Conference Registration Form

Wed1: Understanding What Diversity Means

Carin Burr MS, LPC, LICDC-CS, Professor of Social Services

JJ Peck, Peer Support Specialist || Clark State College

This workshop will define terms and categories of diversity, using colorful and interactive props. Presenters will share how and why we develop biases and how to use tools to prevent biases from turning into stereotypes or prejudices. Additionally, we will share stories and pictures from diverse perspectives to demonstrate that diversity is not something to be feared, but rather something to learn from and embrace.

Wed2: Street Smart Ohio

Capt. Shawn Bain (Ret).

Sgt. Michael N. Powell (Ret.) || Street Smart Ohio

This workshop will provide training on the current trends of drug abuse in our communities. Items used to carry, conceal, or consume drugs, as well as locations where these items can be purchased, will be discussed. Statistics will show how this epidemic has spread throughout the country.

Wed3: Identifying and Responding to Juvenile Victims of Human Trafficking

Vanessa Perkins, Workforce Development Director || Freedom A La Carte Emily Dunlap, Esq.

Micayla Wilson, BSW || Anti-Human Trafficking Department in the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Services

In this training, participants will learn about human trafficking, Ohio-specific data and laws, and the dynamics of exploitation. Participants will engage in a “Stay or Go” activity, which simulates the experience of a young person who is experiencing sexual exploitation/trafficking. This empathy- building activity will equip participants with the skills to recognize trafficking as it presents in youth.

Wed4: Diversity, Culture and Communication: Tools to Help the CASA/GAL

Eileen P. Anderson, EdD, MD || Professor of Bioethics, Director of Educational Programs in Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Director of Center for Medicine, Society and Culture at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

In child development and rearing, when is a behavior different and when is it a problem? This workshop introduces the concept of cultural models in order to understand diversity in contexts relevant to determining a child’s best interest. Participants will learn how to use a questionnaire tool kit designed to identify implicit assumptions about child wellbeing and caregiving that aids communication, recommendations and conflict reduction. Relevant neuroscience background and developmental considerations will also be addressed.

Growin’ Up: A Youth Culture Conversation

Adrian M. McLemore || Speaker, Trainer & Forever Teenager

This session is an immersive and fun journey into the heart of youth culture and the vital role it plays in the work of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. This dynamic, 90-minute keynote explores the intricacies of youth culture, debunking common myths and highlighting the diverse experiences of young adults. Discover practical strategies for building authentic relationships with youth, empowering their voices and advocating effectively both within and outside the legal system. Get ready to deepen your understanding, enhance your skills, and remember what it was like to be a teenager.

Thu1: Compassion Fatigue: CASA Volunteer Self-Care

Timothy W. Green, Program Director || Lorain County CASA

Learn how to take care of yourself, and by extension, become a better advocate for children. This workshop introduces self-care and self-compassion practices, as well as a variety of hands-on self-care paractices to reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being. This workship will also help participants learn new strategies and self-care techniques to allow one to stay compassionate, committed and focused.

Thu2: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Understanding how to recognize FASD differences (Part 1)

Denise Bothe, M.D., Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician

Rachel Tangen, Ph.D., ABPP, Pediatric Neuropsychologist || University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

This workshop will provide an overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and how alcohol effects the developing brain and development of a child. The presenters will discuss prevalence, signs and symptoms of FASD, and the diagnosis. The session will explore the cognitive and behavioral profiles of children with FASD and how they may overlap or differ from children with other developmental disorders.

Thu3: Understanding an IEP

Elaine Hamilton, Information Specialist, Trainer || The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities

In this workshop, participants will gain an understanding of the IEP components and the documentation necessary to develop an IEP. Discussion will focus on who is required to be involved in the development of an IEP, including the roles of the parent and school in the process. Each section of the IEP will be reviewed, with an explanation of what information is required by IDEA 2004 and what needs to be recorded in the various IEP sections.

Thu4: Drug Testing Result Interpretation

Kevin Everhart, Retired Narcotic Detective || Averhealth Area Manager

This workshop is for anyone who has any dealings with drug testing. This workshop will explain how to interpret a drug report, what it means and how to better understand it. The presenter will explore the different tools that are available, along with the pros and cons of each.

Thu5: Fostering Belonging

Brice Mickey, Vice President of DEI || Beech Acres Parenting Center

Working with and advocating for youth can be challenging and rewarding. In this workshop, participants will learn how to promote belonging for the children we support by learning from each other. This session will also explore how parents have navigated these same hurdles.

Thu6: Social Determinants of Health (SDoH): What They Are, Why They Matter, and How They Can be Leveraged to Impact Health Outcomes

Jesse Reed, Director, Life Services Ohio || CareSource

This workshop is an introductory presentation and conversation around the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), with a focus on how we all experience them in our lives and how they impact health outcomes. The conversation will also focus on interventions at the Managed Care level, through the exploration of the CareSource Life Services program. This is an innovative approach towards impacting health outcomes by addressing the SDoH at an individual and community level.

