Opening Keynote: Dr. Jessica Pryce- Strengthening Families Using a Racial Equity Lens

The recent and major events in our country have created an unprecedented sociopolitical context in which systemic racism has become a subject of mainstream public discourse. There seems to be a global awakening toward racial justice. This context requires a reckoning of how leaders understand and mitigate the problems of racism, marginalization, and injustice in our systems of care.

In this keynote, Dr. Pryce makes a compelling argument that to for leaders to change systems, they must practice looking inward. She implores leaders and community partners to identify their own personal philosophies, mindsets and values and how shifting those towards anti-racism will lead to true systemic change. She includes a discussion on evolutionary versus revolutionary efforts and offers strategies that lead to profound revolutionary change. Dr. Pryce has spent the past year interviewing courageous leaders who have been able to create positive and enduring change, and she will present on findings from key stakeholders on the best and most effective route to building an anti-racist community by sharing power and leading with compassion. Audiences consistently leave this keynote with knowledge that they can begin using right away, and with a renewed sense of connection to the nationwide movement to transform how we care for our employees and how they care for the most vulnerable.

Dr. Jessica Pryce, Assistant Professor

Track: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Professionals in child welfare are inundated with training and procedures and expectations, and rarely get focused time to apply new concepts to their work with families. In this breakout session, Dr. Pryce uses real (but anonymized) child welfare cases to bring keynote session concepts to life as participants learn to use a racial equity lens in decision making. Participants will work through case studies and interactive polling to weigh in on how they can make substantive changes to inculcate racial justice into their everyday decisions.

This session will not have a recorded component and is an in-person only session. 

Track:  The Business of Child Advocacy 

NCA first established a Memorandum of Understanding with FBI in 2015. This year, the MOU was updated and Accredited CACs are invited to sign-on. Join NCA and our partners from FBI Victim Services Division to learn all you need to know about participating in the MOU and working together with FBI Victim Services Division partners.  Opportunity for questions and discussion will be available in the live event.  

Heather Provencher, Coordinator for Services to Military Families, National Children’s Alliance, 

Martha Finnegan, Supervisory Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer, FBI Victim Services Division

Track: Advocacy and Communications

CACs are a natural fit to work with elected officials, however, many CAC leaders do not have the experience or confidence to develop these crucial relationships. Mission Kids CAC has successfully created partnerships with local representatives, state legislators, and congressional leaders, resulting in improved funding and legislation. We'll share how we successfully developed and sustain these relationships, and how all CACs can have equal success.

Abbie Newman, R.N., J.D., Chief Executive Officer, Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County

Leslie Slingsby, LSW, Executive Director, Mission Kids CAC

Track:  Chapter

Join us for a discussion of the development of an innovative forensic interview program within the country’s largest hospital-based CAC network. Learn how collaboration between the program, the State Chapter, and the WI Department of Justice evolved into a model of research-based foundational training, advanced training, formal mentorship, statewide and local peer review, and supervision.

Elizabeth Champion, Executive Director, Child Advocacy Centers of Wisconsin

Liz Ghilardi, Forensic Interview Program Supervisor, Children's WI

Track: The Business of Child Advocacy 

This workshop presentation will focus on the changes, updates, and additions to NCA’s 10 core National Standards of Accreditation for Children’s Advocacy Centers. Participants will learn why these changes and additions were made and be given ideas and examples for how they can demonstrate meeting these new requirements when they are submitting new Accreditation and Reaccreditation applications.  

Alyssa Todd, Accreditation Coordinator, National Children's Alliance

Alyson McKenzie, Director of Accreditation, National Children's Alliance

Track:  Advocacy and Communications 

Author Stephen Mills talks about his new book—CHOSEN: A Memoir of Stolen Boyhood—with Norene Roberts. CHOSEN recounts a devastating sexual assault at age 13, his painful process of recovery, and a decades-long quest to stop a serial predator and get justice. Kirkus Reviews called the book "An unforgettable memoir of sexual abuse and its lifelong consequences." The novelist Junot Díaz said: "CHOSEN is destined to be a classic because this is a book that will save lives."

