Children’s Justice Conference

Workshops

We’re currently working to build the 2026 Children’s Justice Conference agenda. This schedule is subject to change depending on presenter and venue needs.

Breaking Barriers and Avoiding Burnout in Special Victims Case Part 2

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Alicia Chandler, Kristilee Cavoretto|Session 7

This workshop candidly explores the challenges that arise from working within the trauma specific to SVU cases and the e...

5 Critical Lessons Learned from a Child Molest Investigation 27 Years After the Crime

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Dan Willis|Session 7

This presentation highlights the successful investigation and prosecution of a serious child molest case of substantial ...

From Silence to Safety: Prevention-focused Communication in Child Abuse and Neglect

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by DeVandra Wheeler|Session 7

Child sexual abuse prevention is a critical yet often underutilized component of child abuse and neglect response effort...

Child Torture

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Dr. Joyce Gilbert MD|Session 7

Child Torture has now been described in the medical literature as an extreme form of child abuse, occurring in the home ...

Reunifying Families in Cases of Child Sexual Abuse

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Jenny Johnson-riley, Chris Johnson|Session 7

Family reunification in cases of child sexual abuse can be both challenging and rewarding work. In this workshop, Jenny...

How Benson and Stabler Get it Wrong: Child Forensic Interviewing for Counties Without Dedicated Forensic Interviewer

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Hillery Gladden|Session 7

They have the best of intentions, but dang if Benson and Stabler don’t get it wrong . . . a lot. It leaves you wonder...

Substance Use Disorder Is Not a Behavior in Child Welfare

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by James Vallembois|Session 7

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is often misunderstood and treated as a willful behavior rather than a chronic, treatable m...

Solving the Series - The Case of the Creeper [Case Study]

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Jeff Udvarhelyi|Session 7

Between 2013 and 2015, a 27-year-old suspect terrified residents in North San Diego County after he forced entry into se...

Community is a Garden:Families and Providers Partnering for Prevention

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Joy Lile|Session 7

Lived experts and family voice can help caseworkers and providers understand the challenges that bring families into chi...

Help Me Grow Washington: A Connection to Support for Families

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Karina Wiggins, Camille Schultz, Minnette Mason|Session 7

Help Me Grow is a free service that connects parents and caregivers to resources in their community. Whether it’s unde...

Strenthening Skills for Child Welfare Caseworkers and Supervisors: Working with Families

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Kristina Wiley, Alexis Balkey|Session 7

Building capacity in the child welfare workforce remains a crucial part of improving outcomes for children, youth, and f...

Power, Prevention, and the Pathways We Miss: Understanding Youth Exploitation

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Martha Trujillo|Session 7

Youth exploitation and trafficking rarely begin at the point of arrest or disclosure—they begin much earlier through g...

Serving Individuals with Disabilities Involved with Child Welfare

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Melissa Wood, Karin Morris|Session 7

Child Welfare Agencies must ensure individuals with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to benefit from or pa...

Impactful Relationships: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Building Connection

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Michelle Wingate, Melinda Kiser|Session 7

Building meaningful relationships with youth impacted by trauma is both essential and complex. Impactful Relationships: ...

Suicide Prevention in Youth

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Zia Freeman|Session 7

Provides an overview of the topic of suicide, signs and symptoms in youth, and how professionals and caregivers should r...

Youth Voice & the DS Settlement

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Bailey Zydek, Emily Stochel|Session 7

In this session participants will learn about the historic D.S. Settlement concerning exceptional placements for childr...

Supporting Children and Their Families in Out-Of-Home Care: Moving from Theor to Action

May 5, 2026 @ 2:45 pm by Hannah van Veen, Regina McDougall|Session 7

Moving from Theory to Action

DCYF is committed to supporting families and children placed outside their home. The curr...