Join us for the Kids at Court Conference to learn how to utilize trauma sensitive strategies to support your work with child victims and/or witnesses.

This conference is open to all attorneys who interact with children and youth in their courtroom practice, including, but not limited to, criminal, dependency, delinquency, civil, and domestic relations across Pennsylvania.

The conference includes an online pre-requisite session and a live, full-day event. Topics will include oppression-based trauma, the neurobiological impact of trauma, understanding and utilizing forensic interviewing, experts and motions, strategies when children are in-trial and on-the-stand, and more. The content includes the perspective of those with lived experience. 

• Includes both pre-recorded content and the in-person conference.
• 9.0 CLE credits available (2.5 substantive/0.5 ethics for the online pre-requisite training; 4.5 substantive/1.5 ethics for the in-person conference)
• Space is limited, pre-registration required, no walk-ins will be admitted. 

CONFERENCE DATES

Click here to register.

Click here to register.

Click here to register.

Click here to register.

Pre-Requisite online training

All conference registrants will have access to a 3-hour pre-requisite online training. This online training will cover foundational information about secondary-traumatic stress, oppression-based trauma, the neurological impact of trauma, trauma-sensitive strategies for attorneys when interacting with kids, and interviews with individuals with lived experience. 

The online trainings is eligible for 3.0 CLE credits (2.5 substantive/0.5 ethics) and will be hosted on our online learning center, Child Advocates Online.

The online training will prepare registrants for the in-person training and ensure a shared understanding of relevant terms and concepts. 

Conference Agenda

8:30 am to 9:00 am: Welcome 

9:00 am to 10:30 am: Trauma-Informed Lawyering Panel

10:30 am to 10:45 am: Break

10:45 am to 12:15 pm: Understanding and Using Forensic Interviewing

12:15 pm to 1:15 pm: Lunch

1:15 pm to 2:15 pm: Breakout #1

2:15 pm to 2:30 pm: Break and Switch Breakout Rooms

2:30 pm to 3:30 pm: Breakout #2

3:30 pm to 4:15 pm: Small Group Discussion Activity: Applying Knowledge to Practice

4:15 pm to 5:00 pm: De-Escalation, Debriefing, and Supporting Child, Family, and Self After Court

SPEAKERS AND ADVISORS

	Crystal L. Austin, Ph.D., L.P. Assistant Professor of Instruction & Associate Program Coordinator, Temple University, Psychology Program		Nadeem A Bezar, Esq. Partner, Kline & Specter
	Shakira Hansley Ellerson, J.D Policy & Advocacy Coalition Director, Voices for Children Coalition, CASA Youth Advocates		Brenda Harkavy, Esq. Trial Attorney, Raynes & Lawn, Child Advocates Volunteer Attorney
	Constance Iannetta 3rd Generation Foster Care Alumna, Founder & Executive Director, FosterStrong		Karen M. Galbraith, LSW Social Work Supervisor, Children’s Advocacy Clinic, Dickinson Law, Pennsylvania State University
	Marcia Hopkins, MSW Social Worker and Advocate for Children and Youth		Lucy Johnston-Walsh, MSW, JD Assistant Professor of Law Children’s Advocacy Clinic, Director Penn State Dickinson Law
	Sarah Katz, Esq. Senior Fellow, Stoneleigh Foundation; and Clinical Professor of Law, Temple University Beasley School of Law		Jane Kim, Esq. Program Director, Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center
	Alexis Krieger FBI Victim Specialist		Amy Lynch, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, TBRI® Educator, SCFES Associate Professor Program In Occupational Therapy, Temple University, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
	Katherine L.W. Norton, Esq. Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquense University Co-Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship Director of Clinical and International Programs Director of the Family Law Clinic Assistant Professor of Law		Mary C. Pugh, Esq. Executive Director, Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, MCAP
	Erin P. O’Brien, Esq. First Assistant District Attorney, Chester County District Attorney’s Office		Brianna Ringwood Deputy District Attorney, Chief of Professional Standards, Office of the District Attorney, Montgomery County, PA
	Clara Roberti, MSW Bilingual Forensic Interviewer		Sandra Simkins, Esq. Interim Dean of Students, Rutgers University
	Tamara L. Wilson, JD. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Chester County Program Manager, CASA Youth Advocates serving Delaware and Chester Counties		Adriana Youth Voices Council Founding Member, CASA Youth Advocates Board of Directors Member
	Kiera D Youth Voices Council Founding Member		Patricia Youth Voices Council Founding Member

Thank you to our sponsors

This project was supported by PCCD Subgrant #40052 awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The awarded funds originate with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The opinions, findings and conclusions expressed within this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of PCCD or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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