For more about the book, go to: https://stephenmillsauthor.com

Read what the NYT says about the book: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/26/books/review/chosen-stephen-mills.html 

Norene Roberts, , 

Stephen Mills, , 

Track: Research & Innovative Practices 

This workshop aims to provide clinicians with resources to support their practice of evidence-based trauma interventions with children and adolescents over telehealth. Participants will gain an overview of telehealth research and guidelines, as well as suggestions and resources for working with various challenging populations (e.g., young children, children with ADHD, etc.). The presenters will also discuss guidance on how to determine if telehealth is an optimal treatment delivery for kids.

Regan Stewart, PhD, Associate Professor, Medical University of South Carolina

Paula Condol, M.S., LPCC, Executive Director, Dakota Children's Advocacy Center

Nicola Herting, Ph.D., LP, Mental Health Director, Red River Children's Advocacy Center

Track: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Corporal punishment has been decreasing annually in the United States; however, the African American community continues to practice corporal punishment at higher rates than other ethnic groups, and Black children are disproportionately suffering the deleterious effects of “whupping.” This multidisciplinary presentation offers an overview of the complex psychological, physical, emotional, and educational effects of corporal punishment on the African American community and its ties to racism, criminal justice, and poor health outcomes. Participants will explore alternative discipline strategies and resources tailored to Black communities and families, perceived barriers to decreasing rates of corporal punishment in Black families, and hopes to highlight personal experiences audience members may have encountered during their work in child maltreatment toward efficacy discussing the topics of corporal punishment, equity, and cultural compassion. 

Andrea Sebastian, DNP, SANE, DNP, University of Tennessee Le Bonheur

Lauren Burge, MD, Child Abuse Pediatrician, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Jasmyne Nelson, LMSW, LMSW, CARES Team, LeBonheur Children's Hospital, LeBonheur Children's Hospital

Karen Lakin, MD, Child Abuse Pediatrician, Assistant Professor, Dept of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

For the first time, our Annual Membership Meeting will be livestreamed from Washington to the entire NCA membership, free of charge and regardless of registration!

NCA CEO Teresa Huizar hosts the Annual Membership Meeting for the CAC movement, livestreamed for the first time to the entire membership, regardless of conference registration. During this meeting, Teresa will update the field on key priorities, successful moments, and powerful CAC stories as we look back and ahead to chart a common course toward a bold vision of a healthy future for kids. 

The in-person attendees will eat lunch from 12:30-1:15.
The live-stream will start at 1:15pm, please join 10-15 minutes early if you are a virtual attendee. 

Track: Research & Innovative Practices 

Due to COVID-19 many forensic interviewers have moved to utilizing a tele-forensic interview (tele-FI) format. This workshop will review emerging tele-FI research, practice, policy, and implications for practice beyond the pandemic.  

Crimson Barocca, Manager of Forensic Interview Research & Education

Track: Research & Innovative Practices

In this workshop, presenters will highlight elements of their custom child abuse prevention curriculum developed especially for youth-serving organizations. Using scenarios, facilitated activities, and handouts, participants will engage in discussions about environmental safety, norms around interacting with youth, strengthening organizational cultural to create and maintain healthy boundaries with youth, and how to speak up if concerned. Attendees will leave with working knowledge toward developing a culture of healthy relationships, and creating and maintaining physical & emotional safety in the youth-serving setting.

Danise Elijah, BA, Violence Prevention Community Educator

Sally Blackwood, MA, LPC, Violence Prevention Community Educator

Track: Chapter

Identify new resources, leverage current stakeholders, and utilize digital platforms to launch a successful public awareness campaign. Participants will receive a comprehensive step-by-step tool kit and examples of content/collateral will be included.  The workshop will also provide practical ways to help educate the community about child abuse. This approach makes creating and launching a public initiative and awareness campaign achievable for staff to manage while gaining new community support.

Lori Avery, BA, Chief Development Officer

Shawna Pagano, MSW, Director of Education and Community Engagement

Track: Chapter, Rural

CACs in rural communities have unique challenges and opportunities. However, at times the challenges can seem insurmountable and the opportunities just out of reach because of limited capacity. Chapters can play a unique role in bridging the gap and channeling collective energy for positive change in partnership with rural centers. This workshop will explore three Chapter/rural CAC partnerships—medical, tele-mental health, and coalition building—and include a group discussion about potential additional partnerships for change.

