2023
V-STEP ADVANCED WEBINAR TRAININGS
Training Descriptions may be found on Eventbrite
To register: click below on "Register Here"
ALL TRAININGS ARE EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST)
TRAUMA SERIES - 4 Part Training Session
Dr. Michael F. Barnes, MAC, LPC
Part I: Neurobiology, Memory, & Symptoms of PTSD
Tuesday, February 21 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Thursday, March 30 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Part II: Understanding The Cause & Symptoms of Developmental/Complex Trauma (3 hours)
Tuesday, February 28 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Tuesday, April 4 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Part III: Secondary Trauma and It’s Impact on Individual Family Members and entire Family Systems
Thursday, March 2 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Tuesday, April 11 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Part IV: Compassion Fatigue and the Cost of Caring for Mental Health Professionals
Thursday, March 9 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Tuesday, April 18 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
BASICS OF INVESTIGATING: Sexual Child Abuse Cases
Child sex abuse cases are often extremely difficult to investigative in part because of corroborating evidence and challenges with victims. The first purpose of a child abuse investigation is to ascertain the safety of the child and then to obtain the information necessary to resolve issues and....
David A. Betz
Register Here!
Friday, February 10 ~ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Wednesday, March 22 ~ 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
Friday, May 12 ~ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION: Addressing Gender and Implicit Bias
The importance of having a clear understanding of gender-based violence and how it can be effectively addressed cannot be understated. This training will look at the complexities of gender-based violence and how they affect the general population...
David R. Thomas, Program Manager, International Association of Chiefs of Police
Register Here!
Thursday, January 26 ~ 9 AM – 11:30 AM
Thursday, April 27 ~ 9 AM – 11:30 AM
PHYSICAL ABUSE AND SHAKEN BABY INVESTIGATION
Child abuse is one of the leading causes of death in children between one and four years of age and often unrecognized until death or serious injury occurs. An unprotected and abused child is frequently re-injured. On occasion, children are taken away...
David A. Betz
Wednesday, February 22 ~ 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
Friday, April 7 ~ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST
Wednesday, May 24 ~ 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
FROM TRAUMA TO TRUST: POLICE-COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE
This training provides an in-depth overview of the groundbreaking work being done by Equal Justice USA in cities across the US. From Trauma to Trust: Police-Community Collaborative engages local law enforcement with the communities they serve in facilitated discussions identifying how trauma manifest in the lives of both.
David R. Thomas, Program Manager, International Association of Chiefs of Police
Register Here!
Thursday, April 13 ~ 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
UNDERSTANDING GRIEF AND LOSS: Supporting Those in Grief NEW!
Do you work with people who suffer from the loss of a loved one? Are you a grief informed professional? Ever wonder what to say and how to work with clients who are grieving? Then this is the training for you. Come learn what grief does to a person, recognize the stages of grief, how to help a person through their grief....
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
Register Here!
Thursday, January 19 ~ 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Tuesday, February 7 ~ 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Friday, March 17 ~ 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
INVESTIGATIONS and AWARENESS OF ABUSIVE IMAGERY CASES & ACTIVE KILLER CASES
(Child Pornography)
Learning that a child may have been harmed by abusive images can be overwhelming for any caregiver or family member. Victims of those who produce images of child exploitation can experience a range of thoughts, feelings..
David A. Betz
Register Here!
Friday, March 10 ~ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Friday, April 21 ~ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
DEATH NOTIFICATION: Breaking the News with Compassion
Death notification is acknowledged to be one of the most difficult tasks faced by law enforcement officers and other professionals. For most people, first learning about the death of a dear family member or close love one will, most likely, be the most traumatic event in their life. Few professionals have received either classroom or experiential training in death notifications...
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
Register Here!
Tuesday, January 31 ~ 10 AM – 12 PM
Friday, February 24 ~ 10 AM – 12 PM
Tuesday, March 21 ~ 10 AM – 12 PM
ETHICS IN VICTIM SERVICES Revised Version! new information offered
This updated workshop introduces participants to the concept of ethics and ethical standards when working with victims of crime. Utilizing case scenarios, participants engage in group discussion and small group activities that will help to broaden their understanding of the ethical dilemmas faced when working with victims of crime, the impact these can have on victims and providers and the impact unethical behavior can have on organizations...
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
Register Here!
Tuesday, March 7 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
More dates coming soon!
VICTIM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (Informational Session)
This one hour informational workshop will provide a brief introduction of the basic steps to becoming a certified victim assistance professional in Maryland...
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
Register Here!
Tuesday, January 24 ~ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Monday, February 27 ~ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Tuesday, March 28 ~ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Please contact us to schedule a webinar training
Anne Milun Litecky, Program Coordinator (410) 837-5055 or alitecky@ubalt.edu
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RVAAM curriculum has been approved for selected professions (e.g. law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole) Participants will receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and are welcome to ask for academic credits. V-STEP Regional Victim Services Advanced Trainings are held in all 5 regions across Maryland, and online.
