Workshop 1

Wednesday, April 6, 2022 (9:30-11am)

“Together We Stand: Child Abuse Investigations”

Presenter: Kevin McNeil

Science and research show how working as a team not only produces beneficial results for the victim, but it can also improve members of the Multidisciplinary Team’s health and increase the chances of winning cases in court. Detective Kevin McNeil will show why child abuse investigations are different and why they must be treated differently. He will also demonstrate why “Together is Better” when it comes to investigating sex crimes and will speak in detail about why the investigator should develop a working relationship with Child Protective Services, Child Advocacy Centers, District Attorney’s Offices, and other agencies that can assist in the child abuse investigation. By the end of this webinar, attendees will learn why the forensic interview is so essential to child abuse investigations and will be able to identify evidence that some investigators miss while observing forensic interviews (i.e., importance of anatomical drawings, child’s response when talking about incident or suspect, parents’ pre-conference interview; people, places and things child mentions during the interview).

Workshop 2

Wednesday, April 13, 2022 (9:30-11am)

“He Said, She Said, We Looked: How to Find Corroborating Evidence”

Presenter: Robert Peters, Esq.

Every child sexual abuse case has corroborating evidence, but often child protection professionals do not fully develop this critical piece. Presented by former prosecutor Robert Peters, this workshop will focus on several underutilized avenues of corroboration, with an emphasis on forensic interviews, digital evidence, social media, and maximizing corroborative evidence at trial. By the conclusion of this webinar, attendees will be able to list common repositories for corroborative digital evidence, articulate the utility of social media in child sexual abuse investigations, and describe trial tactics to maximize the value of corroborative evidence.

Workshop 3

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 (9:30-11am)

“The Psychology of Surviving: Forensic and Survivor Perspectives on Trauma and Offender Mindsets”

Presenters: Melanie Sachs & Dr. Timothy Saar

This unique presentation taught by child sexual abuse survivor Melanie Sachs and forensic psychologist Dr. Timothy Saar will provide insight into the impact of sexual crimes on the body, brain, and overall life experience of survivors. Attendees will also enter the mind of an offender on the cusp of adulthood and learn firsthand the perspective of a survivor. By the conclusion of this webinar, attendees will gain insight into the emotional trauma and experience of abuse survivors, be updated on current research regarding sexual predator psychology, and will have a better understanding of common themes articulated by sexual abuse survivors to aid in providing mental health care.

Workshop 4

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 (9:30-11am)

“Developing a Practice to Address Secondary Trauma”

Presenter: Karen Hangartner, LMSW

Most child abuse professionals know that exposure to children’s trauma affects individuals, organizations, and multidisciplinary teams. While awareness of secondary trauma has increased over the past several years, there is less clarity of practices we should have in place to mitigate the negative impacts. The idea of waiting until 5:00 pm to begin attending to our own needs may not be the best strategy. In this workshop, attendees will explore approaches to incorporate into the workday, which can lead to better understanding of how the work impacts all who engage in a high-stress, trauma-exposed workplace. Attendees will also learn how organizations can create a workplace that supports individuals in developing these protective practices.

Register here