Brenda George, Executive Director

Emily Chittendern-Laird, Project Director

Patty Terzian, State Liaison

Heidi Reese-Anderson, Director of Program Services

Justin Wood, General Counsel, Vice President of External Relations

Track: Research & Innovative Practices

As part of a larger NIJ grant that assesses the evaluability of Project Harmony, a large CAC, focus groups, surveys, and document reviews were conducted to examine the agency’s services. Challenges and successes associated with implementing NCA's National Standards of Accreditation were identified, demonstrating the importance of procedures and tools that allow for systematic, sustainable tracking of standard adherence. Recommendations are provided on how to overcome these challenges and formally adhere to NCA's Standards.

Lynn M. Castrianno, PhD, Senior Director, Quality Improvement

Ryan E. Spohn, PhD, Director

Teresa C. Kulig, PhD, Assistant Professor

Emily M. Wright, PhD,

Track: Advocacy & Communications

Provide attendees information on child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), strategies for cross-system collaboration and trauma-informed practices to elevate survivor voices in reform efforts. Review coalition change strategies, including Enhance accessibility of specialized services for CSEC, immigrant & refugee youth, Execute youth & professional trainings to raise awareness of child trafficking & best practices, & Form Youth Survivor Advisory Board.

Alea Cummings, CVHT Program Coordinator + Lead Therapist

Kelly Sagastume, Program Manager of Project PROTECT and Child Advocate Social Worker

Track: The Business of Child Advocacy

Leadership within a multidisciplinary setting is rewarding, yet challenging at times. The NAS require a trauma-informed approach in the delivery of victims services, but less emphasis has been placed on incorporating trauma-informed care into the leadership of multi-d teams. In this session, attendees will learn what it means to be a trauma-informed leader and learn to lead and support their teams in a way that reduces secondary trauma and promotes quality, effective outcomes in each role.

Annie Myrick, MS, LCPC, Senior Program Analyst

Jennifer Redding, LCSW-C, Executive Director, Behavioral Health Services

Track: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

In this workshop, participants will explore anti-racism, racial equity, anti-Blackness, and accountability in child abuse prevention and intervention. How do we work together to ensure justice for Black families impacted by the child welfare system? We will identify how systems may perpetuate delusions of white supremacy in ways that harm Black clients and families, and identify specific actions participants can take to build anti-racism into their work.

Kheoshi Owens, Master Facilitator and CEO

Track: Advocacy & Communications 

Over the last few years, society has wrestled with stigmas surrounding sexual assault in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Statistics are abundant and calls for action are immediate, yet there is still little discussion regarding Male Victims of sexual abuse. Myths and stigmas surrounding Male Victims are still circulated as fact, resources remain scarce or unattainable, and the research presented is becoming dated. It is time to openly address the stigma and better serve this population.

Christy Prang, Training & Prevention Director

Jacob Hedden, Lead Forensic Interviewer

Track: Chapter 

"Opening oneself up to feedback and improvement" has been an informal motto for the attitude of staff at the Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois. Like most Chapters, the Illinois Chapter receives feedback in the form of emails, training surveys, and in other informal methods—but are there other and better sources of information to build toward program improvement? Participants will learn how the IL chapter launched a formal needs assessment survey, held focus groups, and learned how to harness the power of qualitative and qualitative data to deliver on the expectations of its statewide movement.

Cara Vock, Director of Programs and Member Services

Kenny Matthews, CFO

Track: Research & Innovative Practices

MDT meetings are planned, conducted, and documented in different ways throughout the country. The NCAtrak case management system provides your CAC a robust tool to manage your MDT meeting needs, and this session is all about using this feature to its fullest potential.  You will learn how to schedule meetings, create rosters of cases to be reviewed, and conduct the meeting allowing for real time documentation of outcomes.

