The Adam Walsh Act (AWA) prohibits a US citizen petitioner who has been convicted of a specified offense against a minor from having an immigrant visa approved on behalf of a relative. However, the statute provides a “limited exception” if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines the petitioner poses no risk to the beneficiary. This limited exception determination is made after an assessment of the petitioner, usually by a psychologist specialized in treating and assessing individuals who have sexually offended.

Assessments for determining risk under the AWA are intricate, involving evaluators in complex clinical and ethical dilemmas uncommon in typical sexual offender evaluations. During this training, psychologist Dr. Thompson and immigration attorney Mr. Lolly discuss the intricacies of these assessments—what works and what doesn’t—arriving at recommendations from both legal and clinical perspectives.

Clarification involves honesty about abusive behaviors, taking responsibility for them, and building a safer future.

Professionals have long faced the challenge of helping families in the wake of sexual abuse. Practitioners must consider the complex needs of multiple people, including those who have harmed others and been harmed directly and indirectly within the family. Primary considerations include assisting families in building safety plans, ensuring the rights and welfare of those harmed are met, preventing re-traumatization, and having the sibling who has abused learn accountability.

This training explores how stigma, social norms, moral panic, and sexual attraction act as barriers to those seeking help in preventing themselves from committing their first offense. Dr. Spooner provides a comprehensive understanding of minor-attracted people, as well as the inaccurate narratives about MAPs that result in strained relationships between providers and clients. Lastly, participants are encouraged to identify and reflect on their personal biases, explore effective approaches to meeting the needs of MAPs, and consider alternative approaches to current practices.

Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCTA) is a four-module program designed to address trauma and grief in adolescents. It can be implemented in various settings, such as community mental health facilities, schools, clinics, and other service settings. This training covers the four modules of TGCTA, which address foundational knowledge and skills to enhance posttraumatic emotional, cognitive, and behavioral regulation, processing of trauma experiences, processing of grief/loss experiences, and the resumption of adaptive developmental progression and future orientation.

Presenter Erica Ogletree highlights the features of TGCTA that support its initial implementation and long-term sustainability. This includes detailed instructions with suggested scripts for each session, which is especially useful when there is clinician turnover. Additionally, the grief component in TGCTA aligns fully with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association , 2013), and it is the only contemporary adolescent treatment that does so. Resistant youths in some settings appear more willing to engage fully with the grief than with the trauma component, thus opening other doors to recovery.

During this training David Prescott and Seth Wescott explore the realities of pornography use by adolescents, and discuss the clinical implications. They describe the proliferation of explicit content and how, in many cases, how it has become more concerning.

The presenters offer strategies and ideas for working with young people who struggle with pornography exposure to parents and caregivers, clinical practitioners, school counselors, and other professionals. By fostering a deeper understanding of the role of pornography in the lives of adolescents, this training empowers attendees to navigate this challenging area and better support their clients.

Professionals working with clients who have committed sexual offenses often face significant challenges in understanding and accepting their clients’ sexual preferences. While their primary goal is to prevent future sexual abuse, professionals must acknowledge that each client has their own unique sexuality. Avoiding discussions with a client about their non-traditional sexual interests can lead to missed opportunities for fostering sexual health and exploring avenues for abuse prevention. Attempting to eradicate non-traditional sexuality from the client’s life can be ineffective and unethical. Therefore, how should helping professionals proceed in such situations?

Nikole Nassen, Ph.D., a distinguished clinical psychologist and the director of the Sex Offender Treatment Program at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, brings her wealth of experience in working with individuals who have expressed non-traditional sexual interests to the forefront. During this training, Dr. Nassen first presents data on BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism) and other practices in the kink community, unveiling surprising insights from research studies. Dr. Nassen then examines “kink culture” and illustrates how many of its strongest values are antithetical to abuse. Enhanced comprehension of non-traditional sexual preferences among professionals can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

Central to this training is the question: “What can we learn from refugees from Myanmar that can inform our forensic work with other clients?”

This training takes an in-depth look at developing skills for becoming more culturally competent, respectful, and humble within practice using the forensic assessment of refugees from Myanmar as the central example. It aims to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of cross-cultural assessments and interventions, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds. With an increasing number of Burmese refugees being treated in various settings, the presenters provide practical strategies for forensic evaluators to understand the cultural backgrounds and experiences of their clients through empathic listening and culturally sensitive approaches.

The integration of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) can provide clients with a more empowering, collaborative, and effective therapeutic experience. Rather than focusing on the issues that brought clients to seek therapy, SFBT concentrates on cultivating solutions and leveraging the client’s strengths. By combining the collaborative, empathetic techniques of MI with the future-oriented, strengths-based techniques of SFBT, professionals can help clients achieve lasting change in a brief timeframe. During this training, Dee-Dee Stout explores key concepts and strategies of both MI and SFBT.

