We asked team members to describe the team process with one word.
2019 MDT Case Review Schedule
Unless otherwise posted, case review meetings begin at 9 a.m in the Ecclesia Room at Wilkesboro United Methodist Church
Friday, January 18
Friday, February 15
Friday, March 15
Friday, April 19
Friday, May 10, 1901 West Park Dr., N. Wilkesboro as part of the Spring 2019 MDT Retreat
Friday, June 21
Friday, July 19
Friday, August 16
Friday, September 20
Friday, October 18
Friday, November 15
Friday, December 20
Friday, January 18
Friday, February 15
Friday, March 15
Friday, April 19
Friday, May 10, 1901 West Park Dr., N. Wilkesboro as part of the Spring 2019 MDT Retreat
Friday, June 21
Friday, July 19
Friday, August 16
Friday, September 20
Friday, October 18
Friday, November 15
Friday, December 20
Training Opportunities
Upcoming Training Events
All the Children's Voices
Raleigh, NC
September 4-6, 2019
Children with disabilities or developmental delays are over three times more likely to be the victims of abuse than children without a disability. Too often, the special needs and challenges associated with these children lead criminal justice professionals and their allies to discount them as credible witnesses and their cases go uninvestigated or unprosecuted.
This multi-disciplinary training will teach skills and best practices for working with these children in the investigative and court process. Participants will learn about mental, physical and emotional disabilities, and discover resources available to assist with cases involving a child with these needs. Presenter is Dr. Scott Modell, an international expert on working with child victims who have disabilities,
Open to prosecutors, law enforcement and other allied professionals. Presented by the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys.
25th Annual Reflections Symposium on Child Abuse and Neglect
Lake Junaluska, NC
September 24-26, 2019
The 25th Annual “Reflections” Symposium on Child Abuse & Neglect offers a multidisciplinary training opportunity for professionals dealing with child abuse. Geared for professionals involved within a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) as part of the children’s advocacy center (CAC) model, this training allows for discipline-specific and/or cross-training of professionals in the investigation, evaluation, treatment and prosecution of child maltreatment cases.
The symposium is appropriate for new and experienced law enforcement officers, DSS/CPS workers, prosecutors, medical professionals, mental health professionals (including psychologists and social workers), guardian ad litem advocates, case managers, juvenile justice workers, child advocacy professionals and victim service providers serving child victims
Online registration opens July 1, 2019.
MDT Brochure
MDT Workshop Descriptions
MDT Presenter Bios
Upcoming Free Webinars
The Racket About Rickets: Confronting the Metabolic Bone Disease Defense at Trial
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, 3-4:30 p.m.
Presenters are Edward Chase and Dr. Verena Brown. Presented by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
How Do I Know You're Not Lying: Gender Bias and Sexual Assault Response
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, 3-4:30 p.m.
Too often, sexual assault disclosures are viewed as "false until proven true." In this webinar, the presenters will explore the phenomenon of gender bias, both explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious), and the resulting stereotypes and attitudes that can influence the professional response to, and investigation of, sexual assault. The presenters will begin by introducing the concept of implicit bias, and then address key questions about gender bias in particular that can disadvantage (or advantage) either the victim or suspect. The presenters will also describe the critical role gender bias plays in the designation of false reports in cases of sexual assault and will consider the intersection of gender bias and victim recantations.
Presenters are Jerald Monahan, Chief of Police, Prescott, AZ and Wendy Patrick, Deputy District Attorney, San Diego, CA. Presented by EVAWI (End Violence Against Women International).
Dear Stop It Now Helpline: I'm Afraid My Brother Is Grooming a Child
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, 2-3 p.m.
This webinar will share stories and concerns from Helpline callers who are worried that someone they love is sexually abusing a child. We’ll take a deeper dive into warning signs in adult’s behaviors, building the audience’s confidence so they can identify when an adult’s behaviors are crossing boundaries and are not safe. We’ll discuss resources and services to support adults with problematic and abusive sexual behaviors, and focus on building skills to have a conversation with an adult whose behaviors are a warning sign or even abusive.