If you would like to host or schedule a V-STEP training in your community or online, please contact Anne Litecky, V-STEP Program Coordinator.
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TRAINING DESCRIPTIONS
(additional trainings available)
CHILD ABUSE CRIMES: ADVANCING YOUR KNOWLEDGE -3 Part Training Session
Dave A. Betz
Part I: Basics of Investigating: Sexual Child Abuse Cases (4 hours)
Part II: Physical Abuse and Shaken Baby Investigations (4 hours)
Part III: Victim interviewing (4 hours)
"NEW" TRAUMA SERIES - 4 Part Training Session
Dr. Michael F. Barnes, MAC, LPC
Part I: Neurobiology, Memory, & Symptoms of PTSD (3 hours)
Part II: Understanding The Cause & Symptoms of Developmental/Complex Trauma (3 hours)
Part III: Secondary Trauma and It’s Impact on Individual Family Members and entire Family Systems (3 hours)
Part IV: Compassion Fatigue and the Cost of Caring for Mental Health Professionals (3 hours)
COMPASSION STRESS MANAGEMENT: TECHNIQUES TO COUNTERBALANCE THE INTENSITY OF YOUR WORK AND FACILITATE RESILIENCE
Heather L. Pfeifer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program
School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Workshop Summary: Working with victims of crime can be both one of the most rewarding and challenging careers. It is rewarding because one has the opportunity to help others when they are most vulnerable. However, it can also be very challenging because one will be exposed to other people’s pain and suffering on a regular basis. Over time, such exposure can take a significant physical, emotional, and psychological toll on an individual. How can one process all of the trauma one is going to be exposed to but not allow it to disrupt one’s personal and professional life? This workshop provides an overview of how to monitor the emotional stress, and possible physical and behavioral health conditions, that many professionals may experience as the result of exposure to secondary and vicarious trauma; and, will provide a variety of resources and strategies they can use to assist in managing their stress and to facilitate resilience.
LISA FERENTZ : TRAUMA AND CLIENTS 4 SESSIONS
(2 HOUR SESSIONS)
Lisa Ferentz lisa@theferentzinstitute.com
Session I: Trauma Informed Assessments
Session II: Understanding Dissociation in Traumatized Clients
Session III: Treating Addictive Behaviors in Traumatized Clients
Session IV: Moving From Post-Traumatic Stress to Post-Traumatic Growth
CYBER-VICTIMIZATION
Melvin de la Cruz, Ph.D., M.A., M.P.A.
Assistant Professor
School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
2 hours
Workshop Summary: The term cyber-victimization will be defined and victimization patterns examined. Emotional, social and financial impact of cyber-crime on individuals, organizations, and society will be examined. Reasons and motivations of cyber-victimization, and patterns of future cyber-victimization will be identified and analyzed. Types of secondary issues and behavioral risks derived from cyber crimes will be presented. Participation in the criminal justice system decision-making, victim services and restitution, and restorative justice initiatives are all a part of the discussion.
EXPLORING THE DYNAMICS AND EFFECTS OF SECONDARY VICTIMIZATION ON FAMILIES OF CRIME VICTIMS
Heather L. Pfeifer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program
School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Workshop Summary: This workshop presents the third piece of artwork in the Illuminations portfolio, in which “J” addresses the question “how did this (e.g., child sexual abuse) affect your family?” It allows participants the opportunity to explore the concept of secondary victimization, the varied responses to trauma within the family, and how those responses can exacerbate or mitigate the negative effects of trauma for the victim.
IMMIGRANT CRIME VICTIMIZATION
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program
School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
2 hours
Workshop Summary: Within the crime victim population, there is a subgroup of victims that has been identified as uniquely vulnerable. Victims that lack legal migration status are subject to great potential. With language and cultural barriers, as well as lack of knowledge about the legal system, they fear that in seeking law enforcement protection they may be deported, and in some cases, or fear the loss of custody of their children. The federal government has implemented a number of measures to provide support to undocumented immigrant victims of crime. However, despite the enduring public, political and academic interest in crime and migration, we have very little systematic knowledge about the victimization of undocumented immigrants.
INTEGRATED ADDICTION TREATMENT: HELPING CLIENTS & FAMILIES
Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LPC
Chief Clinical Officer,
Foundry Treatment Center
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Workshop Summary: For years, addiction treatment professionals have been clearly stating that addiction is a family disease, while failing to treat it in a systemic fashion. What has made the treatment of addiction even more complicated is the realization of the wide-spread co-occurrence of trauma and addiction in those suffering with the disease. While addiction treatment providers are recognizing the need for trauma informed addiction treatment for individual clients, there has remained a gap in clearly articulating a process for integrating trauma and addiction treatment for clients and especially for their family members.
