Assumption to Insight: Reducing Bias in High-Stakes MDT Decision-Making
MDT decisions are made under pressure, with incomplete information, competing mandates, and strong emotions. This session helps participants recognize how assumptions and cognitive shortcuts can shape case discussion, partner perceptions, and decision-making. The focus is not blame; the focus is better thinking together.
From Compassion Fatigue to Compassion Satisfaction
Rather than viewing compassion fatigue through an overly simplistic lens, this session challenges old assumptions and invites participants to rethink what it truly means to care for others sustainably. Through engaging theory, practical exercises, and guided self-reflection, learners will develop personalized strategies for cultivating compassion satisfaction.
Tool or Threat: Artificial Intelligence for Law Enforcement and MDTs — Part 2
With rapid advances in AI, new digital threats are creating fresh challenges for MDTs. Led by a former prosecutor, this workshop unpacks the multidisciplinary implications of emerging technologies in sexual exploitation and abuse cases. Suggested Audience: All MDT members, with particular relevance for law enforcement and prosecutors.
Navigating Delayed Disclosure Cases of Child Sexual Abuse
This course will examine the pitfalls of both adult and child victims who report delayed disclosure of child sexual abuse. Investigators will gain insight into the best-case practices to achieve a successful prosecution in these cases. Objectives: Learn techniques to engage adult survivors during the interview process, and the concept of control used by the […]
Autism, Trauma, and Child Protection
Reducing Harm and Responding with Care Autistic children and adults are often misunderstood in child welfare, legal, educational, and healthcare systems. Differences in communication, affect, sensory processing, and behavior are frequently misread as defiance, dishonesty, manipulation, or lack of credibility, increasing the risk of retraumatization and systemic harm. This training explores how autism and trauma […]
Dissociation, Medical Trauma, and Systemic Harm
Trauma, Autism, and What Behaviors May Be Communicating Eating disorders are often reduced to food and weight, but the behaviors themselves can communicate much deeper struggles related to trauma, control, sensory needs, dissociation, and survival. For many individuals, especially those with histories of abuse or neurodivergence, eating disorder behaviors may serve important protective functions. This […]
Tool or Threat: Artificial Intelligence for Law Enforcement and MDTs — Part 1
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, new digital threats are on the rise, presenting unique challenges for multidisciplinary teams. This workshop will examine the implications of these emerging technologies, particularly in cases involving sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by a former prosecutor, this session will explore key technological advances alongside the legal, investigative, and […]
Overview of Child Fatalities in CT
The State of Connecticut has established a Child Fatality Review Panel (CFRP), which is charged with reviewing unexplained or unexpected circumstances of the death of any child under the age of 18 who has received services from a state department or agency addressing child welfare, social or human services or juvenile justice. Workshop will be […]
Winning Without Words: Prosecuting Cases with Recanting or Nonverbal Victims
Even when a child victim recants or cannot speak in court, prosecutors can prevail. This workshop delivers practical investigative and courtroom strategies to anticipate and address recantation, support children throughout the process, and secure convictions when a child cannot or will not testify. Participants will leave equipped to turn silence into strength in the courtroom. […]
Bad to the Bone: The Interconnectedness of Pet Abuse, Child Abuse, and Partner Abuse
Based on the presenter’s recent publications in Social Sciences (2022), the Journal of Interpersonal Violence (2021 & 2020), Forensic Science International: Animals and Environments (2021),and book on the topic (2021), this presentation will describe the specific emotional and physical risks of harm for all children, adults, and animals residing in homes where family violence occurs. […]
