Idaho Safety & Resilience Conference

Coming Soon!

Megan McCaleb
CEO @ Improv Team Culture

Title

Get Better Results with “Yes, And”

Description & Learning Objectives

The core principle of improv employs a “Yes, And” approach to people and processes. Simply put, the “YES” shows acceptance of what is presented, while “AND” builds upon that idea with the new information of possibilities.

1. Suspend Judgment – Learning to notice our thoughts, activate curiosity around how our opinions have been formed, and how to be respectful to others for seeing the world differently. Overcome conflict, challenges, and creative blocks so you can increase productivity, build and maintain a culture you’re proud of, increase retention through connection, and more.
2. Participate Fully – Taking “present in the moment” up a few notches to sustain a life with integrity, make bold choices, and take accountability for your contributions to life, family, and society.
3. “Yes, And” – the core of improv and a simple, effective tool for collaborative communication, enhanced customer service & sales strategies, and individual empowerment.

Incorporating improv into leadership development programs can encourage individuals to step outside their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace change. By encouraging a mindset of openness and adaptability, leaders can inspire their teams to think creatively, communicate more effectively, and overcome challenges with confidence.

Gather simple, effective, and transformational tools to navigate conflict and stay open and nimble in their communication skills internally and with clients.

Lindsey Dula
Founder @ NFIN

Breakout Title

The Difference: A Case Study

Description

While child maltreatment comes in many different forms, this case study reviews a case of Failure To Thrive and the ensuing investigation. This case study is a captivating and candid look at the course of the investigation, including what pitfalls investigators can avoid as well as how service providers can create lasting solutions borne from the circumstances of a tragic case.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss characteristics of failure to thrive..
2. Explore issues in the course of the case.
3. Share investigative and service tips learned during the course of the case.

Ashley Stallings
Executive Director @ Upper Valley Child Advocacy Center

Breakout Title

HOPE-Healthy Outcome from Positive Experiences

Description

This workshop will cover the research behind Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and their mitigating effects on ACEs, the Four Building Blocks of HOPE, and the power of the brain to heal. The presentation will introduce ideas of how to incorporate the HOPE Framework into practice.

HOPE – Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences – combines a public health approach to preventing child abuse with a broader understanding of how children grow to become strong, healthy, and resilient adults. The idea came about through conversations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Knowledge to Action Task Force on Child Abuse Prevention. The CDC’s approach focused on the public’s need to support safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for children. The Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences team pulled together existing data and began to explore exactly how positive experiences affect the growing child. Much of the evidence for HOPE was produced with the collaboration and support of the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative.

AS HOPE IMPLEMENTS our strategic actions, we build a collective understanding of the importance of positive experiences. All of our work is done in collaboration with partners who seek to develop

HOPE-informed approaches to supporting children and families. We’re creating a paradigm shift in systems of care, communities, and policies to value and actively bolster positive experiences. This shift builds on our understanding of the power of relationships within families and communities and between those who provide and receive supportive services. Our goal is to improve empathy, drive respect for human dignity, and promote trust among families.

With this in mind this workshop will engage participants in looking at their agencies policies, procedures and overall culture when working with victims of crimes with a HOPE framework using the procedures and overall culture when working with victims of crimes with a HOPE framework using the four building blocks as a foundation. Not only providing services in a HOPE informed manner but also laying the foundation for agencies to be HOPE informed organizations in all aspects of their work.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the research behind Positive Childhood Experiences(PCEs) and their mitigating effects on ACES.
2. Learn about the Four Building Blocks of HOPE and how to incorporate these into your agencies services.
3. Understand and be able to implement the HOPE framework into your agencies protocols, procedures and practices.

Angela Kuntz
Detective (Retired) @ Nampa Police Department

Breakout Title

Effects of Coercive Control on Children

Description & Learning Objectives

1. Introduction
2. Definition of coercive control
3. Overview of its relevance to children and victims of crime
4. Understanding Coercive Control
5. Explanation of coercive control as a pattern of behavior
6. Common tactics used by perpetrators (e.g., isolation, financial control, threats)
7. Impact on Children
8. Emotional and psychological effects on children
9. Examples of how coercive control manifests in children’s lives
10. Long-term consequences for children’s development and well-being

Kassandra McGrady
Assistant United States Attorney @ U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Idaho

Breakout Title

Part 1

Description

Coming soon!

