Child sexual abuse is a pervasive issue that requires coordinated efforts in prevention, education, and intervention. Join us for this month’s LCTF Coffee and Conversations seminar as we explore evidence-based strategies and programs designed to prevent child sexual abuse. This session will provide parents, educators, social workers, and legal professionals with the tools to recognize early warning signs, understand legal professionals with the tools to recognize early warning signs, understand legal obligations, and implement effective prevention programs. Guest speakers will address education and awareness, prevention strategies, and legal considerations and understanding mandatory reporting laws, legal responsibilities, and the role of the legal system in both prevention and response efforts.
Speaker
Stacie Schrieffer LeBlanc, JD, Med, a lifelong child advocate, co-founder of the Up Institute, President Emeritus of The American Professional Society on Child Abuse (APSAC), has served 34 years in the child maltreatment field. She led a child abuse felony prosecution program with a 94% conviction rate. During her 19 years at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Stacie lead the Audrey Hepburn CARE Center and the Children’s Advocacy Center. She has published numerous articles and five books, and her legislative impact includes 11 successful amendments, earning her the title of Champion for Children. Recognized with numerous awards, such as a Lifetime Achievement Award, FBI Directors Award, and APSAC Outstanding Service, Stacie was also named Advocate of the Year by the American Psychology Association in 2022 for her work advancing No Hit Zones as a tool to combat child abuse. She chairs the National No Hit Zone Committee, overseeing the global expansion of No Hit Zones. Stacie remains dedicated to creating a safer world for children through her expertise, legislative influence, and innovative prevention programs. Stacie Schrieffer LeBlanc, JD, Med, a lifelong child advocate, co-founder of the Up Institute, and former APSAC president, has served 34 years in the child maltreatment field. She led a child abuse felony prosecution program with a 94% conviction rate. During her 19 years at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Stacie led the Audrey Hepburn and the Children’s Advocacy Centers. She has published articles and five books, and her legislative impact includes 11 successful amendments. Recognized with numerous awards, such as a Lifetime Achievement Award, FBI Directors Award, and APSAC Outstanding Service, Stacie was also named Advocate of the Year by the American Psychology Association in 2022 for her work advancing No Hit Zones as a tool to combat child abuse. She chairs the National No Hit Zone Committee, overseeing the global expansion of No Hit Zones.
Viola Vaughan-Eden, PhD, MSW, MJ is a Professor and the PhD Program Director with the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University. She is also the President and CEO of UP For Champions, a non-profit in partnership with The UP Institute, a think tank for upstream child abuse solutions. As a forensic and licensed clinical social worker, she serves as a consultant and expert witness in child maltreatment cases – principally sexual abuse. She has evaluated and/or consulted on more than 3000 child abuse cases and provided expert testimony more than 700 times. She is also a Child Welfare Advisor to the National Family Violence Law Center at George Washington University. Dr. Vaughan-Eden is President Emerita of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, President Emerita of the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence, and Past-President of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work. She lectures nationally and internationally on child and family welfare to multidisciplinary groups of professionals. She is co-editor of the 2012 and 2023 APSAC Practice Guidelines on Forensic Interviewing Children and is one of the editors-in-chief of the six-volume 2022 NPEIV Handbook on Interpersonal Violence. Dr. Vaughan-Eden is the recipient of several honors including the 2023 Outstanding Individual in Academia from the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy, the 2020 NOFSW Sol Gothard Lifetime Achievement Award, 2018 APSAC Outstanding Service Award, and the 2012 National Association of Social Workers-Virginia Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award. See www.violavaughaneden.com