Presented by Stop It Now! Stop It Now! prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed.
Stop It Now! webinars are available for a voluntary fee of $10.00. No one will be turned away for inability to pay.
What Do You Do With Evidence?
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
Participants will build knowledge regarding the proper recognition, handling and preservation of evidence.The webinar will help investigators such as CPS staff learn how to handle evidence when law enforcement is not involved. Presenters will outline the "do's" and "do not's" of handling evidence, chain of custody, how to properly store evidence and the importance of documentation. They will also discuss the importance of courtroom testimony.
Webinar is appropriate for all disciplines of the multidisciplinary team. Presenters are Det. Pauline Renick, Bellingham, WA Police Department and Julia Jurena, retired director, Child Protective Services, Broom County (NY) Department of Social Services. Presented by the National Criminal Justice Training Center.
Why Can't I Think My Way Out of This?
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
This webinar will address how trauma responses, protective during traumatic experience, change our brain function and physiology in ways that are not subject to our voluntary control. It will explain how those changes can result in negative impacts to our functioning, thinking, relationships and work if they are not addressed. Skills for addressing trauma responses will be presented.
Presented by SHIFT Wellness and the National Training and Assistance Center.
Safety Planning for Victims of Child Abuse
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
Participants will build knowledge regarding the use of and development of safety plans for victims of child abuse including physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect. Presenters will identify the key elements to consider when contemplating or developing a safety plan, and cover what it means to make a safety plan, who can make a safety plan, who should be a part of the safety plan, and what, if any, documentation is needed to put a safety plan in place.
Webinar is appropriate for all disciplines of the multidisciplinary team. Presenter is Julia Jurena, retired director, Child Protective Services, Broom County (NY) Department of Social Services. Presented by the National Criminal Justice Training Center.
Child Sexual and Physical Abuse Investigations in Today's Law Enforcement Climate
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
This webinar will give participants a greater understanding of the intricacies of modern child sexual/physical abuse investigations. The course will explain some of the challenges law enforcement faces today given various social movements and some negative publicity in the media. The goal is to give the consumer a greater understanding of how these investigations unfold and an understanding of both positives and negatives when presenting cases for charging.
Instructor is Sgt. Eric Skog MA, an investigator with the sex crimes unit of the St. Paul, MN Police Department. Presented by the Midwest Regional CAC.
Medical Evaluation of Child Sexual Abuse: Why Can't We Be More Like CSI?
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
In this webinar, a child abuse pediatrician will present an overview of the medical evaluation for suspected sexual abuse. Examples of the different roles between physician and nurse providers will be outlined stressing the necessity of specialized training regardless of degree and the importance of participating in ongoing education and case review for quality assurance. Salient features of how the exam is performed, findings interpreted, and when/how collection of DNA/laboratory specimens are collected. Specific attention will be paid to why most children who have been sexually abused will have “normal” exams and why that typically does not discount or rule out a child’s disclosure of sexual assault/abuse. Content will be appropriate for both medical and non-medical child abuse professionals.
Instructor is Karen Farst, MD, MPH, a child abuse pediatrician with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Center for Children at Risk and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Presented by the Midwest Regional CAC.
Trauma and Brain Science: Why Is My Work Following Me Around?
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; registration not yet available
This webinar will address how brain science explains the longer-term effects of trauma and how it impacts us in various aspects of our lives. It will teach participants how to identify trauma responses as opposed to other problems. It will provide skills to address specific impacts related to how trauma effects our work, our ability to focus, our ability to get regular, restful sleep, and our relationships. It will offer options for seeking support or assistance when individual skills practice is not enough.
Presented by SHIFT Wellness and the National Training and Assistance Center.
Understanding the Darknet
Thursday, November 7, 2-3:30 p.m.
As the internet continues to evolve, new layers populate where offenders commit criminal offenses. One such area is known as the Dark Net. Participants will learn how the Darknet works and how potential criminal activity is facilitated on the Darknet.