Kassandra McGrady
Assistant United States Attorney @ U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Idaho

Breakout Title

Part 2

Description

Coming soon!

Mark Kurkowski
@ Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center

Breakout Title

Cyberstalking and Harassment

Description

This workshop will focus on key definitions and dynamics relating to cyberstalking and harassment, sexploitation, and identity theft, and ways to provide trauma-informed support and advocacy for survivors of computer-based crimes.

Learning Objectives

1. Define cyberstalking, sexploitation, and identity theft.
2. List three ways computer-based crimes impact survivors.
3. Describe two trauma-informed approaches to providing support and advocacy for victims of computer crimes.

Bibiana Ortiz
Social Change Associate @ Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence

Layla Bagwell
Youth Activist of Social Change @ Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence

Breakout Title

Intergenerational Partnerships: Teen Dating Violence Prevention & Response In Rural Communities

Description

This is an interactive workshop focused on engaging young people in the prevention of teen dating violence through intergenerational partnerships and youth-centered, trauma-informed response services to young people, with a focus on Black, Indigenous and youth of color, youth with disabilities, Deaf or hard of hearing youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth who have been resettled through the refugee process, youth immigrants, and youth who are in the juvenile system or systems involved. This workshop will discuss the 2025 National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month campaign – Love Languages in Healthy Relationships, campaign envisioned and led by young people. We will engage in interactive activities throughout our time together to build our collective understanding of the possibilities in the prevention and response to teen dating violence.

Tessie Buttram
Deputy Prosecutor @ Ada County Prosecutor’s Office

Breakout Title

Case Study: Trial with a recanting victim

Desription

Your domestic violence case is not (always) dead in the water if your victim recants.  This presentation will highlight a recent case where the victim recanted and testified favorably for the defense.  Despite that, the jury convicted him.  The presenter will discuss pretrial work and strategy, the trial and key use of both DV and strangulation experts.

Learning Objectives

1. During this session, attendees will learn how to work a case from the start with possible recantation in mind, some key pretrial motions to consider, and rules of evidence to utilize to help get a conviction despite a recant.
2. At the end of the session, the attendee will be able to analyze the probability of proving a case where a victim recants, tips for how to improve the strength of a case where there is a recant, the methods and motions to use leading up to and in trial, and the tools to overcome objections to evidence or expert witnesses.

Sherri Coronado
Detective (Retired) @ Boise Police Department

Breakout Title

Lethality Assessments & High Risk DV’s

Description

Research has shown that intimate partner domestic violence homicides are often predictable; and if they’re predictable, they’re preventable. Some victims of domestic violence are in extreme danger when they come forward for help. Domestic violence professionals must take steps to enhance victim safety and offender accountability when they identify such a victim that is in extreme danger. Every opportunity must be identified to increase safety and offender accountability, and reduce the likelihood that a victim will be seriously injured or killed after seeking intervention services from the criminal or civil justice system. All system professionals should be part of the process of identifying high risk situations and the need for a specialized high risk response.

Learning Objectives

1. This presentation will provide an understanding about the importance and effectiveness of Domestic Violence High-Risk Teams in communities and how to form and implement one.
2. The attendees will be presented with the usefulness of an evidence-based lethality assessment as well as the function and structure of key partners in a multidisciplinary approach.
3. Participants will learn how team members work together to identify high-risk cases and mobilize risk management strategies.

tai simpson-bruce
Collective Stewardship, Co-Director @ Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence

Breakout Title

Strengthening Advocacy & Collaboration in Addressing Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons

Description

Introduction: Our community research examines how U.S. settler-colonial governance and Federal Indian Policy continue to shape the experiences of Indigenous communities today, particularly in relation to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP). By centering Indigenous methodologies and collaboration, this study highlights the role of state policies in perpetuating disproportionate rates of missing person cases and homicides among Indigenous peoples in Idaho.

