Empathy is an important building block in building a world that respects the safety and dignity of others. Modeling and encouraging empathetic connections in the classroom can turn social emotional learning opportunities into life long tools for students. We will spend some time on the WHY of empathy, but most of the time will be spent on the HOW so
Children will learn about personal safety in this interactive session. Topics covered are: the buddy system, checking first, secrets vs. surprises, 5 trusted adults, listening to your “uh-oh” feeling, and body ownership. Never fear-based, this material is covered in a way that empowers children. (This presentation is often combined with Teachable Safety Skills presentation for parents.)
Students will learn how professionals from different disciplines developed a coordinated response. They will also learn how the professionals brought the community together to meet the needs of a child.
Many child protection professionals believe child abuse is likely to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic because most abusers are parents or siblings who now have more complete access to the child victim. In turn, the victim may no longer have schoolteachers, faith leaders or other mandated reporters they can access for help or who may detect a sign of abuse.
The #11forJacob movement was born out of a need to shift the focus from how Jacob Wetterling died to how he truly lived. We honor his memory by asking others to live out the 11 traits that Jacob exemplified: Be fair, Be kind, Be understanding, Be honest, Be thankful, Be a good sport, Be a good friend, Be joyful, Be
Empathy is a powerful force that can be used to motivate and change a community. This presentation covers the dynamics that allow bullying behavior to thrive and then engages the audience to help create different dynamics in which everyone feels respected. Come and join us to problem solve, dream, and learn to be a voice for change.
Youth Serving Organizations can provide quality experiences for youth to grow and thrive under the care of staff and volunteers with the best interests of the youth. The sad reality is that any organization that provides access, time, and the ability to build relationships with youth are targeted by offenders as places to find possible targets. Most people are in
It is a powerful responsibility to ensure that children, youth, and vulnerable adults are able to thrive within a faith community. The importance of creating and maintaining safe places for ALL members, especially those unable to protect themselves, must be considered with great care. This session provides specific policies and practices to address while detailing why faith communities must be
Coverage of child abduction is often reactionary, focused on a specific case, and leaves the audience feeling helpless to protect. This session highlights the academic study and learning around the topic of Child Abduction with an intentional focus around patterns that emerge, profiles of abductors and targets, and replicable prevention strategies. This session intends to move past the shock value
Minnesota has had its share of high profile missing child cases. Each case has brought its own challenges for the dedicated law enforcement officers working to find resolution for families and the community. This presentation uses case examples to show how far we have come in responding to missing children and how the past has helped to direct current efforts
In a culture where unhealthy seems to be the norm it more important than ever to engage young people in a discussion of what encompasses a healthy relationship. Exposure to healthy relationships may be limited and breaking a cycle of violence is imperative in children exposed to domestic violence. This presentation will cover components such as perceptions and understanding another’s
Child abuse cases can be heartbreaking and problematic even when the child victim has full support of family. These cases can become some of our most frustrating when the child is not supported. Understanding and supporting the non-offending caregiver, sometimes referred to as an overlooked victim, can be challenging for professionals. This training will help to identify behaviors and circumstances
Children count on adults to keep them safe from harm. Mandated reporting is intended to be one tool to help advocate for children in need of help. This training covers signs, symptoms and patterns of maltreatment; process and concerns around reporting; and closes with best practices in reporting along with scenarios to discuss and problem solve as a group. It
We discuss sexual violence and different ways to provide immediate and on-going support to a friend who has experienced sexual violence. This webinar is aimed at high-school aged students. Learn about local and national sexual violence and mental health resources, options for ensuring your friend’s physical health, and how both of you can set boundaries to regain choice and power.
In this workshop we share the fundamentals of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help child protection professionals during a pandemic.
In this session, we will discuss resources and strategies for transitioning to distance learning for postsecondary coursework. Details regarding how to present live lectures, host virtual office hours, and disseminate materials with a mind towards educational equity will be addressed.
As the legal definition of reasonable force continues to contract, there is increasing tension between criminal justice/child protection professionals and parents who physically discipline their children based on religious beliefs. Using a case study, this workshop offers concrete guidelines for MDTs working with caretakers whose physical discipline of their children exceeds the law but is rooted in their interpretations of
This course is designed for faith and child protection leaders who have completed Zero Abuse Project’s two-day Keeping Faith course. Attendees receive instruction on preventing abuse in vulnerable populations including children with disabilities and sexual and gender minority youth. There is also an in-depth workshop on the sexual behaviors of youth and a detailed exploration of the cognitive distortions of
In the United States, hundreds of children have died and thousands more have endured pain or illness that could have been prevented with basic medical care. This workshop addresses instances in which medical care is withheld on the basis of religious belief. The workshop explores the basis for these beliefs and the possibility of working within myriad cultures to nonetheless
The ongoing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) studies out of Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Disease Control suggest that childhood maltreatment and family dysfunction are major risk factors for the leading causes of illness, death and poor psychological adjustment in the United States. Cumulative adverse childhood events have a role in poor physical health, problematic health risk behaviors, learning challenges,
This workshop will provide an overview of the impact of child abuse on the spirituality of victims. The workshop will provide concrete suggestions for overcoming interviewing blocks that may result from the spiritual concerns of children and otherwise responding to this issue before, during, and after the forensic interview. The workshop includes a discussion on coordinating medical and mental health
In this workshop, an overview of the history of the child protection movement in the U.S. will be presented, including contributory societal forces and key leaders, role of the medical community in creating awareness and mandated reporting laws, and the role of federal legislation in creating child protection systems.
An overview of Centers for Disease Control best practices for youth serving organizations in preventing or responding to cases of child abuse. Participants will receive concrete steps for applying the CDC standards to be able to protect or respond with excellence to cases of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
Many maltreated children are spiritually impacted by abuse and require a coordination of medical, mental health, and spiritual care. This presentation examines this research and explores creative reforms for bringing faith and child protection communities together to protect children and address their needs. The workshop also explores how MDTs can recognize and respond to spiritual injuries before, during and after
Many maltreated children are spiritually impacted by abuse and require a coordination of medical, mental health, and spiritual care. This slightly shortened presentation suitable as a keynote examines this research and explores creative reforms for bringing faith and child protection communities together to protect children and address their needs. The workshop also explores how MDTs can recognize and respond to
Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to the elimination of child sexual abuse. Our programs are designed to provide training and education to professionals and students, and to help transform institutions to effectively prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse.
