EPISODE SUMMARY: Research consistently supports the value of taking a trauma-informed approach to reduce re-traumatization, improve outcomes, and foster trust and collaboration between professionals, children, and families. In this episode, Kristina Coleman, LMSW, MPA, joins co-hosts Tony DeVincenzo and Ilana Lezama-Beausejour to discuss the intergenerational trauma approach and working with families of color. Throughout their conversation, Kristina shares insights into some of the life experiences of past generations and their impact on the present day. The discussion explores ways profession ..read more

EPISODE SUMMARY: “Better to be ready than get ready.” We delve deeper into the important topic of succession planning. In this episode, Tony speaks with Christopher St. Cyr who serves as the Executive Director at the Caledonia Children’s Advocacy Center. Chris discusses the importance of being intentional when it comes to succession planning. He guides us through a real-life experience of preparing for change and transition, including an unexpected twist the CAC faced along the way, and the value of being flexible. GUEST: Christopher St. Cyr is the Executive Director with the Caledonia Childre ..read more

EPISODE SUMMARY: When you hear succession planning, what comes to mind? Many people will think of a written document that outlines procedures for when there is a transition in leadership. Having a plan for change and transition is critical to the CAC’s stability and continuity of services for children and families. In this episode, Tony speaks with Southern Regional Children’s Advocacy Center Director Emily Chittenden-Laird who has a broader perspective on succession planning. She shares with us the importance of organizational planning and real-life experiences. GUEST: Emily Chittenden-Laird ..read more

EPISODE SUMMARY: As professionals in the child abuse field, we all know that child sexual abuse has no boundaries. In the United States, CACs and MDTs are doing amazing and innovative work to provide a collaborative response to promote healing for children and families. But have you ever thought about the issue of child sexual abuse globally and how it affects middle and low-income countries? In this episode, Abbie Newman, RN, JD with Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center joins Tony to talk about the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN). She shares a projec ..read more

EPISODE SUMMARY: “The ultimate solution to burnout is not self-care. It’s caring for others and others caring for you.” There’s no denying that self-care is important. Eating healthy, exercising, and taking vacation days can reduce stress on the body. But it’s human connection and the relationships you have with others that make the difference. In this month’s episode, Tony speaks with Dr. Heather Forkey and Dr. Jessica Griffin with UMass Chan Medical School about a different approach to address secondary traumatic stress and burnout. During their conversation, they share with us the affiliate ..read more

EPISODE SUMMARY:  Child Advocacy Centers and Multidisciplinary teams are not immune from the race, power, and privilege that shapes the way we each experience the world. At Safe Horizon, the organization that operates the five CACs throughout New York City, the Racial Healing Response Team (RHRT) program has been implemented to address the racial harm that staff members may experience in the workplace. With the goal of offering staff support and healing, the RHRT responds in a variety of ways that center on respect, relationships, and community care. In this episode, Tony speaks with Dr ..read more

EPISODE SUMMARY: What is organizational culture? Why should you focus on organizational culture? What is the value of investing in organizational culture? How does it relate to Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs)? In this episode, Tony speaks with Gene Klein, LCSW and Caren Dean with Project Harmony. During their conversation, they share how they navigated through periods of growth and change at Project Harmony. As a result, this led the CAC to focus on creating a positive organizational culture. Topics in this episode Project Harmony (3:29) Culture (5:08) Intentional Focus on Culture (7:28) B ..read more

EPISODE SUMMARY: 1 in 10 people have been victims of sexual assault. Over 80% of these victims know their attacker. In almost 100% of these cases, the attacker uses a method called "grooming". In this episode, filmmaker and survivor Gwen van de Pas joins Tony to discuss the documentary film titled Groomed. Gwen takes us through her journey of making the movie, what she discovered about the grooming process, and the impact grooming has on survivors. If you haven't already watched the movie Groomed, it can be found on the streaming service discovery+.    GUEST: Gwen van de Pas is a Dut ..read more

Elevating Your FI Program Still searching for that elusive perfect forensic interview? In this second episode of our two-part conversation with Michele Thames and Christine Rouse, forensic interviewers from Virginia, we discuss the importance of leadership to the success of a forensic interviewing program. Episode Summary When child abuse occurs, cases may be investigated using a Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) and a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). Forensic Interviewers are often employed at CACs and tasked with gathering reliable information from children. An interviewer is required to have kn ..read more

In the last five years, over 1 million children have received forensic interview services at Child Advocacy Centers across the United States.  In the first of four episodes dedicated to this topic, Rita Farrell, Director of ChildFirst® for Zero Abuse Project, discusses the value of peer review and how forensic interviewers can continually enhance their skills through coaching, mentoring, and program development.   Episode summary Forensic interviewers are dedicated professionals passionate about helping the children and families they serve.  Like any other professional skill, fo ..read more