WORKSHOPS
Keynote- Rediscovering The Beauty Within presented by Sasha Neurlinger, Voice for the Kids
“Rediscovering The Beauty Within” is an autobiographical story about Sasha Joseph Neurlinger’s journey surviving multigenerational child sexual abuse. In this presentation, Sasha utilizes photos, childhood drawings, home video and archival news footage as immersive aids to invite the audience on his journey from child victim to adult survivor. Covering the abuse, family dynamics, childhood therapy, the prosecution process, and how he got to where he currently is today, “Rediscovering The Beauty Within” is as educational as it is inspirational.
Workshop 1A- Child Sexual Abuse: The Perpetrators Perspective presented by Dr. Graham Hill
This presentation aims to dispel some of the common myths that surround the behaviour of those that sexually abuse children. It uses a conceptual model to describe how perpetrators develop and maintain their deviant sexual arousal to children.
Learning Outcomes:
Attendees will be made aware of the importance of improving their understanding of perpetrator behaviour and the impact this can have on their working practices and decision-making.
*This workshop has been approved for 1.5 CEU credits.
Workshop 1B- 2020 Legislation and Impacts On The MDT, panel discussion
Workshop 2A- Child Sexual Abuse: Conducting Meaningful Interviews with Male Perpetrators presented by Dr. Graham Hill
Interviewing or conducting face to face meetings with those convicted or suspected of sexually abusing children is a skill that professionals need to acquire and continually practice if they want to work effectively with this client group.
Learning Outcomes:
Attendees will be made aware of the main presentation styles perpetrators adopt during interview and informal face to face meetings with professionals and some of the effective techniques that can be used when working with this client group.
*This workshop has been approved for 1.5 CEU credits.
Workshop 2B- Understanding Trauma and Trauma Bonds When Working With Survivors of Human Trafficking presented by Tanisha Knighton
For victims of human trafficking the ability to “just leave” is easier said than done. This workshop will explore why the ability to leave may be difficult for victims by examining the different types of trauma, the effect trauma has on the brain, and the impact trauma bonds may play on the victim.
Workshop 3A- Child Sexual Abuse: Perpetrator in a Position of Trust presented by Dr. Graham Hill
The presentation aims to explore the key characteristics of both men and woman that use their position to manipulation victims and others to facilitate their sexual abuse and remain in positions of trust.
Learning Outcomes:
Attendees will be made aware of how perpetrators foster perceptions and manipulate the environment in which they work. It also highlights the pivotal role professional/personal curiosity has in safeguarding children.
*This workshop has been approved for 1.5 CEU credits.
Workshop 3B- Cr8vty N Groups presented by Tanisha Knighton
During this training, participants will explore negative stereotypes associated with juvenile sexual offenders (JSOs) and ways of decreasing them, the differences between “traditional” interventions and those interventions specifically geared towards JSOs, and increase their awareness of effective treatment interventions for JSOs by examining the pros and cons of individual, group, and family therapies. The workshop will explore a variety of creative interventions to address common treatment interventions and how to document group activities. Finally, workshop participants will explore vicarious trauma and the impact working with JSOs can have on them.
*This workshop has been approved for 1.5 CEU credits.
Workshop 4A- Should It Hurt to be Me? presented by Tanisha Knighton
LGBTQ+ youth experience trauma at higher rates than their same age non-LGBTQ+ peers. These traumas include a variety of both structural and interpersonal traumas which can include; bullying, intimate partner violence, physical/sexual abuse, as well as societal stigma, bias and rejection. Professionals often times fail to recognize and meet the needs of traumatized LGBTQ+ youth which can result in poor engagement, ineffective treatment and in some cases, the perpetuation of the youth’s traumatic experiences. To ensure that LGBTQ+ youth receive the care they deserve, professionals need to create safe spaces and familiarize themselves with the issues facing traumatized LGBTQ youth.
*This workshop has been approved for 1.5 CEU credits.
Workshop 4B- The Realities of Human Trafficking in NYS presented by Tara Hughes
This workshop will educate participants in human trafficking, beginning with a brief overview of the basics of human trafficking, then will present information about how human trafficking has been seen documented in New York State, as well as how NYS is working with survivors and their families. Specific focus will be on how to navigate the complexities of collaborating on multi-disciplinary teams with members who have diverse goals. Suggestions will be made for building effective teams which allow survivors to access resources regardless of how they enter “the system.”
*This workshop has been approved for 1.5 CEU credits.
Workshop 5A- Case Study: If I Could Only be a Pimp for a Day … or a Weekend presented by Aaron Mango and Michael Hockwater
This case study will detail the investigation and federal prosecution of Robert Pritchett, a resident of Buffalo, New York, who utilized various social media applications to entice and coerce several minor females into creating child pornography and engaging in sexual conduct with him. Ultimately, it was the defendant’s conduct of sex trafficking a minor from New Jersey that led to the defendant’s federal plea and sentencing. The case study will also highlight the investigative steps used to identify the defendant, the arrest of the defendant during which he attempted to inflict harm upon himself, and the emotional toll of the defendant’s conduct on the victims.
Workshop 5B- Navigating the Crossroads: Opioid Use and Human Trafficking presented by Tara Hughes
In this session, participants will learn a working definition of human trafficking which will allow them to appropriately identify potential victims. Additionally, participants will be able to identify potential victims of human trafficking, where opioid use and addiction is used as a method of coercion. The session will also cover how opioid use and human trafficking intersect, regardless of which came first.
*This workshop has been approved for 1.5 CEU credits.
Plenary- Put Your Oxygen Mask On First: Practicing Self-Care When Faced With Compassion Fatigue presented by Tanisha Knighton
For those working in the helping professions, compassion fatigue is as common as “turbulence” during a windy flight. In order to address this turbulence, one must develop self-care strategies, and warning systems to let them know they are moving into the caution zone and the oxygen masks will soon deploy. Prevention and self-care can best happen when professionals are able to distinguish between and identify personal and professional vulnerabilities. This interactive workshop will help professionals renew their passion and commitment to the field and their work.
*This workshop has been approved for 1.5 CEU credits.
Workshop 6A- Sex Trafficking Challenge and Change presented by John Cleere, Seneca County Undersheriff
“Sex Trafficking Challenge and Change” is a case review of a Multi County Sex Trafficking case that started in December of 2005 and continued for 20 months. We will discuss the successes and failures of this case reducing them to salient learning points that can be used as an aid for future investigations and developing investigation and victim support methodology.
Workshop 6B- Pre-teen Sexual Abuse presented by Dr. Elizabeth Murray