Gary Cossaboom, NCAtrak Manager

Rhonda Wurgler, NCAtrak Application Specialist

Track: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As organizations strive to integrate equity into everything they do, everyone within the organization has an important role to play. Being successful in this space requires individuals to model inclusive behavior and empathy and lead with a lens of equity. Presenters will explore what it takes to build an inclusive team by implementing equitable processes, as well as generating and supporting organizational accountability toward building equity.

Bryan Jackson, Senior Consultant, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Rachael Forester (she/they), Senior DEI Consultant

Track: Advocacy & Communications

Educating and advocating our elected officials in Washington on CACs and the kids we serve is critical to helping them better understand the role they play in helping kids and families heal. This Hill Day prep session with NCA’s Government Affairs Department will allow participants to discuss current legislative proposals impacting CACs, and help them prepare for their upcoming meetings with their U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators.

Denise Edwards, Director of Government Affairs

Track: The Business of Child Advocacy

How prevalent is childhood trauma and how does working with traumatized populations impact professionals at the individual and organizational level? We'll look at hallmark signs of secondary traumatic stress, including a review of research, and invite audience members to brainstorm strategies for supporting staff wellness.

Elissa Dougherty, PH.D, Assistant Professor; Licensed Psychologist

Kelly Hamman, LCSW, Trauma Treatment Training Specialist

Lindsey Roberts, PH.D, Assistant Professor; Licensed Psychologist

Track: Rural 

The Child Advocacy Center of Northern New York uses two Child Advocacy Mobile Offices (CAMOs) to serve three counties, covering 5,827 square miles. We'll talk about starting a mobile program and funding options and share funny stories, aha moments, and lessons we've learned along the way.

Christine Kennedy, Director of Forensic Interviewing/Mobile Unit Coordinator

Amy Quonce, Deputy Director

Track:  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Youth rarely encounter professionals who proactively integrate client sexual health within treatment. Addressing sexual health is a key component in trauma treatments, but providers often lack the confidence and knowledge to engage in these conversations effectively. Education and training can change that. This workshop will present one CAC’s journey to increase these conversations.

Al Killen-Harvey,

Anna Schimmelpfennig, PhD, Assistant Mental Health Director

Douglas Braun Harvey,

Nicola Herting, Ph.D., LP, Mental Health Director

Track: Rural 

This presentation will provide an overview of the unique strengths and challenges in rural America and will describe how these strengths and challenges can be used and addressed to build and maintain much needed Children's Advocacy Centers in rural America.

Kathleen Belanger, Professor Emeritus

Track: Research and Innovative Practices 

Studies show that less than 20% of investigated cases of child sexual abuse move forward to prosecution, and approximately half of those result in a dismissal or acquittal. With so few cases resulting in criminal convictions, how is justice achieved for child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation? This session will discuss methods that have been demonstrated to increase criminal convictions, the concept of justice and various approaches through which justice may be realized for children.

Amy Russell, Executive Director, Arthur D. Curtis Children's Justice Center

Track: Rural 

Child sexual child is a public health issue that affects children of all ages, from infancy through adolescents. When children experience sexual abuse, they are not alone in suffering from the loss of innocence and trust; the family also experiences the adverse effects of the sexual crime. According to Child Molestation, Research and Prevention Institute, 95% of sexual abuse is preventable through education. This interactive workshop will discuss the best practices for caregivers and responsible

Jessica T. White, Chief Executive Officer

Track: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

What  factors  place LGBTQ+ youth at greater risk for maltreatment, and what barriers may these youth face following victimization and trauma? This session offers you an opportunity to examine current practices and learn practical skills to improve responses and interview techniques for sexual and gender minority survivors of violence. 

Amy Russell, MSEd, JD, NCC, Executive Director

Track: Rural 

This session offers strategies to expand MDTs and CAC services through rural community engagement, peer to peer mentoring, cultural considerations and service delivery via technology.  This session will cover expanding MDTs and CAC services with specific tools for relationship building, getting an accurate community assessment, and working constructively with respect for key partners.     

Brenda George, Executive Director

Jamie VanderLInden, LCSW, LAC, Director of Behavioral Health and Child Evaluation Center

Dana Toole, LCSW, Bureau Chief