Calendar

Mar
27
Fri
Empowerment and Protection: Increasing Awareness and Action Against Abuse in the IDD Community for Everyday Life
Mar 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Empowerment and Protection: Increasing Awareness and Action Against Abuse in the IDD Community for Everyday Life

Taking Action Against Abuse is a hands-on workshop to help you stay safe. In this training, you will learn: What abuse and neglect mean; signs that someone may be hurting you or not treating you right; how to speak up for yourself; who you can tell if something feels wrong; & what steps to take to get help. We will use simple examples, group activities, and practice exercises to help you understand what to do. You will have time to ask questions and talk about real-life situations. This workshop helps you build confidence, learn your rights, and know how to protect yourself and others. Families, caregivers, and community members are welcome too, so everyone can work together to create safer spaces. You have the right to feel safe.

When we learn the signs and take action, we can make positive change. Join us and be part of the solution.

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
17
Fri
A New Era in Parenting Education: Engaging Parents Where They Are
Apr 17 @ 9:45 am – 5:30 pm
A New Era in Parenting Education: Engaging Parents Where They Are

As NPEN celebrates 30 years of advancing science-based parenting education, this virtual conference explores innovative, practical ways parenting educators can support parents where they live, learn, work, and gather. Attendees will discover new approaches, tools, and strategies to use in their parenting education programming to keep parenting education relevant, accessible, and impactful in today’s evolving world.

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

Marijuana, Mother, and Father: A Public Health Perspective
Apr 30 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Marijuana, Mother, and Father: A Public Health Perspective

With the legalization of recreational marijuana, rates of use during pregnancy have steadily increased along with continuing use of tobacco.  In addition, new information regarding the father’s use of marijuana is leading to an understanding of the importance of considering epigenetic effects when assessing child outcomes.  At the same time, public health messages have failed to communicate the possible negative effects of marijuana on pregnancy and child outcome.  This training session will describe the actions of marijuana on the developing fetal brain, the impact on maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, and what is known about paternal use of these substances.

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