith Barkwood, Palmer Police
Mariah Johnson, OCS
Paul Cornils, Alaska Youth & Family Network
Sgt. Bondurer, Wasilla Police Department
Join members of the Mat-Su Valley’s Drug Endangered Children’s Multidisciplinary Team for a panel discussion on how it developed and implemented Alaska’s first multidisciplinary task force focused on drug-endangered children and their families. In July 2020, members from the Mat-Su Office of Children’s Services and Mat-Su first responders met to discuss what was lacking in the region’s response to drug endangered children, how to improve the collective response of state, local, and community agencies, and how to prevent these children and their families from falling through the cracks. From that initial meeting, a coalition of community and institutional stakeholders, with input from individuals with lived experience, met over the next three years to establish a multidisciplinary team. Their goal was twofold: to improve communication and collaboration among first responders and develop a system that would not only identify drug endangered children but ensure that they and their families were referred to appropriate and relevant services. These meetings culminated in the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding and Protocols, signed by state, local, and community agencies, that establish a streamlined communication and referral system to meet the needs of this overlooked and underserved population. In this panel discussion, MDT members will discuss the process of creating the state’s first multidisciplinary team focused solely on drug-endangered children, the internal and external challenges they faced (and how they overcame them), and how stakeholders in communities across Alaska can replicate its efforts to create their own MDTs.
Sulking, Surfing, Shamed and Suicidal: Be on the Lookout for 13 Reasons
Tuesday, November 15
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
In person

Sharon Cooper
MD, Founder of the MACE Foundation and CEO of Developmental & Forensic Pediatrics, P.A.
Suicidal ideations and actions continue to be a significant public health problem in the U.S. According to the CDC, this problem has been increasing since 2003 and is particularly prevalent in minority populations. This presentation will discuss recent facts regarding suicide and suicidal ideations in children and adolescents . Participants will learn that the age of reported suicidality is falling in America and proactive conversations with parents and caregivers is important from a primary care perspective. Media (both online and streaming) can play an important role in youth accepting suicide as a reasonable “end game”. Clinicians should access public health materials for education and prevention for families as well as work with case managers on how to access care when necessary before a youth presents in an emergency setting with a serious suicidal attempt.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn of the falling age of children who are reporting suicidal ideations and at least one suicide attempt.
- Participants will discuss the ratio of completed suicide to attempts for self-harm related injuries.
- Participants will review the significant health disparity for minority populations with respect to suicidality.
- Participants will discuss the relationship of sexual orientation and sexual minority to suicidality.
A Newly Recognized Form of Child Abuse: Familial Sex Trafficking
Tuesday, November 15
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
In person

Sharon Cooper
MD, Founder of the MACE Foundation and CEO of Developmental & Forensic Pediatrics, P.A.
Sex trafficking of children by family members has not been well understood or described until a 2022 landmark study of nearly one thousand survivors, explained the prevalence, characteristics, and challenges across the justice process. This presentation will provide startling facts regarding the most common familial sex traffickers, victim profiles, motives, and venues in this form of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). Challenges in the identification of the reality of children
having been sold from their homes will be discussed and the differences in victim services will be outlined. Case examples will be provided and robust discussions regarding the ethics of mental health support will be explored. Recommended actions will be outlined with particular attention to the conflicts in state and federal laws regarding age of consent versus sexual exploitation victimization.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will discuss the under-reported sexual exploitation by family members cited in new research.
- Participants will review the difficulties in case management when a mother is the sex trafficker as compared to the circumstances of more commonly seen child sexual abuse.
- Participants will learn of the cross-over between sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) when the primary offender is a family member.
Death by Neglect
Wednesday, November 15
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
In person