Empathy is a crucial component of the evolving masculine paradigm, which recognizes that men can be nurturing, caring, and in touch with their emotions without diminishing their masculinity.

Across society, too many men struggle with showing empathy and report having very few meaningful relationships in their lives. Particularly, men in the criminal justice system often find it difficult to connect with their emotions, perceiving it as a sign of weakness. Many of these individuals have faced significant adversity growing up. It is no surprise, then, that men struggle to experience and express empathy towards others. However, treatment programs often demand that these men be able to demonstrate empathic capacity, despite the obstacles they have faced in developing and expressing it.

Improve your case management of adults convicted of sexual crimes by implementing the principles of risk, need, and responsivity (RNR) and trauma-informed care (TIC). Jurisdictions in many countries have implemented supervision strategies that align with the principles of effective correctional rehabilitation. However, due to public scrutiny, it is not always clear how to effectively apply RNR to supervision decisions or how to incorporate RNR and TIC into practices that are primarily aimed at reducing the risk of re-offense. This online training addresses how to effectively integrate RNR, TIC, and risk reduction practices.

In October 2023, the American Psychological Association (APA) released the second edition of its Inclusive Language Guide. In support of cultural inclusivity, it outlines the differences between person-first and identity-first language and challenges all professionals to consider how they use respectful and culturally sensitive language with their clients and in communications about their clients.

Person-first and identity-first language are important because they can have a significant impact on how individuals are perceived and treated. For example, the Inclusive Language Guide recommends avoiding the use of stigmatizing language when referring to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Instead of using the words “criminal” or “offender,” we should instead use more neutral language. This can include “person with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system.” The recommendations in the guide aim to promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their history.

Using the Good Lives Model, the Becoming the Man I Want to Be workbook was written to be engaging for clients whose adverse childhood experiences and problem behaviors have caused them to fall behind academically, socially, and interpersonally throughout their lives. After attending this training, participants will better understand how to use the workbook in treatment. The training begins by reviewing the core principles of the GLM and then offers ideas for how clinicians and counselors can use each section of the workbook—in particular, the chapters that are new to the second edition. Central to this training is its focus on dovetailing the GLM and the workbook with Motivational Interviewing skills and the principles of Trauma-Informed Care.

Clinical supervision is a crucial component in the field of psychotherapy. It can involve educating newer clinicians on methods and models, helping them improve their practice in different directions, providing support and encouragement, and helping supervisees manage the inevitable reactions they have to clients’ historical behaviors. Dr. Must and Mr. Prescott’s training provides supervisors with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles within the field, ultimately contributing to improved client care and clinician development.

This is the first module in this mini course, which takes a deep dive into the heart of compassionate communication. As all seasoned professionals know, engaging clients in conversations about change is not easy. Further, while we often think of engagement as something that happens at the start of treatment, keeping clients engaged throughout the treatment experience is critical to success. This module focuses on skills for building and maintaining therapeutic engagement with clients whose lives have been characterized by adversity and distrust, thus revealing the transformative power of listening as a full-body experience.

This is the second module in this mini course, which takes a deep dive into the heart of compassionate communication. We have all felt two ways about making difficult changes in our lives. This module examines the components of intrinsic motivation, which plays a key role in our ability and willingness to enact meaningful change.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who cause sexual harm present unique challenges that often go unaddressed by well-intentioned treatment providers and programs. This training, led by Dr. Kim Spence, a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in this field, equips attendees with techniques to effectively support clients with ASD who have exhibited sexually harmful behavior.

Through case examples, the training emphasizes common vulnerabilities and co-morbid conditions experienced by clients with ASD, highlighting the intricate interplay between their neurodivergence and the manifestation of sexually harmful behavior. Attendees gain teaching methods that foster appropriate social interactions between clients with ASD and their peers, paving the way for positive behavior change.

Since 2014, the Impact of Race and Culture Assessment (IRCA) has been assisting Canadian courts in arriving at more just sentences for people of African descent. IRCAs are assessments that consider an individual’s experience with racism, discrimination, and cultural factors in the context of their offending behavior. By systematically gathering information on the historical and contemporary impact of race and culture, IRCAs provide a richer, multi-dimensional understanding of individuals that can inform more effective rehabilitation and reintegration strategies. They were originally designed to address “race blindness” in sentencing, which has resulted in the overrepresentation of Blacks in the carceral system—best viewed as a symptom of systemic racism. Since the introduction of IRCA, the implications of having culturally competent assessments at sentencing have been felt in other settings.

