Calendar

Mar
20
Fri
APSAC Racial Justice Section Meeting
Mar 20 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
APSAC Racial Justice Section Meeting

APSAC Board Member Darcey Merritt, PhD, MSW, FAPSAC will be leading a conversation about emerging issues and trends. 

The Racial Justice Section continues APSAC’s commitment to work towards ending racism and implicit bias in the field of child maltreatment. This mission requires all of our participation, listening closely to others, learning, changing ourselves, and changing our practices. You are invited to share observations and experiences, discuss challenges that we face as child abuse professionals, and provide each other with collegial support.

REGISTER HERE

Apr
15
Wed
Disability and Abuse: Empowering Advocacy and Protection for Children with Disabilities
Apr 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Disability and Abuse: Empowering Advocacy and Protection for Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities experience unique vulnerabilities that increase their risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We will explore the intersection of disability and abuse through an advocacy and prevention lens. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of why children with disabilities are at higher risk, how abuse may present differently, and the critical role of advocates, caregivers, professionals, and systems in recognizing and responding to concerns. The session will also highlight practical strategies, legal protections, and community resources that support prevention, early intervention, and the empowerment of children with disabilities and their families.

REGISTER HERE

Apr
30
Thu
LCTF Child Abuse Prevention Conference 2026 @ Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Apr 30 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
LCTF Child Abuse Prevention Conference 2026 @ Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

The Annual LCTF Child Abuse Prevention Conference will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lafayette. Event Sign-in will begin at 8:00 am and the Conference Start is at 8:30 am.

Registration is $30 per person and includes lunch. No onsite registration for attendees is allowed for this event.  You must pre-register! Questions contact Sharon@teamdyn.com

Hotel Accommodations at the Doubletree by Hilton in Lafayette

Reservation information:

  • The Group Code to use when calling to make reservations is LCT
  • The reservation phone number is 800-222-8733.
  • The deadline to make reservations is April 15th

This is the booking link for LCTF ANNUAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION –https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/lftlddt-lct-4a1d28c1-a01d-4372-8357-23275dcde9eb/

REGISTER HERE

May
21
Thu
Behavior Belongs in the Brain: Moving Away from Blame
May 21 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Behavior Belongs in the Brain: Moving Away from Blame

Although prenatal alcohol exposure is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disabilities in the United States, global development most often falls into the normal range for children and youth with a history of prenatal exposure to alcohol and other substances. However, regulatory difficulties across the span of childhood and adolescence have significant implications for long term development.  This training session will present a framework for understanding the brain-based developmental and behavioral difficulties of children and youth affected by prenatal substance exposure.

Trainers:

Ira J. Chasnoff, M.D., an award-winning author, researcher and lecturer, is President of NTI Upstream and a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He is one of the nation’s leading researchers in the field of child development and the effects of environmental factors on the developmental trajectory of children and adolescents.  Dr. Chasnoff’s work encompasses community approaches to the integration of behavioral health services into primary health care, the schools, and the other multiple systems that serve children and families.

Christine Schmidt, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist who has specific interest and expertise in working with youth and families impacted by prenatal substance use and pre- and post-natal trauma. Most recently, Dr. Schmidt co-directed a three-year grant designed to help address the impact of secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma on professionals working with youth in the child welfare system. Dr. Schmidt has been a member of NTI Upstream’s training faculty for over 15 years and provides consultative psychological services to administrators, caseworkers, and other professionals.

 Amy Groessl, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker, brings extensive expertise in treating children and adults with complex trauma histories, neurocognitive challenges, attachment disorders, and adoption-related issues. She is based in Chicago and provides psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and consultation through her private practice.  Dr. Groessl has been with NTI Upstream’s Training Faculty since 2016.  She is also a Core Faculty member at the Institute for Clinical Social Work, where she teaches courses on qualitative research, trauma, attachment theory, and neuropsychology.

Sue Green, OTR/L, has practiced as a pediatric occupational therapist since 1987, culminating in over three and a half decades of knowledge.  Currently, Sue is the Pediatric OT/PT supervisor at The Chautauqua Center, Inc in Jamestown, NY, providing early intervention, preschool and pediatric outpatient services to those who need it most. Sue has been a member of NTI Upstream’s senior faculty since 2023, providing education and training to healthcare and social service professionals who share a common goal of enhancing positive outcomes for the children and families they treat.

REGISTER HERE