The National Children’s Advocacy Center
Presents
The Eighth National Conference on
Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation Prevention
Imagine…A Safer World for Children
September 19 - 21, 2007
Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center
New Orleans, Louisiana
Conference Workshop Listing – July 18, 2007
Subject to change…additional workshops to be added
Cordelia Anderson, MA – Consultant – Minneapolis, MN
Countering Normalization of Sexual Harm: A Key Component in Prevention of Child
Sexual Exploitation
This workshop examines the ways sexual harm and exploitation of children have become
normalized in popular culture and a case for countering normalization as a critical component
in prevention efforts. Information will be presented on four areas that the feed the problem pornography, marketing to children, technology, and pornified mass media - as well as
strategies for prevention.
Cordelia Anderson, MA – Consultant – Minneapolis, MN
Pornography: What is Means to Our Lives & Prevention
The pornography industry is a 57 billion annual business. The pornography industry has
crossed over into mainstream pop culture. Pornography has also been a flashpoint for debate:
Is it a sexual right, freedom speech, harmless sexual outlet, career option for adult women; or
is it a feeder for a sexually violent culture and destructive sexual development? This session
will examine these questions and more. The session includes explicit examples of mainstream
pornography.
Julie Brand, MS – Consultant – Longmont, CO
The Best Kept Secret: Mother-Daughter Sexual Abuse
This workshop describes the complex mother-daughter incestuous relationship: boundary
violations, covert and overt abuse, and psychological controls. Discussion will include
intervention and prevention strategies and six key issues for therapy. The presenter is both a
counselor and the resilient survivor of maternal abuse.
Margaret Bullens – SAFENOWPROJECT – Kansas City, MO
Co-Presenters:
Kenneth Carabello, LCSW – Liberty Healthcare – Santa Monica, CA
Phyllis Shess, JD – Sex Offender Management – San Diego, CA
Increasing Awareness for Prevention through a National Mascot MOLLY MEERKAT
MOLLY MEERKAT is a newly released national child safety and protection icon designed to
teach children and parents daily prevention habits that reduce a child’s vulnerability for
victimization. Attendees will learn how best to incorporate MOLLY MEERKAT in their
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jurisdiction through community collaborations with law enforcement, community corrections
and Neighborhood Watch groups.
Deborah Callins, MEd – National Children's Advocacy Center – Huntsville, AL
Co-Presenter: Amy Shadion, PhD – Social Metrics, Inc. – Huntsville, AL
Integrating Prevention into Your CAC
This workshop will discuss the need for child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention efforts
to be part of your CAC’s strategy. Everyone will leave the workshop with tasks they can easily
do to promote collaborative prevention efforts at community and national levels. Results from
a national prevention survey of CACs will be shared.
Sharon Cooper, MD – Developmental & Forensic Pediatrics, PA – Chapel Hill, NC
Opening Keynote Address: Threat Level Orange – Child Sexual Exploitation
The 21st century has brought wonderful technological advances and almost instantaneous
access to information. The “printing press” of this century is the Internet. As is the case in all
advances, there is a dark side. This presentation will provide the landscape of technology and
the land mines that have already been found to be threats to the safety and well being of
children and youth. Online grooming, exploitation as extortion, web based child marketing for
commercial sexual exploitation, the differences in victim impact when exploitation is part of
sexual abuse, web sexual addiction in adults and youths and compliant victimization will be
some of the key highlighted components that have brought us to threat level orange.
Recommendations for prevention strategies are some of the most important take home
messages to assure a safe childhood.
Geraldine Crisci, MSW – Consultant – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sexualized Behavior Problems in Prepubescent Children – When is Clinical
Intervention Necessary?
This workshop will address the confusing issues surrounding sexualized behavior presented
by the pre-school and school aged child. Discussion will include the influence of culture and
media on “acceptable” behavior. Criteria will be outlined to assist in determining the necessity
of clinical intervention. The role of parents, educators, health care personnel and mental
health practitioners in identifying problems will be defined.
