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Medical and Psychological Aspects of Child Abuse & Neglect

Accessing Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Sara Salek, M.D., RBHA/Provider Panel Jason Jonker, Theresa Lindberg, MS, LPC, Lorenzo Azzi, Ph.D., Mary Jo Whitfield (81 mins)
Serving the Healthcare Needs of Children in DCS: Medicaid’s Role and Provider Panel. Services will be tailored to the child and family and provided in the most appropriate setting, in a timely fashion, and in accordance with best practices, while respecting the child’s and family’s cultural heritage.

Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma, Teresa Lopez (60 mins)
In examining compassion fatigue, participants will learn to understand the ways in which we are affected by our day to day work with individuals who have experienced high levels of trauma. Participants will also learn the importance of recognizing our need for adequate self-care to effectively serve the highest level of care to our clientele.

Domestic Sex Trafficking, Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, MSW, Ph.D. (93 mins)
Picture a teenager, estranged from her family, convinced to sell her body to belong... or survive. You might ask if sex trafficking really touches the children and families involved in Arizona’s child welfare system – sadly, the answer is yes. Dr. Roe-Sepowitz, Director of ASU’s Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, will discuss what trafficking looks like in Arizona and across the country. She will show how law enforcement and child welfare professionals can work together identifying, locating, and rescuing these vulnerable children. Dr. Roe- Sepowitz will discuss how those involved in the child welfare system, including CASA and FCRB volunteers, can effectively advocate for key services that better ensure safety and permanency for Arizona youth who are the victim of sex trafficking.

The Impact of Chemical Dependency on Families Part 1, Michael Nerney (75 mins)
The Impact of Chemical Dependency on Families Part 2, Michael Nerney (93 mins)
In this presentation, participants will learn about the environmental risk factors present for both children and teens of chemically dependent families. Environmental factors include physical, sexual abuse and neglect, manufacture and sale of drugs on premises, exposure to drugs, negative role modeling, and involvement in procurement or illicit drug trafficking. In addition, members of families in which one or more people are chemically dependent often suffer from a variety of psychological and emotional disorders. Participants will also explore the particular dynamics of chemically dependent family systems as it relates to the specific stage of development of the family, the identity of the parent (Mom or Dad) who is addicted, the age and gender of the children, and the specific drug of abuse or addiction. Differential risk factors are present dependent upon which drugs are being abused: a brief overview of the impact of specific drugs such as alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana will be part of the presentation.

Invisible Injuries, Paul Beljan, PsyD (96 mins)
While the outward signs of injury can lead to quick detection and diagnosis, the cognitive and emotional trauma may be more difficult to diagnose. Participants are introduced to models that assist in determining the existence and extent of psychological and neuropsychological impairment in victims of abuse.

Juvenile Domestic Violence, Betty McEntire and Judge Mark W. Armstrong (Ret.) (77 mins)
In this presentation, we will explore the dynamics of dating violence and how it applies to youth in their dating relationships. 1:5 teenage girls ages 14-18 indentified that they have been physically or sexually abused by their boyfriends. By understanding coercive tactics used to maintain power and control we will have a better understanding of the complexities and challenges to assist minors dealing with dating violence by providing them adequate assistance, support and resources. In addition, discussion of the addition of the dating relationship criteria to ARS 13-3601 statute, also known as Kaity's Law to provide guidance to court personnel when addressing teen dating violence and the ways that the Arizona Rules of Protective Order Procedure relate to the crime of domestic violence between teens.

The Neurobiology of Addiction, James Stoehr, PhD., Midwestern University (73 mins)
The reinforcing and rewarding properties of all drugs of use are due to enhancements in the neurochemical systems within the brain. The subsequent behavioral loss of control associated with dependence and addiction involves dysregulation in these chemical systems as well as higher brain centers located in the frontal cortex. Recovery is a timely process that involves several key steps, each of which are amenable to behavioral counseling as well as pharmacotherapy.

Risky Business: Why Adolescents Love Risk-Taking, and How We Can Help Manage It, Michael Nerney (95 mins)
110 mph on the highway, music blaring, open containers, four teens in the car…why do adolescents find drinking alcohol and engaging in high-risk behaviors so attractive? Recent research on the adolescent brain clearly demonstrates that adolescents perceive and process risk assessment in ways that are remarkably unlike those of adults. Changes in receptor site numbers and sensitivity, neurotransmitter action, and social-emotional responses all combine to influence how teens evaluate risk. In this program, Mr. Nerney will offer new ways to think about and talk about adolescent risk reduction, including access to structured risk taking, and the use of “gist” language. These concepts can be applied across the spectrum of adolescent risky behaviors, including drug and alcohol use, sexual activity, and others.

Substance Abuse - Methamphetamine Use and the Brain, James D. Stoehr, Ph.D. (84 mins)
This session focuses on facts and assumptions surrounding substance abuse treatment. Research regarding denial, motivation and treatment are presented along with techniques to reduce harm and change the behavior of the addict.