During the training, Mr. Wright explores the history and context behind the development of IRCAs and how they are being increasingly adopted by the criminal justice system. Through interactive discussion and case examples, participants gain practical knowledge on how to interpret and apply the information gathered through IRCAs to build cultural competence at both an individual and organizational level. Specific implications for culturally informed assessment and treatment of Black people who have committed sexual offenses are examined. The training also provides considerations on the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview.

This is the third module in this mini course, which takes a deep dive into the heart of compassionate communication. Research has found that the way clients talk about change can be the best predictor of treatment outcomes. This module explores the often-subtle language that indicates a client’s growing readiness to undertake challenging changes.

This is the fourth module in this mini course, which takes a deep dive into the heart of compassionate communication. Motivational interviewing is an excellent way to connect with people on a deeper level, helping them to make positive changes while becoming a more compassionate and empathetic person yourself. This module focuses on critical questions that will help you refine your approach and make a lasting impact

There is growing recognition that many adults with a sexual attraction for children are motivated not to cause harm. Referred to as minor-attracted persons (MAPs), these individuals have not committed sexual offenses and the primary goal is to provide support to help them remain free of offending. Yet, these clients, and those who treat them, face the additional challenge of apprehension among lay persons and other professionals who do not understand the complexities of this issue, conflating these well-intentioned MAPs with people who have harmed. Implementing the right treatment approaches is crucial in safeguarding children and helping clients build better lives for themselves.

This training explores how stigma, social norms, moral panic, and sexual attraction act as barriers to those seeking help in preventing themselves from committing their first offense. Dr. Spooner provides a comprehensive understanding of minor-attracted people, as well as the inaccurate narratives about MAPs that result in strained relationships between providers and clients. Lastly, participants are encouraged to identify and reflect on their personal biases, explore effective approaches to meeting the needs of MAPs, and consider alternative approaches to current practices.

This training offers an in-depth exploration of Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies for identifying and exploring client motivations that may not seem evident, particularly among those who seem resistant to treatment. Presenter David Prescott reviews four micro-skills and specific techniques involving scaling questions and options menus for engaging clients and focusing on personally meaningful and relevant goals. Some of these skills review a new examination; this includes differentiating between simple and complex affirmations. Prescott also reviews the less-obvious ways that clients indicate that they are considering making changes to their lives and offers skills for strengthening commitment to treatment goals.

By effectively applying these MI principles and techniques, clinicians can significantly enhance treatment outcomes and empower clients to make meaningful and lasting life changes.

Across her 24-year career, presenter Katie Gotch has researched, assessed, and treated numerous men convicted of crimes related to sex trafficking. Katie developed this training to provide information on domestic and international human trafficking, with a focus on the perpetration of sex trafficking, followed by an overview of the current research related to perpetrators of domestic sex trafficking in the United States. The session also provides practical guidance and strategies for the assessment, treatment, management, and supervision of those who perpetrate domestic sex trafficking.

Diagnosing paraphilias can be challenging due to the evolving definitions and criteria across diagnostic manuals, leading to discrepancies in classification and diagnosis. Additionally, distinguishing between paraphilic interests and paraphilic disorders—as well as addressing the potential misuse of diagnostic criteria—further complicates the process.

During this training, Dr. Michael Miner, Emeritus Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, addresses the criteria and processes of diagnosing paraphilias and paraphilic disorders as described in the DSM-5-TR. He covers historical and current definitions, clarifies the differences between paraphilias and disorders, focuses on pedophilia considerations, and guides attendees through diagnosing various paraphilias, such as sexual sadism and voyeurism, with insights on applying DSM-5-TR criteria effectively.

The SAPROF-SO is a tool for assessing protective factors for individuals with a history of sexual offending, integrating with strengths-based therapeutic approaches. This tool comprises 14 items across three key subscales: Resilience, Adaptive Sexuality, and Prosocial Connection & Reward, with an optional fourth subscale, Professional Risk Management.

Renowned for its strong reliability and predictive validity for reduced sexual recidivism (e.g., Nolan et al., 2023; Willis et al., 2020), the SAPROF-SO is instrumental in guiding therapy planning and risk management strategies (Kelley et al., 2022). This workshop, presented by Gwenda Willis, David Thornton, and Sharon Kelley, offers a training opportunity for clinicians interested in learning how to score and interpret the SAPROF-SO. Participants will also have the option of becoming certified SAPROF-SO users by completing a post-training calibration scoring exercise. All attendees will receive the SAPROF-SO manual and associated materials, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement this tool effectively in their practice.

The code of ethics of every mental health profession emphasizes the importance of treatment planning in ensuring successful treatment. However, for professionals who treat people who have harmed others, training on the process of treatment planning is minimal. Due to this lack, newer practitioners enter the profession with unanswered questions. For example, what is the best way to customize treatment when using empirically supported protocols? How does treatment planning occur in settings where each client gets similar treatment?