Geraldine Crisci, MSW – Consultant – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Effects of Early Trauma on Child Development
Trauma takes many forms in the early development of children. The impact of attachment
disruption, chaotic, unpredictable and violent environments as well as specific events will be
the focus of this workshop. The workshop will include practical methods of treatment through
lecture, individual exercises and small group discussions. Implications for assessment and
treatment planning will be outlined.
Amy Dickson, PsyD – Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans, LA
Co-presenter: Michele Many, LCSW – Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center –
New Orleans, LA
The Orleans Parish Infant Team: Working with Children 0-5 years old and their Families
in the Foster Care and Dependency Court System
This workshop will describe the collaboration between Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, Child
Protection, and the LSU Orleans Parish Infant Team. The Infant Team is a multidisciplinary
team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers trained in Infant Mental Health which
provides assessment, recommendations and treatment to children, aged 0-5 in foster care,
and their caregivers. The focus will be the promotion of collaborations between Infant Mental
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Health clinicians, the Child Welfare system, and the Juvenile Court system. Presenters will
provide results from ongoing research on the efficacy of this collaboration.
Robert Emerick, MEd – Silent Injuries – Sedona, AZ
Silent Injuries…Inoculating Benefits to Child Sexual Abuse Pre-Case Assignment
Training
Participants will learn the health benefits and limitations to providing specific child sexual
abuse training to professionals before assigning casework responsibilities. Potentially
problematic Child Sexual Abuse attitudes requiring pre-case assignment training are
identified.
Whitney Gabriel, JD – Child Molestation Research & Prevention Institute – Oakland, CA
Co-presenter: Nora Harlow, MFA - Child Molestation Research & Prevention Institute –
Atlanta, GA
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: A Model for Nationwide Protection
Preliminary results from nationwide research on 3,000 survivors, 13,000 adult abusers, and
12,000 children suggest the possibility that nearly all child sexual abuse can be prevented.
Using these findings, the presenters will present a three step plan, with a focus on early
diagnosis and sex-specific treatment, to drastically reduce the number of children who are
sexually abused.
Whitney Gabriel, JD – Child Molestation Research & Prevention Institute – Oakland, CA
Co-presenter: Nora Harlow, MFA - Child Molestation Research & Prevention Institute –
Atlanta, GA
Reducing the Risk of Sexually Abusive Behavior Among Sexually Abused Children
This presentation will examine preliminary results from a national study of 12,000 children
evaluated for sexual behavior problems. The main focus will be on sexually abused children,
particularly boys. The presenters will identify factors in a child’s abuse that increase his risk of
becoming a future abuser. Three points of intervention that professionals in the field can take
to interrupt the abused/abuser syndrome will be highlighted.
Jim Holler – Liberty Township Police Department – Fairfield, PA
Home Visitors – Making a Case for Safety
Each day in the United States, thousands of social workers make home visits. This workshop
will address safety concerns from the law enforcement perspective, providing the social
service worker with important safety related information that they can utilize each time they
make a home visit on their own. The workshop will provide ways to identify potentially harmful
conditions and how to defuse volatile situations when encountered.
Jim Holler – Liberty Township Police Department – Fairfield, PA
How do Child Molesters Sexually Exploit our Children?
This workshop will define the difference between sexual exploitation and sexual abuse cases
involving children. The “Seduction Process” that a molester uses in seducing a child and the
offender-victim bonds that may exist between a child and the molester will be discussed.
Attendees will also learn the difference between a “situational” and “preferential” child
molester.
Beth Jackson – National Children's Advocacy Center – Huntsville, AL
IM’ing, MySpace, Predators and More: Community Based Training for Internet Safety
This workshop will provide an overview of a community based training that was developed on
Internet Safety. Attendees will learn about the potential dangers youth face when online and
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will be provided with tips on how parents and caretakers can help keep children safe online.
