Uniting Children's Advocacy Centers
One Voice, One Child, One Big Difference

February 27-29, 2024
Best Western Plus GranTree Inn, Bozeman, Montana

Tuesday – February 27, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – AFTERNOON

Wednesday – February 28, 2024
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – ALL DAY

Thursday – February 29, 2024
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – MORNING

LODGING SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
You must register to access the lodging scholarship application

Agenda

Conference Topics

  • Forensic Interviewing:
    • Exploring Alternative Hypothesis
    • Aspects of the Cognitive Interview
    • Caregiver Interview and It’s Value
  • Research & Practice Updates
  • Be the Difference – What You Do Matters
  • Challenges of Adversity and Trauma – Increase problem-solving, emotional and physical health, as well as resiliency
  • Digital Crimes – Update on Technology Trends and Dangers for Youth
  • Documenting Physical Abuse Injuries

Presenters

Gaelin Elmore

From foster care, abuse, and homelessness, Gaelin had an adverse childhood that led him to the NFL, and to stages across the country, aiming to inspire, encourage, and equip others to think differently about their work and its long-term impact on others.

Crimson Barocca, LCSW-C

Manager of Forensic Interview Research & Education at Center for Hope Forensic Services (formerly Baltimore Child Abuse Center). She has been at Center for Hope for the last 14 years; however, she began her career 20 years ago at child protective services in Baltimore as a forensic interviewer, investigator, and supervisor.

Nicole E. Lytle, PhD.

Associate professor of social work and child advocacy at Montclair State University. She received her Ph.D. in experimental psychology from the University of Toledo.

Kathryn Wells, MD, FAAP

Executive Director, Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Brian Cassidy, ICAC Commander and Agent

Crime Information Bureau of the Division of Criminal Investigations, Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE), GIAC Certified Computer Forensic Examiner (GCFE)

Paula Samms, LCPC

Director, Lewis and Clark County Child Advocacy Center, a Program of AWARE

Lodging Scholarships

  • The Children’s Alliance of Montana (CAM) and Department of Justice will be providing lodging scholarships.
  • There will be a limited number of scholarships available.
  • Priority for the CAM scholarships will be given to members of the Children’s Alliance of Montana.
  • Scholarship recipients must make their own room reservations as scholarships will be provided on a reimbursement basis.
  • If you are interested in applying for a lodging scholarship to attend the Children’s Justice Conference, please complete the lodging scholarship portion of the registration form.

Lodging Accommodations

  • Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their lodging during the conference.
  • Lodging Scholarship Applicants – CAM/DOJ will only reimburse for lodging that is at or below the Bozeman GSA rate ($151.00 plus tax/night).
    • CAM/DOJ cannot reimburse for lodging that is over $151.00 plus tax/night. A deposit may be required at the time of the reservation.
  • Room blocks available under the name Children’s Justice Conference at the following places:
  • ROOM BLOCKS EXPIRE FEBRUARY 7TH, 2024

Coleen Magera Children’s Champion Award

Coleen Magera was a leader and a true champion for children in Montana. Coleen was a founding member of the Children’s Alliance of Montana, the County Attorney in Powder River, Custer and Sanders County. Collen exemplified teamwork and founded Sarah’s Place Child Advocacy Center in Sanders County.

The Coleen Magera Children’s Champion award is a platform to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of professional(s) working as part of a multidisciplinary team in Montana. Any professional can make a nomination. Professionals can make multiple nominations.

Nominations can be made for:

  • an individual professional (Law Enforcement, Victim Advocate, CPS, Prosecutor, FI, Medical or MH)
  • a group of MDT professionals – multiple professionals who collaborated on a case.
  • a multidisciplinary team


Nominate a Team Member by January 19th

This training event is sponsored by the Children’s Alliance of Montana and the MCSART Program of the Montana Department of Justice Special Services Bureau

For more information, contact Dani Peterson at training@childrensalliancemt.org.