Screening Applicants to Identify those at Risk to become Sexually Involved with Children (Tue Feb 28 - 9:45AM)

The presentation will describe the science and statistical analysis of a screening system with a specificity of 0.99 and a sensitivity of 0.84. The importance of specificity and sensitivity will be explained as well as the efficiency of using the screen for 9000 individuals.

Advanced topics in Sexual Abuse Prevention: A Toolkit for Site Administrators (Tue Feb 28 - 11AM)

Analysis of sexual abuse cases in organizations that serve children, young people and other vulnerable populations has demonstrated that simple awareness of the problem is not synonymous with prevention.  Awareness is a start, but prevention of abuse requires leadership activities that are not always intuitive.   In this workshop, we use the recently developed growth in our understand of the dynamics of relationship-based sexual abuse to provide tools and instruction that may be disseminated directly to parish, school, and social service agency administrators through Safe Environments Offices.  Tools will be provided in the areas of diligent screening, creating a culture of safety, supervising programs, policy development, information gathering, interrupting boundary violations, and responding properly to disclosures of abuse and reports of warning signs.  Our focus will be on practical steps that may be used by administrators regardless of the size of the organization or the nature of the ministry.

At the Foot of the Cross (Wed Mar 1 - 10:30AM)

As we journey with victims/survivors/thrivers we often find ourselves at the foot of the cross with Jesus, Mary and John--bewildered, lost, fearful, shamed, and powerless.  Fully aware of our limitations, we abide there--with compassion and an inner strength that we were not aware that we possessed.  From this position, especially as we begin the journey of Lent, we welcome all vulnerable persons to our faith community and to move from a forced silence to a chosen silence of meditation, contemplation and mindfulness.  Naming demons, defining trauma, examining secondary trauma and compassion fatigue, we shall come to a place of peace so that we are energized to carry on our important work for ourselves and others.

USCCB Update (Mon Feb 27 - 9AM)

​Bishop Edward Burns, Chair of the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People (CPCYP), and Deacon Bernie Nojadera and Melanie Takinen of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection (SCYP), will bring attendees up to speed with the theological, cultural, and administrative challenges and opportunities currently facing dioceses in the United States.  An update on the activities of the USCCB will also be discussed. This presentation will include time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and worship.

Untangling the Net: A Co-Management Model for Effective Safe Environment (Mon Feb 27 - 2:15PM)

Safe environment management is about creating and maintaining a protective net that ensures one provides the safest places and processes possible for ministry. It requires effort and commitment from many on the diocesan, parish, and extra-parochial levels. This presentation focuses on a shared-model for effective safe environment management at the diocesan-level wherein Human Resources, Catechetical Formation, and Victims Assistance collaborate and share responsibilities for implementing the USCCB Charter and meeting its annual audit criteria. Discover best practices for partnering internally and externally to ensure success. Explore ways to provide leadership training and entity support to the field.

Lessons Learned (Tue Feb 28 - 2:15PM)

​Chicago began to create "safe environments" in 1992. Over the past 25 years many lessons have been learned (sometimes painfully) and relearned (definitely painfully).  Knowing there is a benefit of sharing wisdom learned, the staff of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth from the Archdiocese of Chicago will share 5 lessons learned for you to consider as you continue your ministry. Don't let our size scare you! The job I have in Chicago is the same one I had in Kalamazoo - and the same one you have. The tasks are the same whether you have one person doing them or ten. Join us and see!

Coached into Silence: Overcoming the Ways We Silence Ourselves (Mon Feb 27 12PM)

Drawing on lessons learned from 7 years of research and production on the documentary Coached into Silence, conversations with hundreds of survivors, parents, experts, and drawing on his personal experience as a victim of sexual abuse by a coach, Mr. Gavagan will discuss the ways that we as individuals and as a society unwittingly silence ourselves, and how these obstacles can be overcome. 

The Church - Changes and Challenges (Mon Feb 27 - 10:45AM)

An examination of the changing Catholic population and how it is engaged, or not engaged, in the life of the church. 

Safe Environment Efforts of the Knights of Columbus in the US (Tue Feb 28 - 12:15PM)

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Reflections of the Past – Projections of the Future (Mon Feb 27 - 8:30AM)

Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, who was and remains an integral part of the creation and implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People since its inception in 2002, will share his wisdom and insights into the experience of the Church in recognizing, accepting, and mobilizing the epic and hallowed task of keeping children safe within the arms of the Church.