This training brings together three established experts to provide over-arching guidance and practical tips for establishing treatment plans. They discuss common pitfalls that can occur in treatment programs and offer insights on navigating complex scenarios.

The need for trauma treatment with adolescents has reached nearly unprecedented levels, necessitating an increased demand for effective therapeutic interventions. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment method designed to help children and adolescents recover from traumatic experiences. This introductory training offers mental health professionals a comprehensive overview of this gold-standard therapy model. Anette Birgersson—a certified TF-CBT trainer—brings a wealth of expertise to this training, which extends beyond TF-CBT to include: (1) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), (2) Prolonged Exposure, (3) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and (4) Emotional Regulation Group Therapy. Birgersson is highly regarded for her work with adolescents in the USA and Europe and for her engaging training approach for professionals interested in helping traumatized youths.

Viewing time measures provide an unintrusive way to assess sexual interests among people who have sexually abused. It can be used in risk assessments and to assist in diagnosing Pedophilic and related conditions. Presenter Mervyn Davies, co-founder of the LOOK Assessment, developed this training to help evaluators and treatment providers use a viewing time instrument in their professional activities with clients who have sexually abused others.

Clinical supervision is a crucial component in the field of psychotherapy. It can involve educating newer clinicians on methods and models, helping them improve their practice in different directions, providing support and encouragement, and helping supervisees manage the inevitable reactions they have to clients’ historical behaviors.

Dr. Must and Mr. Prescott’s training provides supervisors with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles within the field, ultimately contributing to improved client care and clinician development.

During this introductory training, presenter Nathan LaChine offers a comprehensive overview of CSEC, with a specialized focus on the unique experiences of male survivors. Participants join Nathan in exploring the full scope of this critical issue, beginning with essential terminology, definitions, and an understanding of the key dynamics that contribute to the exploitation of minors. The training sheds light on male victimization within CSEC, including risk factors and pathways of entry that uniquely affect boys and young men, such as dysfunctional familial dynamics, homelessness, and vulnerabilities unique to LGBTQIA+ youths.

Additionally, participants acquire the skills to identify early warning signs and risk indicators that could suggest a youth is being groomed, targeted, or actively exploited. LaChine incorporates real-life case studies and survivor testimonials to illustrate the complex experiences of male youths within the larger framework of CSEC.

The benefits of culturally informed treatment practices are profound, as they create a safe and trusting environment, help clients cope with racial disparities in the systems with which they are involved, enhance the effectiveness of treatment, lead to more accurate assessments and helpful interventions, and ultimately foster resilience in clients.

Dr. Tyffani Monford’s training is designed to focus on how professionals can best practice in a culturally informed manner. It covers several key areas such as cultural frameworks and intersectionality, the impact of culture, race, and privilege in working with individuals who have been abused and their families, critical issues within child welfare, law enforcement, and the juvenile justice system, and varied meanings of “family” and “community” among clients of color, and Cultural perspectives on mental health, the systems they interact with, incarceration, disclosure of harmful behaviors, and healthy sexuality.

By providing a safe environment for reflection and discussion, this training fosters the development of culturally responsive and effective mental health care practices.

In this training, Certified Trainer Katie Gotch provides a thorough overview of the Static-99R, including its development, scoring system, and application in various settings. Participants learn how to score each of the ten items, with scores ranging from -3 to 12, and understand how these scores categorize individuals into five distinct risk levels: very low, below average, average, above average, and well above average risk.

The training also covers the predictive validity of the Static-99R and its appropriate use in forensic settings. Case studies are utilized to enhance understanding and facilitate skill development throughout the training.

In this training, Certified Trainer Katie Gotch provides a thorough overview of the Static-99R, including its development, scoring system, and application in various settings. Participants learn how to score each of the ten items, with scores ranging from -3 to 12, and understand how these scores categorize individuals into five distinct risk levels: very low, below average, average, above average, and well above average risk.

The training also covers the predictive validity of the Static-99R and its appropriate use in forensic settings. Case studies are utilized to enhance understanding and facilitate skill development throughout the training.

In the field of violence prevention, effective written communication is essential for driving meaningful change. Presenters David S. Prescott, LICSW, Kelly Socia, PhD, and Jill Levenson, PhD, LCSW, designed this training to provide professionals from diverse backgrounds with the skills necessary for articulating their ideas clearly and impactfully and the strategies necessary for publishing their work.

The training offers an exploration of professional writing techniques, addressing key challenges faced by aspiring authors and content creators. Participants discover innovative techniques for integrating writing into their demanding schedules, along with practical methods for creating high quality written work and identifying potential collaborators who can enhance the work. The presenters help participants develop their expertise in niche areas and position themselves as authorities on specific topics.