CRIME VICTIMS and HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Workshop Summary: This workshop presents the opportunity to explore the causes and consequences of trafficking in human and to provide clear and guided information across a broad spectrum of trafficking related issues.
LEADERSHIP DURING AND AFTER COVID-19: INSIGHTS INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMPASSION FATIGUE AND ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH
Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LPC
Chief Clinical Officer,
Foundry Treatment Center
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Workshop Summary: This presentation will focus on assisting treatment leaders to better understand the sources and symptoms of burnout and vicarious trauma on employee and organizational health. The first half of the program will focus on compassion fatigue education from a leadership perspective. This will include discussions of compassion fatigue basics, a look at the sources and long-term implications of organizational trauma, how to assess organization health and management strategies for maximizing organizational wellness. The second half of our time together will include break-out sessions where small groups of attendees will work together to consider strategies that may work in their specific treatment setting. It is hoped that each participant will leave with a plan for combatting compassion fatigue and improving staff satisfaction and organizational health.
HOW TRAUMA-INFORMED PROVIDERS IMPROVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM RESPONSES
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
4 hours
DIALOGUE WITH A VICTIM: A CASE STUDY
Heather L. Pfeifer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program
School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Workshop Summary: Illuminations is a portfolio of artwork and companion written materials created by two brothers who were sexually abused by the same offender during their childhood. The boys’ desire is that by sharing their story, it can help to broaden others understanding of the experience and behavior of victims in the aftermath of trauma, and the impact such experiences has on a victim’s family, thereby enable participants to know how to respond in a more empathic manner when working with the victim. This interactive training provides participants with the opportunity to explore each individual piece of the artwork and its corresponding written material in a manner that engages them through dynamic discussion about the experience of victimization, and explores different communication skills that can help to facilitate interviews with victims and witnesses in a manner that reduces the likelihood of re-traumatization.
The third piece of artwork in the Illuminations portfolio, which addresses the question “what did this do to your family?” It allows participants the opportunity to explore the concept of secondary victimization, the varied responses to trauma within the family, and how those responses can exacerbate or mitigate the negative effects of trauma for the victim.
ETHICS IN VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
MD Certification Coordinator
Workshop Summary: This workshop introduces participants to the concept of ethics and ethical standards when working with victims of crime. Utilizing case scenarios, participants engage in group discussion and small group activities that will help to broaden their understanding of the ethical dilemmas faced when working with victims of crime, the impact these can have on victims and providers and the impact unethical behavior can have on organizations.
Since 2003, first responders, law enforcement, state’s attorney offices and other criminal justice professionals have utilized ETHICS IN VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING for the purpose of retaining standardized practices for their agencies.
HOW TRAUMA-INFORMED PROVIDERS IMPROVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSES
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Criminal Justice
Director, B.S. in Criminal Justice program
Workshop Summary: Although prevalence estimates vary, there is consensus that high percentages of justice-involved women and men have experienced serious trauma throughout their lifetime. The reverberating effects of traumatic experiences can challenge a person's capacity for recovery and pose significant barriers to accessing services, often resulting in an increased risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system.
MARYLAND VICTIM ASSISTANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (MVSCP)
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
MD Certification Coordinator
What does it mean to be a Certified Victim Assistance Professional in Maryland?
This brief introduction will provide the basic steps to becoming a certified victim assistant professional. Learn how service providers in other states are using certification to their benefit. Becoming certified is easy!
- Certification Processing
- Certification application assistance
- Qualification preparation
- Information gathering
- Qualification Processing
- Time and space for filling out certification application
Refer toCERTIFICATION TABfor further details
TRAINING REGIONS
- Northern Region Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County
- Western Region Allegany County, Garrett County, Washington County
- Central Region Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore City
- Southern Region Calvert County, Charles County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County
- Eastern Region Caroline County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, Worcester County
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!
ACADEMY FACULTY & STAFF
Dr. Debra L. Stanley
Executive Director
Anne Milun Litecky
Program Manager
alitecky@ubalt.edu
Cherie Peay
Program Coordinator
cpeay@ubalt.edu
Faculty:
Dr. Heather L. Pfeifer
Dave Thomas
Dr. Gabriela Wasileski
gwasileski@ubalt.edu
Dr. Mel de la Cruz
mdelacruz@ubalt.edu
Debbie Bradley
Certification Coordinator
Francis Beirut Poblete
Technician
francisbeirut.poblete@ubalt.edu
Contact Us
410.837.5055
Questions: contact Anne Milun Litecky at alitecky@ubalt.edu or 410.837.5055
From our hearts to yours, a BIG offering of thanks to crime victim service providers, including Roper Academy Alumni Association (RAAA) who continue to bring comfort and calm to the lives of crime victims and their families, as well as kindred support to one another. ~ Wishing everyone peace and good health!