Free Internet safety resources that are available will also be discussed.
Denise Jenkins – CARE House – Dayton, OH
Have a Plan – Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) Prevention
“I Have a Plan” is a Shaken Baby Syndrome primary prevention curriculum developed for
target audiences as well as professionals. Attendees will learn facts surrounding SBS and will
have the opportunity to develop a 3 part plan to be used when infants and young children
cannot stop crying.
Linda Johnson – Prevent Child Abuse Vermont – Montpelier, VT
Co-presenter: Kathleen Landry – Prevent Child Abuse Vermont – Montpelier, VT
Sexual Abuse Prevention in Middle School Populations
For over 15 years, Prevent Child Abuse Vermont has been cultivating innovative, researchbased programming for middle school students and their parents that addresses sexual abuse
prevention. This workshop will look at the developmental needs of this population for victim
and victimizer prevention programming as well as strategies for implementing in an overly
encumbered educational system. SAFE-T, or Sexual Abuse Free Environment for Teens, will
be discussed thoroughly.
Linda Johnson – Prevent Child Abuse Vermont – Montpelier, VT
Co-presenter: Courtney Gandee – Prevent Child Abuse Vermont – Montpelier, VT
More than a Pre/Post: Measuring your Prevention Program’s Effectiveness without a
PhD
This workshop will explore research-based recommendations for best practice in child sexual
abuse prevention programming and offer simple, comprehensive evaluation strategies, both
short and long-term. An ongoing in-house evaluation fo the Care for Kids program conducted
at Prevent Child Abuse Vermont will be highlighted as a case study, and attendees will
receive samples of data collection instruments.
Keith Kaufman, PhD – Portland State University – Portland, OR
Do or Die: Adopting an Evidence-Based Program Evaluation and Development
Approach to Enhance Program Funding and Success
Funding sources are requiring agencies to demonstrate their violence prevention and
treatment programs are evidence-based. This presentation will describe the elements of an
evidence-based program evaluation and development approach, provide specific examples of
its application, and discuss how such an approach can be used to improve outcomes and
increase funding potential.
Keith Kaufman, PhD – Portland State University – Portland, OR
What Sexual Offenders Tell Us About Planning Prevention Efforts
Sexual abuse prevention efforts have been sharply criticized in the past for their lack of
attention to adult and juvenile offenders’ patterns of perpetration or “modus operandi” as a
foundation for program planning. Moreover, concerns have been expressed about the generic
nature of programming in this area. This presentation will review important findings from a
series of federally funded research projects reflecting data from more than 2000 adult and
juvenile sexual offenders. Video tape illustrations will be used to highlight key points. Findings
will be linked to prevention planning considerations.
Alissa Lukara – Life Changes – Ashland, OR
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What I Wish the Adults in My Life Had Known to Do to Prevent Abuse: A Survivor's Gift
of Hindsight
This workshop offers what the presenter learned firsthand in her healing process as an adult
that might have prevented the abuse as a child. Topics include: saying “no more” to break the
silence and cycle of abuse; listening to instincts and helping young people to trust theirs;
affirming children’s feelings and the healing power of returning the burden of responsibility of
abuse.
Michelle Marty, MS – National Children's Advocacy Center – Huntsville, AL
Child Sexual Abuse 101
This workshop will provide an introduction to the harsh realities of child sexual abuse,
including the dynamics of abuse, behavioral indicators, the process of disclosure, and the
difficulties involved in investigating and prosecuting those who abuse children..
Joy Smith McElveen, DSW, LCSW – Southern University at New Orleans School of Social
Work – New Orleans, LA
Co-Presenter: Cheryl Mills, PhD, MSW – University of Georgia School of Social Work –
Athens, GA
Online Enticement of Youth: What Can Social Workers and Parents Do?
This workshop offers information on the characteristics of online enticement, current
terminology, and developmental specific strategies for social workers and parents working
with youth at risk for online victimization.