Rather than just presenting data, this discussion focuses on the power of anti-violence advocacy, community collaboration, and policy engagement in addressing MMIP. It asks:

• Which jurisdictions in Idaho are most affected?
• How do Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders perceive and engage in collaborative governance?
• What are the key ways intergovernmental partnerships can create real change for MMIP policy?

Understanding the Crisis Through Collaboration: Advancing equitable advocacy practices requires more than just research—it demands a dialogue that acknowledges the ongoing legacies of settlercolonialism embedded in state and federal governance. State-tribal jurisdictional boundaries are everchanging, and effective MMIP policy solutions must be informed by Indigenous leadership and lived experiences. This study centers the voices of Indigenous actors—tribal leaders, grassroots organizers, and nonprofit advocates—who are actively shaping policy and governance efforts to combat MMIP.

Key Findings: Indigenous Leadership in Action

Through an Indigenous-centered, “braided” methodological approach, this study reveals that:

• Indigenous community members are leading advocacy and policy efforts at tribal, state, and grassroots levels.
• Successful collaboration happens in three key configurations:
  • State-led efforts (bureaucratic agencies working on MMIP policy)
  • Tribal government leadership (sovereign nations shaping MMIP responses)
  • Tribal government leadership (sovereign nations shaping MMIP responses)
  • Grassroots/nonprofit organizations (community-driven initiatives filling critical gaps)
• The Indigenous-led push for accountability and systems change has contributed to measurable shifts, such as Idaho’s reported decrease in missing persons rates for Indigenous communities. However, these numbers do not tell the full story—ongoing advocacy is necessary to address systemic issues that allow MMIP cases to go unresolved.

Why Advocacy and Relationship-Building Matter

This study underscores that real change happens through advocacy, trust-building, and intergovernmental collaboration. Indigenous leaders and community organizers are not just participants in the policy process—they are driving solutions. Their work challenges state systems to be more accountable, ensures culturally competent victim services, and amplifies Indigenous data sovereignty.

Moving Forward: The Role of Community & Policy Advocacy

• Strengthening relationships between tribal, state, and grassroots entities is key to improving MMIP outcomes.
• Policy and advocacy shift must be driven by Indigenous voices, ensuring that solutions reflect community needs and experiences.
• Future efforts should prioritize qualitative research that centers MMIP families’ experiences with law enforcement, investigators, and victim services. Their voices are critical in holding institutions accountable.
• MMIP advocacy must continue evolving beyond research and reports—toward action, justice, and systemic transformation.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the Impact of Governance on MMIP
   • Recognize how U.S. settler-colonial governance and Federal Indian Policy continue to shape the MMIP crisis.
   • Identify how state policies in Idaho contribute to disproportionate rates of missing persons and homicides among Indigenous communities.
2. Explore the Role of Indigenous Advocacy in Policy Development
   • Examine how Indigenous leaders, grassroots organizations, and tribal governments engage in policy processes.
   • Understand the importance of Indigenous methodologies in research and advocacy.
3. Identify Key Collaborative Governance Structures
   • Analyze the primary ways intergovernmental collaboration occurs in MMIP work:
     • State-led efforts (bureaucratic agencies)
     • Tribal government leadership
     • Grassroots and nonprofit organizations
     • Discuss the challenges and opportunities within multi-jurisdictional governance.
4. Enhance Advocacy and Relationship-Building Skills
   • Develop strategies to foster meaningful partnerships between tribal, state, and grassroots organizations.
   • Learn best practices for effective collaboration and coalition-building to improve MMIP outcomes.
5. Assess Policy Accountability and Next Steps for Action
   • Explore how community-driven advocacy influences policy changes and accountability.
   • Recognize the need for future qualitative research centering MMIP families’ experiences with law enforcement, investigators, and victim services.
   • Identify concrete ways to contribute to policy advocacy, awareness, and justice for MMIP cases.

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Shawn Hill
Director of Probation Services @ Bingham County

Breakout Title

Navigating the Probation System

Description

The whole purpose of the Probation Simulation is to help criminal justice and related professionals understand what people experience when they are released from jail/prison and re-enter society or they are placed on Probation. The Probation Simulation allows participants an opportunity to “Walk a mile in their shoes” and gain a better perspective of the challenges these individuals face on a daily basis. I believe having this understanding, helps all criminal justice and related professionals be more professional and conscientious in their day-to-day work and a little more compassionate.