The Cornerstone Program in rural upstate New York is navigating significant challenges, including limited resources and a 41% staffing vacancy rate as of January 2024. Despite these hurdles, it continues to expand services and maintain low recidivism rates among participants. This training, led by the Senior Director and Director of Clinical Services of the Cornerstone Program, explores how the program survives under such constraints.

The presenters, Sarah Louer and Ashley Wilfore, outline how the DPSs use the ARMIDILO-S assessment tool to guide decision-making and least-restrictive supervision while working within a staffing crisis. The presenters share how human rights remain at the forefront of the Cornerstone Program’s decisions and how administrators and Clinicians prevent the program from becoming overly restrictive with technology or staff.

Additionally, the presenters discuss innovative housing projects developed throughout the staffing crisis, designed to deliver specialized services for people dually diagnosed while minimizing staffing requirements.

It is imperative for treatment programs across the globe to share successful strategies that implement evidence-based approaches under resource constraints, especially in the context of this long-term staffing crisis.

Sexual behaviors and abuse between siblings can have profound, life-altering consequences. During the training, the presenters describe research findings that can guide professional understanding of those who cause harm and are harmed by these behaviors. They review the long-term impacts of sibling sexual abuse, which can manifest in various forms of psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors well into adulthood.

A key focus of this training is how the family context plays a role in abuse. The presenters emphasize the importance of adopting a developmental perspective when assessing and treating affected children. To aid professionals in this task, they introduce an innovative mapping tool that ensures attention to all relevant domains of the family context, thereby helping to prevent further harm.

Understanding and addressing sexual risk among adolescents who have engaged in sexually abusive behavior is important for ensuring effective interventions and treatment planning. Phil Rich developed this training to provide professionals with advanced insights into contemporary sexual risk assessment methodologies.

Forensic compassion focused therapy (FCFT) is a therapeutic approach that applies the principles of compassion focused therapy specifically to individuals within the criminal justice system. FCFT aims to address their behavioral and mental health issues by cultivating their compassion for others and themselves. This approach can help clients to understand, accept, and manage their sexual interest in children. It addresses shame and guilt and assists clients in developing self-regulation skills.

Jon Taylor, a consultant forensic psychologist and psychotherapist with nearly three decades of experience in various forensic settings, developed this training to offer a framework for addressing harmful sexual interests.

The code of ethics of every mental health profession emphasizes the importance of treatment planning in ensuring successful outcomes. However, for professionals who treat people who have harmed others, training on the process of treatment planning has been minimal, resulting in practitioners entering the profession with unanswered questions. This training brings together three experts to provide over-arching guidance and practical tips or establishing treatment plans that lead to successful outcomes for the adolescents and their families. The presenters discuss common challenges that can occur in treatment programs and offer insights on navigating complex scenarios.

The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) is an actuarial risk assessment tool used to assess the likelihood of adults with histories of assaulting an intimate partner re-offending in the future. It is designed to be used by police, victim services, health care, and correctional agencies as well as professionals such as psychologists and other professionals who conduct risk assessments and provide treatment planning for domestic violence programs. In this training, Dr. Hilton and Ms. Gotch (as trainer in training) review the development, scoring, and interpretation of the ODARA. This includes an overview of validation and calibration studies by Dr. Hilton and by independent researchers. The trainers discuss the applicability of the ODARA for assessment of risk for future intimate partner violence (IPV) recidivism in men and women with a history of physical IPV offending. They go on to cover risk communication methods and use of the ODARA in criminal justice and victim service settings.

With the increasing occurrence of adult autism diagnoses, there is a growing need for evaluators, treatment providers, and parole and probation officers with the skills to work with this population. Presenter Tiffany Looney MS, LPC, CCSOT developed this training to address the gaps in our understanding of autism spectrum disorder and their implications for clinical and supervisory practices.

In this training, participants develop an understanding of the neurobiological differences of the autistic brain, the social model of disability, and what it means to be neurodiversity-affirming. Ms. Looney discusses reasons why autistic persons sexually offend, how their reasons may differ from those of their non-autistic peers, and how this impacts our understanding of risk, treatment needs, and effective supervision of these clients. She further describes key areas of autistic functioning, differentiating between autistic meltdown, shutdown, and burnout, as well as other effects of autism on mental and physical health, executive and adaptive functioning, and sensory processing.

In this training, Certified Trainer Katie Gotch provides a thorough overview of the Static-99R, including its development, scoring system, and application in various settings. Participants learn how to score each of the ten items, with scores ranging from -3 to 12, and understand how these scores categorize individuals into five distinct risk levels: very low, below average, average, above average, and well above average risk.

The training also covers the predictive validity of the Static-99R and its appropriate use in forensic settings. Case studies are utilized to enhance understanding and facilitate skill development throughout the training.