Instructor is Justin Fitzsimmons JD. He is a former prosecutor of child abuse cases. He currently is program manager of the High Tech Training Services group of SEARCH, Inc. Presented by the Midwest Regional CAC.
Chaplains and CACs: Effective Collaborations to Address the Spiritual Impact of Abuse
Thursday, December 5, 2-3:30 p.m.
Dozens of studies have found that abused and neglected children are often impacted spiritually and that addressing these spiritual injuries can have a profound impact on the medical and mental health of a child. The Julie Valentine Center in Greenville, South Carolina is the first CAC to hire a chaplain as a victim assistance specialist. This workshop will address the research that supports this work, how a CAC can incorporate a chaplaincy program, and lessons learned from JVC's first year of implementation.
Instructors are Shauna Galloway-Williams, Executive Director of Julie Valentine Center, and Carrie Walker Nettles, MDiv, the first staff chaplain serving a child advocacy center. Presented by the Midwest Regional CAC.
All the Children's Voices
Raleigh, NC
September 4-6, 2019
Children with disabilities or developmental delays are over three times more likely to be the victims of abuse than children without a disability. Too often, the special needs and challenges associated with these children lead criminal justice professionals and their allies to discount them as credible witnesses and their cases go uninvestigated or unprosecuted.
This multi-disciplinary training will teach skills and best practices for working with these children in the investigative and court process. Participants will learn about mental, physical and emotional disabilities, and discover resources available to assist with cases involving a child with these needs. Presenter is Dr. Scott Modell, an international expert on working with child victims who have disabilities,
Open to prosecutors, law enforcement and other allied professionals. Presented by the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys.
25th Annual Reflections Symposium on Child Abuse and Neglect
Lake Junaluska, NC
September 24-26, 2019
The 25th Annual “Reflections” Symposium on Child Abuse & Neglect offers a multidisciplinary training opportunity for professionals dealing with child abuse. Geared for professionals involved within a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) as part of the children’s advocacy center (CAC) model, this training allows for discipline-specific and/or cross-training of professionals in the investigation, evaluation, treatment and prosecution of child maltreatment cases.
The symposium is appropriate for new and experienced law enforcement officers, DSS/CPS workers, prosecutors, medical professionals, mental health professionals (including psychologists and social workers), guardian ad litem advocates, case managers, juvenile justice workers, child advocacy professionals and victim service providers serving child victims
Online registration opens July 1, 2019.
MDT Brochure
MDT Workshop Descriptions
MDT Presenter Bios
Upcoming Free Webinars
The Racket About Rickets: Confronting the Metabolic Bone Disease Defense at Trial
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, 3-4:30 p.m.
Presenters are Edward Chase and Dr. Verena Brown. Presented by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
How Do I Know You're Not Lying: Gender Bias and Sexual Assault Response
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, 3-4:30 p.m.
Too often, sexual assault disclosures are viewed as "false until proven true." In this webinar, the presenters will explore the phenomenon of gender bias, both explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious), and the resulting stereotypes and attitudes that can influence the professional response to, and investigation of, sexual assault. The presenters will begin by introducing the concept of implicit bias, and then address key questions about gender bias in particular that can disadvantage (or advantage) either the victim or suspect. The presenters will also describe the critical role gender bias plays in the designation of false reports in cases of sexual assault and will consider the intersection of gender bias and victim recantations.
Presenters are Jerald Monahan, Chief of Police, Prescott, AZ and Wendy Patrick, Deputy District Attorney, San Diego, CA. Presented by EVAWI (End Violence Against Women International).
Dear Stop It Now Helpline: I'm Afraid My Brother Is Grooming a Child
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, 2-3 p.m.
This webinar will share stories and concerns from Helpline callers who are worried that someone they love is sexually abusing a child. We’ll take a deeper dive into warning signs in adult’s behaviors, building the audience’s confidence so they can identify when an adult’s behaviors are crossing boundaries and are not safe. We’ll discuss resources and services to support adults with problematic and abusive sexual behaviors, and focus on building skills to have a conversation with an adult whose behaviors are a warning sign or even abusive.