Thu7: Understanding/Supporting Behavioral and Physical Health Needs for Children in Out- of-Home Care

Mary Greiner, MD, MS, Professor and Medical Director

Sarah Beal, PhD, Associate Professor and Scientific Director || CHECK Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

During this workshop, Drs. Greiner and Beal will share information about the physical and behavioral health needs of children in out-of-home care, based on their experiences with clinical care delivery and research over a 12-year period. This will be followed by discussion and suggestions for resources and strategies to partner with services, to address health needs for young people while they are in out-of-home care. In small group discussions, barriers to services, resources and successful strategies to mitigate health concerns will be explored further to empower CASA volunteers to support the health of the children they work with statewide.

Thu8: Fundamentals of Motivational Interviewing

Cheryl Stahl, LPCC-S, Substance Use/Mental Health Program Director || Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based treatment modality desined to engage people in conversations about change in a way that empowers motivation and belief that change is possible. This workshop will provide participants with the fundamental principles and techniques of Motivational Interviewing that can be used by clinical and non-clinical service providers.

Thu9: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Interventions and Treatments for Behavioral and Learning Problems in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (Part 2)

Kimberly Burkhart, PhD, Child Clinical Psychologist

Denise Bothe, M.D., Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician

Rachel Tangen, Ph.D., ABPP, Pediatric Neuropsychologist || University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital

This workshop will provide an overview of empirically-supported interventions for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) and their families. A common elements approach will be taken to identify intervention components that target child emotional, social and behavioral functioning, fostering healthy attachment, and behavior management. Presenters will discuss implementation of the Family Foundations: Behavioral, Emotional, Social, and Team-Based [B.E.S.T] program, a trauma- informed group parent intervention created by the Rainbow FASD team.

Thu10: First Come Facts: How Thorough Investigations Lead to Stronger Recommendations

Magistrate Nicole L. Thornton || Lorain County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court

This workshop will look at how CASA volunteers/Guardians ad Litem gather information during their investigations and how to use that information to make effective recommendations. The presenter will focus on how to use that information to make reccomendations that are in the child’s best interest and how to present that information to the Court. Participants will look at relevant case law and real case experiences of how independent investigations and fact-based recommendations changed the outcomes for children.

Thu11: A Cultural Perspective on Special Education

Najma Mohamoud, Multicultural Information Specialist/Trainer || The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities

Participants will gain an understanding about various cultures, and how to communicate effectively when dealing with children and families with special education needs.

Thu12: Tips for Testifying in Court

Judge David Hejmanowski || Delaware County Juvenile Court

Being called upon to testify in court can be one of the more terrifying aspects of serving as a CASA volunteer. Appropriate preparation and practice can ease anxiety about taking the witness stand. This session will seek to demystify the process and prepare CASA volunteers for future trips to the witness box.

Thu13: “What Are Your Kids Up To?” A Serious Look into Juvenile Drug Abuse

Kevin Everhart, Retired Narcotic Detective || Averhealth Area Manager

This workshop is for anyone who deals with youth, not just in the professional arena, but as parents as well. This workshop will discuss the different type of drugs that our young people are abusing, the warning signs you should be aware of and the dangers the youth are facing in today’s “Dope World.”

Thu14: Effective Advocacy for Permanency

Tara Roberson

Natalie Adams, MSE, LSW

Quinn Dybdahl, Esq. || Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

This session will focus on advocating for permanency for youth in foster care. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical strategies for effectively collaborating with legal professionals, courts, social workers and CASA programs to navigate both the legal and child welfare systems. Through highlighting the importance of effective advocacy, this session will explore techniques for approaching challenging conversations with professionals regarding permanency, and strategies to include biological family and/or non-relative kin in permanency efforts. Participants will receive resources, including sample court reports, and learn concrete strategies to champion permanency for youth in care. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped to make a real difference in the lives of youth in care

Thu15: Bridges Out of Poverty; Strategies for Professionals and Communities Overview (Part 1)

Kathy McPherson, National Consultant and Facilitator || Aha! Process

This workshop is a partial overview of the Bridges Out of Poverty – Strategies for Professionals and Communities. This workshop will focus on understanding barriers for families living in poverty and build strategies for families and support systems to stabilize their lives.

Thu16: The Power of Safety and Connection for Youth

Kristine Buffington, MSW, LISW-S || Trainer and Consultant, Buffington Consulting, LLC

This workshop will explore the developmental impact of complex trauma on youth and the ways youth trauma impacts caregivers. Strategies for caregiver support and self-care will be explored, along with strategies to assist you with healing, resiliency, regulation and success.