In this training, Certified Trainer Katie Gotch provides a thorough overview of the Static-99R, including its development, scoring system, and application in various settings. Participants learn how to score each of the ten items, with scores ranging from -3 to 12, and understand how these scores categorize individuals into five distinct risk levels: very low, below average, average, above average, and well above average risk.

The training also covers the predictive validity of the Static-99R and its appropriate use in forensic settings. Case studies are utilized to enhance understanding and facilitate skill development throughout the training.

During this eight-hour training, Katie Gotch, LPC, CCSOT, ATSA-F, provides an overview of the development and research of the STABLE-2007 and ACUTE-2007 instruments. She explains how to score each of the measures’ items, as well as their appropriate interpretation and use within varying settings. This includes recent guidance on the use of these tools with individuals convicted of child sexual abuse material-related offenses (CSAM). To enhance learning, case studies are incorporated to provide hands-on practice and to address common scoring and administration errors.

During this eight-hour training, Katie Gotch, LPC, CCSOT, ATSA-F, provides an overview of the development and research of the STABLE-2007 and ACUTE-2007 instruments. She explains how to score each of the measures’ items, as well as their appropriate interpretation and use within varying settings. This includes recent guidance on the use of these tools with individuals convicted of child sexual abuse material-related offenses (CSAM). To enhance learning, case studies are incorporated to provide hands-on practice and to address common scoring and administration errors.

Individuals within the criminal justice system exhibit rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) up to five times higher than those in the general population. During this training, Dr. Piché reviews the often-startling research into ADHD, specifically focusing on people who have sexually abused and are otherwise involved in the legal system. She offers solutions to the diagnostic challenges clinicians face when attempting to understand their clients. Dr. Piché also reviews common problems that occur at the crossroads of ADHD and sexuality.

Developing comprehensive safety plans for people at risk of suicide is a vital clinical skill. However, the skill is rarely a focus of professional development efforts. This training addresses this gap by introducing the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) (Stanley & Brown, 2012). The SPI is a brief, collaborative intervention that employs the identification of personalized strategies to aid in the prevention of escalation of suicidal crisis. With discussions and demonstrations enhancing his lecture, presenter Mark Margolis instructs attendees on the effective use of SPI as a suicide prevention intervention with at-risk clients.

In this training, Drs. Kruh and Cruise explain how the risk assessments of the past have evolved into comprehensive, structured methods for understanding and explaining a youth’s potential for harmful behavior. Narrative risk formulations are a key component of assessment and management in mental health and criminal justice settings.

Conducting interviews for the purpose of risk assessment can be akin to learning a new language. Newer members of the profession can often feel uncomfortable and even clumsy when conducting risk assessment interviews. Becoming more effective at this type of interviewing requires practice and repetition. Determining what information is relevant and utilizing the right process to obtain it can make the difference between an effective and ineffective assessment, particularly when examining dynamic risk.

In this training, Dr. Griffith and Mr. Wescott explore the elements of effective clinical interviews and the characteristics of the interviewer.

Dr. Chris Huffine, the Executive Director of Allies in Change, developed this training to provide an overview of intimate partner abuse. During this training, he explores the nuances of domestic violence, including an overview of the nature of domestic violence, an analysis of underlying causes of domestic violence, differentiation between common hurtful behaviors and abuse, and more.

Throughout the training, Dr. Huffine defines terms and provides accessible ways of understanding important concepts, such as the belief systems underlying domestic violence and the complex reasons why partners often remain in abusive relationships. Dr. Huffine then outlines effective approaches to addressing domestic violence while highlighting interventions that have proven ineffective. This training ensures participants gain a well-rounded understanding of this critical issue.

When sexual abuse among siblings occurs, parents and other caregivers often become flooded with emotions such as anger, shame, sadness, fear, confusion, disbelief, regret, helplessness, and self-blame. These feelings make it difficult for parents to determine how best to support both of their children. While research and conferences have begun addressing the treatment of families impacted by sibling abuse, there remains a significant lack of resources specifically tailored to guiding parents as they navigate their way through these complex situations.

Up to 50 % of sex-trafficked youths are male, yet they often remain overlooked in human trafficking cases. This under-recognition leads to inadequate support and identification, resulting in many male survivors not receiving the help they need. In this training, Nathan LaChine addresses this critical issue by focusing on what professionals need to know about working with males who have been trafficked in a key type of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC): the child sexual abuse material (CSAM) industry, formerly known as child pornography.

In this training, John Henden outlines various SFT techniques designed to address the six common areas of trauma aftereffects. The techniques have proven effective and transferable across many severe trauma and stress areas, including sexual violence; sudden death, mass shootings, terrorist incidents, military combat, and road accidents. During the presentation, Henden discusses specific tools and techniques that can be introduced to clients as part of the therapeutic process.