Presented by Stop It Now! Stop It Now! prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed.
Stop It Now! webinars are available for a voluntary fee of $10.00. No one will be turned away for inability to pay.
What Do You Do With Evidence?
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
Participants will build knowledge regarding the proper recognition, handling and preservation of evidence.The webinar will help investigators such as CPS staff learn how to handle evidence when law enforcement is not involved. Presenters will outline the "do's" and "do not's" of handling evidence, chain of custody, how to properly store evidence and the importance of documentation. They will also discuss the importance of courtroom testimony.
Webinar is appropriate for all disciplines of the multidisciplinary team. Presenters are Det. Pauline Renick, Bellingham, WA Police Department and Julia Jurena, retired director, Child Protective Services, Broom County (NY) Department of Social Services. Presented by the National Criminal Justice Training Center.
Why Can't I Think My Way Out of This?
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
This webinar will address how trauma responses, protective during traumatic experience, change our brain function and physiology in ways that are not subject to our voluntary control. It will explain how those changes can result in negative impacts to our functioning, thinking, relationships and work if they are not addressed. Skills for addressing trauma responses will be presented.
Presented by SHIFT Wellness and the National Training and Assistance Center.
Safety Planning for Victims of Child Abuse
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
Participants will build knowledge regarding the use of and development of safety plans for victims of child abuse including physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect. Presenters will identify the key elements to consider when contemplating or developing a safety plan, and cover what it means to make a safety plan, who can make a safety plan, who should be a part of the safety plan, and what, if any, documentation is needed to put a safety plan in place.
Webinar is appropriate for all disciplines of the multidisciplinary team. Presenter is Julia Jurena, retired director, Child Protective Services, Broom County (NY) Department of Social Services. Presented by the National Criminal Justice Training Center.
Child Sexual and Physical Abuse Investigations in Today's Law Enforcement Climate
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
This webinar will give participants a greater understanding of the intricacies of modern child sexual/physical abuse investigations. The course will explain some of the challenges law enforcement faces today given various social movements and some negative publicity in the media. The goal is to give the consumer a greater understanding of how these investigations unfold and an understanding of both positives and negatives when presenting cases for charging.
Instructor is Sgt. Eric Skog MA, an investigator with the sex crimes unit of the St. Paul, MN Police Department. Presented by the Midwest Regional CAC.
Medical Evaluation of Child Sexual Abuse: Why Can't We Be More Like CSI?
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m.
In this webinar, a child abuse pediatrician will present an overview of the medical evaluation for suspected sexual abuse. Examples of the different roles between physician and nurse providers will be outlined stressing the necessity of specialized training regardless of degree and the importance of participating in ongoing education and case review for quality assurance. Salient features of how the exam is performed, findings interpreted, and when/how collection of DNA/laboratory specimens are collected. Specific attention will be paid to why most children who have been sexually abused will have “normal” exams and why that typically does not discount or rule out a child’s disclosure of sexual assault/abuse. Content will be appropriate for both medical and non-medical child abuse professionals.
Instructor is Karen Farst, MD, MPH, a child abuse pediatrician with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Center for Children at Risk and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Presented by the Midwest Regional CAC.
Trauma and Brain Science: Why Is My Work Following Me Around?
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; registration not yet available
This webinar will address how brain science explains the longer-term effects of trauma and how it impacts us in various aspects of our lives. It will teach participants how to identify trauma responses as opposed to other problems. It will provide skills to address specific impacts related to how trauma effects our work, our ability to focus, our ability to get regular, restful sleep, and our relationships. It will offer options for seeking support or assistance when individual skills practice is not enough.
Presented by SHIFT Wellness and the National Training and Assistance Center.
Understanding the Darknet
Thursday, November 7, 2-3:30 p.m.