Mary Migliaro, M.Ed. – Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc.– Canton, GA
“Who Takes Care of Me?” Caring for the Caregiver in All of Us
Working in the field of child abuse prevention is stressful and emotionally draining work.
Participants of this extremely informative and relaxing workshop will experience stress
reduction techniques they can use immediately to take better care of themselves.
Mary Migliaro, M.Ed. – Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc.– Canton, GA
Building resiliency in Children: The Magic Ingredient for a Successful Prevention
Program
Increasing resiliency in children and youth can help to reduce or minimize their risk factors.
Resiliency skills coupled with information from a prevention program provides children with the
magic ingredient to assist them in avoiding risky behaviors or situations.
Peter Pollard – Stop It Now! – Northampton, MA
Shifting the Focus: Preventing Sexual Abuse of Children Before There’s a Child Victim
to Heal or an Offender to Punish
Participants will have an opportunity to consider a hopeful, positive approach to preventing
sexual abuse of children. By focusing on non-sexual behaviors that violate trust and personal
boundaries, participants will learn actions to take long before a child is harmed.
Laura Reyka, RN, CCE – Gettysburg Hospital, Gettysburg, PA
Self Esteem and the Advertising Media
Participants will observe how the media influences the way youth perceive themselves as well
as others. Sexuality, body image, self esteem, cigarette and alcohol ads, along with the
different portrayal of men and women in the media will be discussed.
Tiffany Sawyer – Georgia Center for Children – Decatur, GA
Steward of Children: Adults Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse
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Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children is a sexual abuse prevention training program that
educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The
program teaches adult responsibility. The training uses an interactive video, workbook and
discussion.
Amy Shadoin, PhD – Social Metrics, Inc. – Huntsville, AL
Public Perception of the Relative Economic Value of Child Maltreatment Prevention
Programs
One means of gauging the public perception of the social benefits derived from child abuse
prevention programs is to use contingent valuation methods to determine taxpayer
willingness-to-pay (WTP) for making prevention programs available in the communities. This
workshop highlights the results of a WTP survey that addresses how much money a random
sample of taxpayers were willing to spend for programs to prevent child sexual abuse, child
physical abuse and child fatalities due to abuse. Results of the survey will be discussed with
an emphasis on the implications for public health education, prevention programming,
marketing, funding, and advocating for prevention programs.
Carla Snodgrass, MPA – Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee – Nashville, TN
Co-Presenter: Jeanne Brooks, MA, MS – Tennessee Children’s Trust Fund – Nashville, TN
Keeping Kids Safe, Partnering with Parents, Communities and Professionals to Prevent
Sexual Abuse
This workshop will increase awareness of the sexual development of children and help
attendees to better understand the role that parents and communities play in protecting
children from sexual abuse. Attendees will develop insight into the actions and behaviors of
sexual abuse perpetrators and their victims. Tips on how to communicate with parents and
communities about their important role in keeping kds safe will also be provided.
Pat Stanislaski – Office of Early Childhood Services – Trenton, NJ
“Why Some Bounce Back and Some Never Do” – Resilience in Children Who
Experience Childhood Abuse
Children all over the world are exposed to trauma on a daily basis. This workshop will
examine the phenomenon of resilience as it applies to survivors of childhood trauma –
specifically child abuse and neglect. Attendees will examine sources of resilience in children,
responses and conditions that foster resilience and the relationship between protective factors
and resilient children. Suggestions will also be offered for what parents and caregivers can do
to promote resilience in their children.
Pat Stanislaski – Office of Early Childhood Services – Trenton, NJ
“Animal Magnetism – What Draws So Many To Abuse Them”?
This workshop examines the most recent data on the connection between child abuse,
neglect, and the abuse of animals. It stresses the importance of animal cruelty as a potential
indicator of future aggressive behavior towards humans. The connection between those that
abuse animals and those who subsequently abuse other adults and children will be discussed.
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