A surge in research in the past two decades has revealed that the effects of early life adversity and other forms of trauma across all age groups, including those involved in the criminal justice system, is a complex landscape in need of better understanding by treatment providers. A growing body of evidence highlights a potential disconnect between therapists' intentions to provide trauma-informed care and clients' experiences in treatment. Concepts such as "post-conviction traumatic stress," introduced by Danielle Harris and Jill Levenson, underscores the challenges faced by both practitioners and clients.

Safety planning for internet use is now a central component of the community supervision of many justice-involved clients. It is also an emerging facet of collaboration between professionals of different disciplines and their clients. Traditionally, clients with histories of sexual offenses were not allowed to have any internet access at all. However, since the internet has evolved as an accessible provider of resources that are available nowhere else, professionals and clients alike need to be more sophisticated about their use of the internet.

In this training, the presenters provide concrete ideas for how to construct effective safety plans for internet use. This includes:
- Having a conversation with clients about the safety planning process
- Using internet safety planning as a therapeutic process rather than as part of a “to-do list” in treatment
- Clarifying what is needed in a safety plan, including what aspects of the internet pose risks for different clients, and how these risks relate to other risk factors in the client’s life
- Identifying the essential components of an internet safety plan
- Considering cultural factors in safety planning
- Helping clients navigate the sexually suggestive environments of media platforms and understand their subconscious influence

Our field’s understanding of strategies to mitigate violence has evolved significantly, expanding beyond a sole focus on risk in assessment and treatment. Yet, there remains much to learn about working with clients from cultures and backgrounds different from our own. To truly prevent violence and abuse, it is essential that professionals in our field openly discuss both our current knowledge of cultural sensitivity and the gaps that remain with one another and our communities beyond. Embracing cultural humility and committing to lifelong professional growth are key to this process.

In this free training, Dr. Alexander—an expert in culturally informed practices and policies—shares valuable lessons learned and explores future directions in the treatment and prevention of violence, particularly with respect to culturally informed assessment and treatment

In this training, Amanda Pryor explores methods and techniques for engaging families experiencing these challenges, while also addressing the professionals’ own feelings of being overwhelmed. This includes how to carefully redefine one’s approach when previous providers have not been helpful, such as by shifting from interventions that may unintentionally target parents to more inclusive family support methods.

Traditional approaches to sexual offense treatment focus on suppressing or controlling sexual urges, but research and clinical experience now emphasize the importance of promoting healthy sexuality as part of rehabilitation. For individuals with histories of sexual offending, addressing issues such as sexual dysfunction, negative self-image, intimacy problems, and deviant sexual scripts in treatment, can decrease the risk of reoffending.

Unfortunately, many professionals experience discomfort and other challenges when discussing sexual topics with clients, leading to avoidance or negative messaging about sex and sexuality. Consequently, clients may not receive the support they need to explore their sexual interests, develop healthy sexual expression, and achieve treatment goals related to consensual and non-harmful sexuality.

This presentation, developed by Nikole Nassen, PhD, focuses on how professionals can address sexual topics with adults in sexual offense treatment.

In this session, Ms. Garder explores common ethical dilemmas and provides guidance for delivering effective services to those working with domestic violence survivors and those who have caused harm. She also offers skills and tools for supervising clinicians, particularly clinicians with limited experience in domestic violence. Through case examples, interactive discussion, and actionable frameworks, attendees gain insight into the challenges of balancing their desire for client safety against the reality that predicting and stopping violence is outside the clinician’s complete control.

In this training, Ms. Buckley introduces the CARE method and discusses its development. She emphasizes the importance of a person-centered approach to engagement, particularly in the treatment of justice-involved clients. These individuals often have histories of trauma, exhibit rigid cognitive styles, possess limited coping skills, and may struggle to trust professionals. Ms. Buckley explores these client characteristics and provides insight into how involvement with the criminal justice system can influence those characteristics.

The training then covers the CARE method in detail, addressing topics such as identifying triggers, building emotional intelligence, understanding intergenerational trauma, enhancing communication skills, and recognizing cognitive distortions. Ms. Buckley highlights the importance of relational dynamics, including healthy conflict resolution and the impact of substance abuse on relationships, and she suggests strategies for addressing warning signs of relational decline.

Compassion Focused Group Psychotherapy (CFGP) provides a supportive environment where clients with complex challenges can learn and practice compassion skills together, creating the conditions necessary for exploratory group psychotherapy that is especially beneficial for those who find it difficult to trust or connect with others. It has been adapted by Dr. Kate Lucre, today’s presenter, from Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for use in a group setting. The product of Paul Gilbert, CFT integrates cognitive behavioral therapy with evolutionary psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, and Buddhist psychology.