As the internet continues to evolve, new layers populate where offenders commit criminal offenses. One such area is known as the Dark Net. Participants will learn how the Darknet works and how potential criminal activity is facilitated on the Darknet.
Instructor is Justin Fitzsimmons JD. He is a former prosecutor of child abuse cases. He currently is program manager of the High Tech Training Services group of SEARCH, Inc. Presented by the Midwest Regional CAC.
Chaplains and CACs: Effective Collaborations to Address the Spiritual Impact of Abuse
Thursday, December 5, 2-3:30 p.m.
Dozens of studies have found that abused and neglected children are often impacted spiritually and that addressing these spiritual injuries can have a profound impact on the medical and mental health of a child. The Julie Valentine Center in Greenville, South Carolina is the first CAC to hire a chaplain as a victim assistance specialist. This workshop will address the research that supports this work, how a CAC can incorporate a chaplaincy program, and lessons learned from JVC's first year of implementation.
Instructors are Shauna Galloway-Williams, Executive Director of Julie Valentine Center, and Carrie Walker Nettles, MDiv, the first staff chaplain serving a child advocacy center. Presented by the Midwest Regional CAC.
On-Demand Trainings
Child Victim Web
Free training modules on child trauma by the Medical University of South Carolina. Earn credits while sharpening your skills!
Addressing Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors
Fact sheets and a two-hour on-demand video training
Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview: A Trauma-Informed Experience
Two archived webinars on best practices for interviewing trauma survivors, child or adult
The Neurobiology of Trauma
Archived webinar by psychologist Rebecca Campbell on how trauma affects memory formation
First Responder Contact in a Child Abuse Investigation
Social worker Julie Kenniston and law enforcement officer Jim Holler discuss what to do and not do when on the scene with a child abuse victim.
The Neurochemistry of Trauma and Evidence-Based Models of Recovery
Free archived webinar
What Is My Next Question? Improving Question Frameworks in Child Interviews
Archived webinar by RADAR's Scott Snider
Ending Child Sexual Abuse: Prevention Through Understanding and Addressing Sexual Behavior of Children
Archived webinar
Teaching Children About Consent
Archived webinar
It Really Is "Normal to be Normal" in Child Sexual Abuse
Archived webinar by Karen Farst MD discusses why physical and laboratory findings are often absent in cases of child sexual abuse.
TF-CBT Web
New and improved online training course on Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for mental health professionals. Course includes new training videos and downloads.
On-Demand Training Catalogs
On-Demand Training from National Criminal Justice Training Center
Midwest Regional CAC Archived and Upcoming Webinars
National CAC Archived Webinars
EVAWI (End Violence Against Women International) Archived Webinars
Recommended Publications for Professionals
Addressing Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors
Fact sheets and a two-hour on-demand video training
Child Molesters: A Behavioral Analysis
212-page publication for professionals investigating sexual exploitation of children by former FBI Supervisory Agent Kenneth Lanning
Child Physical Abuse: a Guide to the CAC Response
48-page guide on how multidisciplinary team members can provide evidence-based help in physical abuse cases
Changing Minds
Five easy-to-implement gestures you can use to help children heal after trauma.
Healing, Justice and Trust: A National Report on Outcomes for Children's Advocacy Centers 2016
A summary of survey results from caregivers and MDTs nationwide.
Enhancing Police Response to Children Exposed to Violence: a Toolkit for Law Enforcement
68-page publication includes advice and resources for officers and parents
Considering Family Reconnection and Reunification after Child Sexual Abuse: a Road Map for Advocates and Service Providers
68-page publication includes information about risk factors, safety plans
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in Youth Serving Organizations
55-page publication summarizes best practices. Produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Field Guide to Family Advocacy
90-page publication summarizes best practices
National Children's Alliance resources to share with caregivers
- When Images Hurt (downloadable booklet for parents of victims of child pornography)
- What Happens Now (downloadable booklet for parents of children with sexual behavior problems)
EVAWI (End Violence Against Women International) Resource Library
Child Abuse Prosecution Project quarterly newsletter archive