Thu17: It Takes A Village: Roles and Responsibilities of Child Welfare Professionals, An In-Depth Child Welfare Panel Discussion

Judge David Hejmanowski || Delaware County Juvenile Court, Moderator

Richard Barnes, Esq. || Guardian ad Litem

Brianna Britton, Director || CASA of Madison County

Princetta Strozier || Greene County JFS Supervisor

Join us for a special, in-depth discussion about the roles of child welfare professionals. A new feature at #CK!C24, our expert panelists will discuss and clarify their responsibilities and how they work together to best serve Ohio’s children in need. Strong relationships and a healthy understanding of the system can lead to better outcomes for children experiencing abuse and neglect.

Thu18: Serving Students in Foster Care with the “Every Student Succeeds Act”

Betsy Hauck, Court Involved Youth Coordinator || Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

This workshop will detail the collaboration between the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to support students in foster care with the provisions outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act. Participants will learn about how entering into foster care can impact students and how local education agencies are prepared to support those students. The role of the designated foster care liasion for each district willl also be discussed.

Thu19: Child Sexual Abuse: Myth Busters

Lisa DeGeeter, JD, Director of Systems Advocacy & Policy Counsel || Ohio Domestic Violence Network

This presentation will address economic, evidentiary, disclosure, perpetrator-based and victim-based misperceptions about child sexual abuse. Participants will gain a better understanding of how children disclose abuse, how to support children through investigations and prosecutions, and how to gain knowledge and increase their own comfort when dealing with these complex cases.

Thu20: Link Between Animal Abuse, Domestic Violence and Mass/School Shootings: OH H.B. 33 Reporting Requirements for Animal/Child Abuse

Vicki Deisner, Esq., State Government Affairs Advisor || Animal Welfare Institute

Todd Curtis, Master Criminal Investigator and Profiler

Animal abuse frequently is an indicator and predictor of interpersonal, family and community violence, especially in domestic violence and child abuse scenarios as well as mass/school shootings. A significant number of women report that threats to their animals prevent them from leaving abusive relationships. Children who perpetuate or witness animal cruelty are at risk of being victims themselves and/or future perpetrators of violence, with lifelong adverse emotional consequences. Many serial killers, school shooters, mass murderers and terrorists have histories of animal abuse. Cross-reporting and training among human services, law enforcement and humane enforcement are necessary to create more effective species-spanning collaboratives that prevent and prosecute these interlocking forms of family and community violence.

Thu21: The SUD Landscape in Ohio: Trends, Barriers and Potential Solutions for Ohioans with Substance Use Disorder

Shana Merrick, MSW, LSW, CDCA, Behavioral Health Specialist

Jessica Johnson, LPCC, LICDC, Director, Behavioral Health and Wellness || CareSource

This interactive presentation will include a lecture and Q&A session. Topics will include the data surrounding substance use in Ohio, the continuum of care available for Ohioans, and state and local resources for adults and youth with substance use disorder. Participants will be equipped to navigate these resources and will leave with tangible examples of solutions to barriers experienced by those with SUD.

Thu22: Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities Overview (Part 2)

Kathy McPherson, National Consultant and Facilitator || Aha! Process

This workshop is a partial overview of the Bridges Out of Poverty – Strategies for Professionals and Communities. This workshop will focus on understanding barriers and build strategies for families living in poverty and support systems to stabilize their lives.

Thu23: Talking to Teens

Alexandra Gilbert, LISW-S, Private Practice Outpatient Therapist || Northwoods Clinic

This workshop is designed to help navigate the complexities of communicating with teens. Participants will learn to distinguish between typical adolescent behavior and potential signs of mental health concerns or risky behaviors. Education will be provided on understanding the developmental stages of adolescence and recognizing when behaviors or responses may warrant further attention. Learn practical strategies for fostering healthy communication, promoting resilience and accessing support resources for teens facing mental health challenges.

Thu24: Personal Safety for Home Visits

Deputy Laura Stahr, Deputy Sheriff || Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

This Personal Safety presentation will share risk reduction strategies for when you’re at home, in your car or going through your daily routine. Three elements must be in place for any type of crime to occur: a victim, an assailant and an opportunity. By learning these safety strategies, you will remove the opportunity for an assailant to make you their next victim. When you turn on your local or national news, it is hard not to hear a story of yet another person becoming a victim of crime. It is up to each of us to do what we can to avoid becoming another statistic or story on the news. These basic tips and strategies can help reduce your odds of becoming the victim of a crime.

Erase the Belonging Gap

Gaelin Elmore || Belonging Champion, Keynote Speaker, Thought Leader, ATTACh Board Member

Belonging is an innate and fundamental need that we all have. Whether we realize it or not, it influences many of our decisions daily. Research and experts have shown the exponential impact of genuine and authentic experiences of belonging and how it can increase emotional, mental, and physical health, motivation, problem-solving, and even resiliency. Family, school, and community are widely discussed as the top three ways for youth to develop, experience and feel belonging.