The VAC/SEC /Road to Emmaus: A 15 Year Spiritual Journey from Dallas to Savannah (Tue Feb 28 - 3:15PM)

This presentation will explore the psychological and spiritual implications for practitioners who have worked in child and youth protection during the 15 years since the clergy sexual abuse of minors prompted the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to issue the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in Dallas, Texas in 2002.  Psychologists, Social Workers and Counselors have been in the forefront in working with victims, perpetrators and disillusioned lay people in ways that have sorely tested their skills and endurance.

Compassion Fatigue (Co-presenter) & Sex Offenders Registry Information (Tue Feb 28 - 1PM)

Sex Offenders Registry Information

​This presentation will briefly consider the history of sex offender registration in the United States, to place into context current sex offender registration efforts.  The presentation will then turn to an in-depth consideration of the Adam Walsh Act, the federal legislation that makes specific demands on states to develop uniform sex offender registration requirements.   The discussion will then turn to the demography of sex offenders on the registry, as well as identified characteristics of some sex offenders, including the differences recognized between contact and on-line offenders.  Victim demographics will be considered, particularly as victim identity relates to measures designed to protect children and the vulnerable in the community.  A review of the restrictions imposed on sex offenders by state legislation will aid attendees in considering any limitations on participation of registrants in community activities, including educational, athletic, and other activities.  The presentation will conclude with resources to aid in considering and managing any risk presented by sex offenders attending community activities.

High Reliability Organizations - Update (Wed Mar 1 - 9AM)

This presentation will focus on the behaviors exhibited by dioceses and eparchies that reflect the use of “principles of high reliability.” Based on research from the annual audit, as well as collaboration with the Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection and the diocesan HRO steering committee, this presentation will provide child protection leaders with practical examples of high reliability behaviors that can be implemented in their own dioceses.

Compassion Fatigue (Mon Feb 27 - 3:30PM)

Professionals working in the field of Child and Adult Protection are at a special risk of experiencing signs of Compassion Fatigue or, as it is sometimes called “secondary traumatization”.  This workshop will describe the emotional and behavioral symptoms of Compassion Fatigue. Information on how to identify, intervene, treat and prevent this disorder will be presented.    The discussion of case samples will be used to illustrate the information.

USCCB Updates (Mon Feb 27 - 9AM)

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Update from Pontifical Commission for Child Protection (Mon Feb 27 - 1PM)

Pope Francis established this new Commission in 2014 as an advisory panel reporting directly to the Holy Father.  The  work of 17 experts is to propose initiatives for promoting local responsibility in Churches around the world for all aspects of the mission to protect minors and vulnerable adults.  Msgr. Oliver has assisted Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap. since the beginning of the Commission’s work.  He will offer an update on the first three years, together with an analysis of the most important issues currently facing the Commission and the work of the Holy See.

Exploring the Impact of Pornography in the Digital Age (Tue Feb 28 - 8:30AM)

Pornography is not new, but the digital age has made it more ubiquitous and accessible than ever before. The technological realities of smartphones and high-speed internet have fundamentally changed the landscape of pornography, and ushered it into the cultural mainstream where it enjoys increasingly widespread acceptance.  

In Barna’s landmark study, The Porn Phenomenon, commissioned by Josh McDowell Ministry, we interviewed thousands of American teens, young adults and older adults about their views on and use of pornography. Come listen to Roxanne Stone, Barna's Editor in Chief, share these findings and offer insight into this important topic.

Please do let me know if there is anything else I can assist with.

USCCB Updates (Mon Feb 27 - 9AM)

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Building Bridges to Healing (Tue Feb 28 - 2:15PM)

​When a victim-survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a clergy, comes forward to talk with a VAC, it is a critical moment for both the victim-survivor and the Church. It’s an opportunity for healing but there is also the risk of deepening the wound. It’s a vulnerable moment for the victim-survivor and a big responsibility for the VAC. How do you stay present and available to the victim-survivor? How do you prevent yourself from fixing, managing, or controlling the situation and just listen to their pain with compassion?  It’s not easy. We have wonderful resources like therapy, healing masses, and meetings with the Bishops to offer them when and if they are ready to receive it. However can we accept that if they’ve been living with this secret for 20 or more years, it may take longer than we think it should for them to trust us and believe that help is truly available? Can we be patient? How do we provide help if their attorney won’t let us have contact with the victim-survivor?  Can we support victims-survivors to find their voice and tell their story? Can we assist victims to empower themselves by facilitating connections with other survivors? Can we plant seeds for healing, even if we don’t know what the outcome will be? As the role of VAC’s continues to change and evolve, it leaves us with more questions than answers. Bring your questions and join the conversation. Together, we will offer support to one another and learn from the shared wisdom in the room.