Brief Overview: This presentation aims to equip you with the foundational knowledge and general understanding of the dynamics of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking as it is experienced by youth, the realities of which youth are being exploited, and some approaches towards an improved response. We will provide a general overview of federal laws and legislation, common terminology, dynamics and characteristics, common myths and misconceptions, statistics of who is truly being affected, risk factors and warning signs, screening tools for identification, and resources to provide better services and care for these youth. Overall, the goal is to provide you with…

Brief Overview: This training is designed to increase cultural competence for child advocacy centers who serve AI/AN children and families. Relevant research and statistics are shared to help participants understand the prevalence of trauma in AI/AN communities. The trainer provides insight into the impact of historical trauma on services available and provided to AI/AN families as well as recommendations for culturally sensitive engagement. Expert Presenters: Maegan Rides At The Door, PhD, LCPC, an enrolled member of the Assiniboine-Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation and a descendant of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Dr. Maegan Rides At The Door,…

Brief Overview: When it comes to program evaluation, do you find yourself stuck in a survey rut? Are your surveys getting you the info you need? If you’re looking to improve your surveys and learn what other methods are out there, this webinar is for you. We will walk you through the difference between quantitative and qualitative evaluation approaches and explain the value of a mixed-methods approach. We will offer a variety of methods that can be used based on your evaluation questions and goals. Participants will walk away with a broader set of evaluation methods and a greater understanding…

Brief Overview: This presentation will discuss definitions, risk factors and dynamics of child labor and sex trafficking, before examining the role of the health professional in recognizing child trafficking and contributing to a holistic, multidisciplinary response that is trauma-informed and culturally responsive. We’ll discuss ways health and other child-serving professionals and their organizations can optimize patient/client care through the use of protocols and core competencies. Expert Presenters: Jordan Greenbaum, MD Jordan Greenbaum, MD is a child abuse physician living in Atlanta, GA. She has worked in the field of child maltreatment for over 20 years. She is the medical director…

Brief Overview: This recorded resource presentation is based on a collaborative project of the four Regional Children’s Advocacy Centers to develop a conceptual model for MDT leadership. A Regional panel will present information from a recently published TTA Brief, “Beyond Case Review: The Value of the Team Facilitator in the Multidisciplinary Team/Children’s Advocacy Center Model,” and discuss data from a recent inventory of professionals who currently serve in MDT leadership roles. Expert Presenters: Sue Ascione (NRCAC), Vicky Gwiasda (WRCAC), Greg Flett (SRCAC) Sue Ascione is currently a Training Specialist with the Northeast Regional Children’s Advocacy Center (NRCAC). She has served…

Brief Overview: Working in a CAC, we know how effective and impactful our services are because we see it every day, but how do we communicate that to others without data? How do we know that some of the recommendations we give to clients are appropriate and specific? This presentation will give an overview of the benefits of using a team approach to utilize screening measures related to client symptoms starting at the forensic interview. Supports and implementation strategies will be shared. Expert Presenter: Dr. Amelia Siders, Ph.D., is the Director of Clinical Practice Development and Education for Children’s Advocacy…

Brief Overview: Cases of child abuse involving a teenage victim presents its own unique challenges for prosecution. Understanding adolescent brain development is important for forensic interviewers as well as investigators and prosecutors. Preparing the case requires not only thorough investigation but thoughtful communication with a teen victim to obtain the facts of the crime and provide essential information about the prosecutor’s role and judicial process. This approach will facilitate building a strong criminal case for prosecution. Expert Presenter: Beth Merachnik, JD, serves as the Deputy Director of the Association of Prosecuting Attorney’s (APA) Child Abuse Prosecution Project. She is the…

Brief Overview: This session’s goal is to bridge work of the Duluth Model Coordinated Community Response (CCR) in conjunction with the Child Advocacy Center model. Domestic violence and child abuse maltreatment co-occurrence is exceptionally high in child abuse investigations. These cases are further challenging due to intentional or unintentional contamination of memories ensuring secrecy by a batterer. Multi-disciplinary team members and systems partners may not recognize protective factors utilized by survivors and/or the non-offending caregiver. This session will incorporate research on protective measures and the experiences of domestic violence survivors from focus groups conducted in Duluth, MN. The session will…