Continuing Education Center

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.

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.