2023 V-STEP ADVANCED TRAININGS
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ALL TRAININGS are EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST)
Training Descriptions and registration are located on Eventbrite
To register: click on "Register Here"
IN-PERSON TRAINING
ILLUMINATIONS PROGRAM Step out and join us at the University of Baltimore!
SEPTEMBER 28 ~ 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
University of Baltimore
Register Early! (Seating is Limited)
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...
WEBINAR TRAININGS
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
Friday, September 15 ~ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
UNDERSTANDING GRIEF AND LOSS: Supporting Those in Grief
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, MD Certification Coordinator
Wednesday, September 20 ~ 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION: ADDRESSING GENDER and IMPLICIT BIAS
David R. Thomas, Program Manager, International Association of Chiefs of Police
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...
Thursday, September 21 ~ 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
TRAUMA SERIES - 4 Part Training Session
Dr. Barnes has developed trauma integrated clinical models for the treatment of individuals with co-occurring addiction and trauma and he speaks nationally on Families, Trauma, and Addiction.
Dr. Michael F. Barnes, MAC, LPC
Chief Clinical Officer, Foundry Treatment Center, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Part I: Neurobiology, Memory, & Symptoms of PTSD (3 hours)
Tuesday, August 22 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Part II: Understanding The Cause & Symptoms of Developmental/Complex Trauma (3 hours)
Tuesday, August 29 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Part III: Secondary Trauma and It’s Impact on Individual Family Members and entire Family Systems (3 hours)
Thursday, September 7 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Part IV: Compassion Fatigue and the Cost of Caring for Mental Health Professionals (3 hours)
Thursday, September 14 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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, August 17 ~ 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
Register Here! ~ Thursday, September 7 ~ 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
CYBER-VICTIMIZATION
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.
Melvin de la Cruz, Ph.D., M.A., M.P.A.
Register Here!
Wednesday, September 13 ~ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Monday, September 18 ~ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Tuesday, September 26 ~ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
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, August 4 ~ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Monday, September 11 ~ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
ETHICS IN VICTIM SERVICES 2023 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
Registration Here!
Wednesday, August 9 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST
Wednesday, September 6 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST
IMMIGRANT YOUTH - INTERSECTION OF HOMELESSNESS, VICTIMIZATION 2023 NEW!
Immigration cases involving youth are even more complicated and implicate sensitive issues beyond those encountered in adult cases. With sharp increases in the numbers of unaccompanied immigrant youth entering the United States, state courts and victim advocates play a critical role in these youth protections.
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Tuesday, June 27 ~ 9:00 AM -11:00 AM EST
Tuesday, September 12 ~ 9:00 AM -11:00 AM EST
HOW TRAUMA-INFORMED PROVIDERS IMPROVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSES
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.
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Tuesday, September 19 ~ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
MARYLAND VICTIM ASSISTANCE 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, and answer questions...
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
Register Here!
Wednesday, August 16 ~ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Thursday, September 28 ~ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Please contact us to schedule a webinar training
Anne Milun, Program Manager (410) 837-5055 or alitecky@ubalt.edu
________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 were originally 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 Milun, V-STEP Program Manager.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
TRAINING DESCRIPTIONS
(additional trainings available)
BASICS OF INVESTIGATING: Sexual Child Abuse Cases
David A. Betz
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....
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)
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
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...
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
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.
CYBER-VICTIMIZATION
Melvin de la Cruz, Ph.D., M.A., M.P.A.
Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
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.
DEATH NOTIFICATION: Breaking the News with Compassion
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
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...
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
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.
ETHICS IN VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII, MD Certification Coordinator
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.
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
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.
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION: ADDRESSING GENDER and IMPLICIT BIAS
David R. Thomas, Program Manager, International Association of Chiefs of Police
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...
HOW TRAUMA-INFORMED PROVIDERS IMPROVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSES
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
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.
IMMIGRANT CRIME VICTIMIZATION
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
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...
IMMIGRANT YOUTH - INTERSECTION OF HOMELESSNESS, VICTIMIZATION 2023 NEW!
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Immigration cases involving youth are even more complicated and implicate sensitive issues beyond those encountered in adult cases. With sharp increases in the numbers of unaccompanied immigrant youth entering the United States, state courts and victim advocates play a critical role in these youth protections.
INTEGRATED ADDICTION TREATMENT: HELPING CLIENTS & FAMILIES
Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LPC
Chief Clinical Officer, Foundry Treatment Center, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
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.
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
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...
LISA FERENTZ : TRAUMA AND CLIENTS 4 SESSIONS (2 Hours Per Session)
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
PHYSICAL ABUSE AND SHAKEN BABY INVESTIGATION
David A. Betz
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...
THE SCIENCE OF WELLNESS: SELF-CARE & HEALING TRAUMA
Jedidiah D. Smith Ph.D., CHHP LLC
We've all heard the clinical saying, Stress is a Silent Killer. Actually Stress is not silent and it need not be a killer at all. Self-care improves your ability to help... This modified 5 hour training (1.5 hour break for lunch) will teach victim service advocates the science of self-care and healing trauma and...
TRAUMA INFORMED ORGANIZATION: Where to Start (Part I & Part II)
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Director, B.S. in Criminal Justice program
Trauma-Informed organizations are built upon the understanding that trauma can manifest behaviorally and the collaboration across systems is important to link individuals to trauma-informed services/treatments to increase their ability to recovery. The process to becoming a trauma-informed organization is incremental and often begins...
TRAUMA SERIES - 4 Part Training Session NEW 2023!
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)
VICARIOUS TRAUMA AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS
David R. Thomas, Program Manager, International Association of Chiefs of Police
It explores the potential impact these factors can have on us both collectively and individually. It then goes on to explore how community partners can effectively communicate, collaborate, and cooperate in order to best serve the public, engage in wellness practices within our perspective entities.
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
ACADEMY FACULTY & STAFF
Dr. Debra L. Stanley
Executive Director
Anne Marie Milun
Program Manager
alitecky@ubalt.edu
Cherie Peay
Program Coordinator
Nicole Feldhaus
Technician
nfeldhauslitecky@ubalt.edu
Faculty:
Dr. Heather L. Pfeifer
David Thomas
Dr. Gabriela Wasileski
gwasileski@ubalt.edu
Dr. Melvin de la Cruz
mdelacruz@ubalt.edu
Debbie Bradley
Certification Coordinator
Contact Us
410.837.5055
February 18 - 23 (in-person) & June 3-7 (virtual)
Questions: contact Anne Marie Milun 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. ~ Wising everyone peace and good health
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!