Substance Use Disorder and Medication Assisted Treatment: Making the Right the Decisions, Susan Stephens, M.D. (60 mins)
How can we help families in recovery? How do we hinder families in recovery? Over the past decade, the treatment of substance use disorder has entered a new phase in which medications can play a vital role in recovery. This webinar will discuss how advancements in pharmacotherapy can support and augment traditional evidence-based treatment practices for opioid dependence. The presenter will discuss current myths, opinions, biases and the environment of addiction treatment. In addition, she will outline the psychopharmacology of opioid dependence and provide an overview of each medication, its indication, to whom it is administered, and how it works.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment and the Child Welfare System, Adrienne Lindsey, MA, DBH (60 mins)
Substance use disorders impact a large proportion of individuals involved in the child welfare system. While court systems have continually grappled with substance abuse issues, much of how we understand and treat substance use disorders has changed in recent decades, with the advancement of brain imaging and the changing understanding of substance use disorders as a chronic brain disease. Recognized evidence-based treatment practices will be discussed, as well as ways medication-assisted treatment can supplement psychosocial treatment. Workshop attendees will be exposed to resources for identifying local provider agencies, as well as research-based guidelines for assessing the quality of substance abuse treatment programs.

Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, Sandy Stein, MD (72 mins)
This session will focus on youth trauma including prevalence, impact on normal development, parental risk factors, youth response to trauma, diagnosis and treatment of trauma related disorders. This will include discussion of both psychosocial and psychopharmacologic interventions. There will be a focus on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD).

That's Not Cool: The Use of Technology in Adolescent Abuse, Brian O'Connor, Futures Without Violence (45 mins)
The focus of the presentation will be on the digital environment in which many of Arizona’s foster children interact, with each other and with the adults in their life.

Understanding the Opioid Epidemic, Addiction and Treatment Part 1: The Opioid/Opiate Landscape in Arizona, Matthew Fallico (35 mins)
Understanding the Opioid Epidemic, Addiction and Treatment Part 2: Understanding the Opioid Epidemic, Micheal C. White, MCJ (67 mins)
From 2010-2013 Maricopa County (Arizona) Drug Court attempted a detox to residential program that yielded 12% outcomes in "compliance" for individuals with opioid use disorder. Since implementing Medication Assisted Treatment in 2015 our average of "compliance" is around 75%. We also have 90% follow up rates in our reentry rates from jail to treatment attendance. National data has reflected these outcomes for over a decade, but ideological preferences and biases often lead professionals advocating for treatment options that are less effective. Discussed in this presentation will be state initiatives, state impacts, how Medicaid is closely tied to Opioid Use Disorder, explanation of Medication Assisted Treatment, and utilizing Collective Impact Model to support system partners in Arizona.

Understanding Psychological Evaluations, Daniel J. Christiano, Ph.D. (54 mins)
Psychological evaluation is defined as a way of assessing an individual's behavior, personality, cognitive abilities, and several other domains. In this session participants will learn how Psychological Evaluations in a Court setting are used to help make judicial decisions. By providing vital or important information about a person(s) that would otherwise be unavailable to the attorney or judge.

Using Attachment Theory to Guide Placement Decisions: Theory and Law, Elizabeth Jacobs, Ph.D. (60 mins)
For young children under the age of 5 years, every disruption of continuity also affects those achievements which are rooted and develop in the intimate interchange with a stable parent figure. After separation from the familiar mother, young children are known to have breakdowns in toilet training and their ability to communicate verbally. Thus, continuity is a guideline [for determining the placement and the process of placement of a child] because emotional attachments are tenuous and vulnerable in early life...This session will discuss guidelines for the laws on adoption, custody, and foster care that each child placement be final and unconditional, except where specifically designed for brief temporary care.

Zero to Three: Infants in the Child Welfare System Part 1, Brenda Jones Harden, Ph.D. (73 mins)
Zero to Three: Infants in the Child Welfare System Part 2, Brenda Jones Harden, PhD (75 mins)
Infants constitute one of the fastest growing populations in foster care. Without intervention, they are at great risk of poor developmental outcomes. Juvenile and Family Courts have a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of the babies in their care. Dr. Brenda Jones-Harden, a national expert in the Zero to Three effort, explores critical issues that impact the development of very young children in the child welfare system. Discussion focuses on strategies the Court can employ to successfully address the needs of these most vulnerable children.

Assessment and Treatment of Juvenile Who Engage in Sexually Abusive Behaviors (Park 1), Jessica Leclerc, Psy.D., and Dr. Bryce Bennett (92 mins)
In this presentation, we will review factors that contribute to juveniles engaging in these behaviors, the assessment process for the juveniles once their behavior has been discovered, and treatment services available to these juveniles. As many of these juveniles are involved with DCS either during or after they have engaged in these behaviors, we will also discuss visitation with family and areas that need to be addressed prior to family reunification.

Assessment and Treatment of Adults Who Engage in Sexually Abusive Behaviors (Part 2), Jessica Leclerc, Psy.D., and Dr. Bryce Bennett CCSOTS, CJSOTS, CCTP, CFTP, CATPLic ensed Psychologist
In this presentation, we will discuss prevalence rates and factors that contribute to adults engaging in sexually abusive behaviors towards children. We will then discuss subsequent legal involvement, including criminal, family, and/or dependency courts, as well as psychosexual evaluations and assessment of these adults and treatment services available for the adult and family in general. Finally, levels of visitation and safety plans will be reviewed.

Navigating the Health Care System for Arizona’s Foster Children, Amelia Cearlock, DCS and Nichol Khan, MercyCare (116 mins.)
You will gain valuable insights into navigating the complex healthcare and support system for foster children in Arizona. If you've ever pondered questions such as how foster children access healthcare, the role of behavioral health services, or the function of the System of Care team within DCS CHP, this session is for you. We'll delve into the intricacies of services provided by Mercy Care and DCS in Arizona's foster care system and provide actionable guidance for Dependency Judges, Dependency or Delinquency Attorneys, CASA Volunteers, and FCRB Volunteers on how to ensure that every child receives the necessary support to thrive.