Sharon Cooper
MD, Founder of the MACE Foundation and CEO of Developmental & Forensic Pediatrics, P.A.
This presentation will discuss examples of death by neglect. The most common types of neglect that may become fatal include environmental hazards such as unsecured firearms, ingestions, “forgotten” infants and toddlers locked in hot cars and intentional prone positioning of high-risk infants. This presentation will include illustrative cases of these kinds of circumstances as well as death from starvation in the absence of abject poverty and homelessness. Starvation cases may present as “poor parental judgement” but if the remainder of individuals in the home are not
underweight and/or otherwise healthy appearing, what appears to be neglect may in fact constitute a voluntary homicide. Thoughts regarding strategies for survivor support will be explored in this particular form of child demise.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn of at least three distinct types of neglect.
- Participants will consider the outcomes when death by starvation are presented during child death review boards.
- Participants will review the risk of possible phobia development in survivor siblings.
Avoiding Secondary Trauma in Sex Abuse Work; Mental Self-Care and Helping to Prevent Burnout (Opening Keynote)
Tuesday, November 15
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
In person, Recorded

Darrel Turner
PhD, Turner Forensic Psychology and Consultation
In this session, information on the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress is provided to attendees. Signs and symptoms to watch for in oneself as well as in others are explained and identified. Preventative measures are discussed as well as the importance of periodic mental health checks.
Learning Objectives:
-
Attendees will understand the seriousness of STS.
-
Attendees will appreciate their own susceptibility to STS.
-
Attendees will learn steps they can take to prevent STS.
Introducing the APOD (Analysis of Patterns of Denial among Sex Offenders) Part 1
Wednesday, November 16
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In person

Darrel Turner
PhD, Turner Forensic Psychology and Consultation
Note: This session is open to those working with Child Advocacy Centers and their multi-disciplinary partners, including the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, social work, behavioral health, forensic interviewing, and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime. Attendance for this session is not open to defense attorneys and defense psychology experts.
This is Part 1 of two sessions. In these sessions, attendees will be introduced to the APOD, a scientifically supported checklist that identifies 12 of the most common denial (deception) methods used in interviews by sex offenders. The instrument was also developed using interviews with suspects who were ultimately cleared without question,and offers a comparison of scoring patterns between the two groups. Videos of interviews and an introduction to the items as well as implications for additional use are provided.
Learning Objectives:
-
Attendees will recognize the primary techniques of denial used by sex offenders in interviews.
-
Attendees will understand the easy application of the instrument and subsequent interview techniques to their work.
-
Attendees will understand general scoring guidelines and score interpretation.
Introducing the APOD (Analysis of Patterns of Denial among Sex Offenders) Part 2
Wednesday, November 16
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM
In person

Darrel Turner
PhD, Turner Forensic Psychology and Consultation
Note: This session is open to those working with Child Advocacy Centers and their multi-disciplinary partners, including the fields of law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, social work, behavioral health, forensic interviewing, and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime. Attendance for this session is not open to defense attorneys and defense psychology experts.
This is Part 2 of two sessions. In these sessions, attendees will be introduced to the APOD, a scientifically supported checklist that identifies 12 of the most common denial (deception) methods used in interviews by sex offenders. The instrument was also developed using interviews with suspects who were ultimately cleared without question,and offers a comparison of scoring patterns between the two groups. Videos of interviews and an introduction to the items as well as implications for additional use are provided.
Learning Objectives:
-
Attendees will recognize the primary techniques of denial used by sex offenders in interviews.
-
Attendees will understand the easy application of the instrument and subsequent interview techniques to their work.
-
Attendees will understand general scoring guidelines and score interpretation.
Risk Assessment of Non-Contact Sex Offenders – How is it Similar to Contact Offenders, and how is it Different?
Tuesday, November 15
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
In person, Recorded

Darrel Turner
PhD, Turner Forensic Psychology and Consultation
This is Part 2 of two sessions. In these sessions, attendees will be introduced to the APOD, a scientifically supported checklist that identifies 12 of the most common denial (deception) methods used in interviews by sex offenders. The instrument was also developed using interviews with suspects who were ultimately cleared without question,and offers a comparison of scoring patterns between the two groups. Videos of interviews and an introduction to the items as well as implications for additional use are provided.
Learning Objectives:
-
Attendees will recognize the primary techniques of denial used by sex offenders in interviews.
-
Attendees will understand the easy application of the instrument and subsequent interview techniques to their work.
-
Attendees will understand general scoring guidelines and score interpretation.