Unfortunately, we also know that if a youth has experienced childhood adversity of any sort, their relationship with family, school or community is often destroyed in the process; and sometimes all three. Adversity and trauma directly impact and sometimes eliminate experiences of belonging. This is why we see such significant gaps and vicious cycles in youth and adult populations who have experienced childhood adversity and trauma.

Backed by research and lived experience, this workshop is about how you can begin to erase the belonging gap, and how belonging is the difference in the lives of the youth you serve. You will be informed, challenged and inspired to continue the life-changing work, but with a different perspective and intention.

Fri1: Insight & Action: CASA Workshop on Domestic Violence Dynamics and Safety Planning

Leah Stone, MSW, LISW-S, RA, Training and Technical Assistance Manager || Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Domestic violence remains a widespread and often stigmatized experience for many adults and children. This workshop will help participants identify potential warning signs of domestic violence, understand the dynamics that keep individuals stuck in the cycle of abuse, and develop strategies for helping those experiencing domestic violence seek safety, support and resources. Participants will also gain a deeper understanding of domestic violence perpetration, lethality factors and reasons why domestic violence survivors may choose to stay with an abusive partner. Case studies and real-world examples will be used to apply these concepts in the workshop.

Fri2: CASA – Strengthening Community through Collaboration

Judge Patricia J. Smith || Portage County Juvenile/Probate Court

The Honorable Patricia Smith will share her knowledge and expertise on how to build and maintain effective relationships through visionary leadership with CASA and community partners, to ensure children and youth served have the greatest opportunity to thrive. Participants will engage in an interactive activity that will provide them with the opportunity to learn how to collaborate at every level and apply techniques to foster child well-being and help them achieve their full potential.

Fri3: Aging Out of Foster Care: Transition Planning & Post Support Services

Sarah Levels, MSW || Bridges Policy Developer

Sarah Shooter, BA, Independent Living and Transition Aged Youth Policy Developer || Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODCY)

This workshop offers an overview of services and supports available to young adults who have aged out of foster care in Ohio. The presentation begins with a discussion about Ohio’s transition planning requirements for youth in foster care. Next, information will be presented on available services and supports for those young adults who have aged out of foster care. Finally, the audience is provided information that outlines how they can play an important role in supporting former foster youth on their journey to independence.

Fri4: Ethics for CASA Volunteers/Guardians ad Litem

Kimberly A. Helfrich, Esq., Director, Guardian ad Litem Division || Hamilton County Office of the Public Defender

Eric Wahl, Esq., Magistrate || Franklin County Domestic Relations Court

The role of the Guardian ad Litem is performed by a combination of attorneys and non-attorneys in Ohio. Attorneys are bound by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct when acting in the attorney role. However, GAL practice does not always place the individual in the role of attorney, unless they are dually appointed as attorney and GAL for the youth they serve. Rule 48, which guides GAL practice, applies to both attorneys and non-attorneys and imposes some similar ethical and professional standards. This program will examine when the Rules of Professional conduct apply and what requirements Rule 48 imposes on the ethical and professional practice of the GAL.

Fri5: How to Advocate without Practicing Law: A guidance for Non-Attorney Advocates and Maintaining Confidentiality

Magistrate Brandin Marlow || Clark County Juvenile Court

This workshop is designed for the non-lawyer to provide insight and instruction regarding advocacy in and out of the courtroom. With a smattering of case law and real-life examples, participants will engage in discussion through small group work on good advocacy practices, bad advocacy practices and how to give the most credibility to recommendations. The workshop will also include a discussion regarding confidentiality matters.

Fri6: How to Write an Effective GAL Report

Judge Shelly R. Harsha || Pickaway County Juvenile Court

This workshop will provide an overview of all the components of a GAL Report, addressing the requirements set forth by Sup.R. 48 and why they need to be addressed in a GAL Report. We will focus on what the Court is looking for and how powerful words can be in describing a situation or advocating for a desired outcome.

Fri7: Engaged and Healthy Fathers – Essential for Positive Outcomes for Children

Kimberly Dent, Executive Director

Joshua Counceller, Manager of Operations || Ohio Commission on Father of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Healthy fathers who engage in the lives of their children result in better outcomes for children. The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF) was placed into state law Ohio Revised Code 5101.34 et al in 1999. Systems and programs must engage fathers and help him through potential barriers.

Fri8: LGBTQ+ Youth: Creating Allies and Safe Spaces

Sarah Harvan, MA, BA, Training Coordinator || CASA/GAL Program of Summit County

In this workshop participants will become familiar with acronyms and terminology. They will gain insight into the disproportionality of LGBTQ+ youth involved with child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Participants will learn resources available to best serve LGBTQ+ youth and families as a CASA volunteer/GAL.