In this training, Dr. Lucre introduces participants to practical techniques for engaging clients in the group process and facilitating therapeutic insights.

In this training, Certified Trainer Katie Gotch provides a thorough overview of the Static-99R, including its development, scoring system, and application in various settings. Participants learn how to score each of the ten items, with scores ranging from -3 to 12, and understand how these scores categorize individuals into five distinct risk levels: very low, below average, average, above average, and well above average risk.

The training also covers the predictive validity of the Static-99R and its appropriate use in forensic settings. Case studies are utilized to enhance understanding and facilitate skill development throughout the training.

In this training, Certified Trainer Katie Gotch provides a thorough overview of the Static-99R, including its development, scoring system, and application in various settings. Participants learn how to score each of the ten items, with scores ranging from -3 to 12, and understand how these scores categorize individuals into five distinct risk levels: very low, below average, average, above average, and well above average risk.

The training also covers the predictive validity of the Static-99R and its appropriate use in forensic settings. Case studies are utilized to enhance understanding and facilitate skill development throughout the training.

Clinical supervision plays a vital role in supporting new clinicians and maintaining high standards of client care. It helps to ensure the development of professional skills, encourages self-reflection, and promotes self-awareness among supervisees. Dr. Michelle Yep Martin developed this training to address the challenges and risks inherent in clinical supervision of counselors, social workers, and psychologists. The training explores the roles of the supervisor and supervisee, as well as the feedback loop between them. It reviews the codes of ethics of these three professions and describes common ethical issues in supervisory practice, including maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in the supervisory relationship.

Dr. Michelle Yep Martin has long supervised clinicians for licensure and approved provider statuses. Her approach to this material is accessible to beginning as well as more experienced supervisors.

The fields of assessing and treating women who have committed sexually motivated offenses continue to grow and evolve. The extant research literature provides an empirical basis for assessing women from a gendered perspective. This perspective is a person-centered, strength-based approach that takes into consideration how gender affects patterns of offending for women. When viewed from this perspective, women who perpetrate sexually motivated offenses require risk assessment and treatment approaches that differ from approaches used with their male counterparts. This workshop provides empirically supported guidance related to assessing and treating women who have committed sexually motivated offenses.

Dawn Pflugradt, PsyD, LP, LCSW and Bradley P. Allen, PhD, JD—two of the leading experts in this field— developed this training to highlight key research findings and provide current insights and best practices based on their decades of experience working with women who have sexually abused.

During this eight-hour training, Katie Gotch, LPC, CCSOT, ATSA-F, provides an overview of the development and research of the STABLE-2007 and ACUTE-2007 instruments. She explains how to score each of the measures’ items, as well as their appropriate interpretation and use within varying settings. This includes recent guidance on the use of these tools with individuals convicted of child sexual abuse material-related offenses (CSAM). To enhance learning, case studies are incorporated to provide hands-on practice and to address common scoring and administration errors.

During this eight-hour training, Katie Gotch, LPC, CCSOT, ATSA-F, provides an overview of the development and research of the STABLE-2007 and ACUTE-2007 instruments. She explains how to score each of the measures’ items, as well as their appropriate interpretation and use within varying settings. This includes recent guidance on the use of these tools with individuals convicted of child sexual abuse material-related offenses (CSAM). To enhance learning, case studies are incorporated to provide hands-on practice and to address common scoring and administration errors.

Reentering society after incarceration is a complex process, particularly for justice-involved individuals with histories of sexual offending, intimate partner violence, or other behaviors that place them at risk of perpetrating harm. Professionals in the field play a crucial role in supporting these individuals as they work to rebuild trust, connection, and healthy relationships. Grounded in relational, trauma-informed, and accountability-centered frameworks, this training offers participants a compassionate approach to working with justice-involved clients and the crucial skills that help prevent further harmful behavior.

Through a blend of psychoeducation, interactive discussion, and hands-on skill-building, participants learn how to accompany clients in an exploration of boundary setting, consent, attachment dynamics, shame resilience, and the impact of social stigma on relational development. Special attention is given to navigating dating, disclosure, and emotional vulnerability in ways that prioritize both client safety and community responsibility.

Staying current with best practices is essential for professionals working with adults involved in sexual offending. This free training provides an overview of advances in the field over the past half century, offering participants practical knowledge needed to prevent further offending and support clients in building lives where abuse is unnecessary and undesirable. The presenters—Katie Gotch, Seth Wescott, and David Prescott—draw on current research, practical experience, and the collective expertise of leaders in the field. Participants have the opportunity to reflect on evolving standards and consider how these changes can inform their daily practice.

This training is suitable for both new professionals entering the field and experienced professionals interested in the latest developments and practices. Participants gain a clearer understanding of how to apply evidence-based strategies in their work and contribute to safer, healthier communities.