Learning Objectives

1.  Participants will gain a better understanding of the challenges individuals face when re-joining society after incarceration or being placed on probation.
2. Participants will be able to identify roadblocks in and around their own professional roles, which may lead to effective or creative problem-solving.

Shawn Hill
Director of Probation Services @ Bingham County

Breakout Title

Navigating the Probation System

Description

The whole purpose of the Probation Simulation is to help criminal justice and related professionals understand what people experience when they are released from jail/prison and re-enter society or they are placed on Probation. The Probation Simulation allows participants an opportunity to “Walk a mile in their shoes” and gain a better perspective of the challenges these individuals face on a daily basis. I believe having this understanding, helps all criminal justice and related professionals be more professional and conscientious in their day-to-day work and a little more compassionate.

Learning Objectives

1.  Participants will gain a better understanding of the challenges individuals face when re-joining society after incarceration or being placed on probation.
2. Participants will be able to identify roadblocks in and around their own professional roles, which may lead to effective or creative problem-solving.

N/A

Astin Salisbury, LCSW
Forensic Interviewer @ St. Luke’s CARES

Shannon Garza
Detective @ Ada County Sheriff’s Office

Ashley King, MD
Medical Director @ Community SANE Team

Breakout Title

Strangulation (Part 2 of 2)

Description

This training was adapted largely from the two-day training presented by Casey Gwinn and Gael Strack of the Strangulation Training Institute, hosted in Nampa by the Nampa Family Justice Center in October 2024. It covers the definition of strangulation, an in-depth look at how it occurs, experience of victims, and the data around strangulation events; medical aspects including anatomical structures impacted, physical evidence visible and invisible to the naked eye, and long-term impacts on the brain/health; tips for investigating cases from the law enforcement perspective; and social impacts on victims including long-term mental/emotional impacts. The presentation includes photos and examples from local cases as well as examples of tools investigators and advocates can use to assess and support victims.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn the difference between strangulation and choking; the level of pressure required to strangle a victim; how the act of strangling a victim affects the structures of the neck; how quickly victims can lose consciousness, experience brain damage, and die; physical and mental symptoms commonly reported by victims; physical signs of strangulation; common injuries related to strangulation including delayed and long-term health impacts; the typical versus desired response of professionals to reports of strangulation; the psychological impacts of strangulation on victims and witnesses; factors specific to children; how Idaho law addresses strangulation; what to look for as an investigator on scene and how to collect evidence; tips for interviewing victims, offenders and witnesses; examples of tools available to investigators; and special considerations including strangulation during sex, choking challenges/games, strangulation in the media and strangulation as part of training exercises in sports, law enforcement, the military, etc.

Mark Kurkowski
@ Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center

Breakout Title

Trauma-Informed Responses to Intimate Partner Violence 

Description

Victims react to the psychological trauma of intimate partner violence in various ways. To ensure that survivors receive the support and services that they need during the criminal legal process, it is important that first responders and advocates understand the key principles of a trauma-informed response. This session will provide participants with an overview of the impact of trauma and how to apply a trauma-informed approach to their work with victims.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify two mental and physical symptoms of trauma in individuals and how they manifest during interviews and investigations.
2. Define the concept of trauma-informed care.
3. Explore two strategies to gather information and work with victims to facilitate trust and communication.

Coming Soon!

Tamara Fife
@ Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center

Breakout Title

Trauma-Informed Organizations

Description

A trauma-informed organization is necessary within victim service organizations to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment. Attendees will learn about the components of a trauma-informed organization, such as transparency, collaboration, and trust. During this training, participants will discuss how policy, procedure, environment, and staff relationships work together to create a trauma-informed organization.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the pillars of a trauma-informed organization.
2. Identify two ways to put the pillars into practice.
3. Describe three benefits of trauma-informed culture.
4. Identify three ways marketing and outreach materials such as victim service resources, websites, intake paperwork, etc. should align with the components of a trauma-informed organization.
5. Assess the OVC Vicarious Trauma Toolkit as a resource to support ongoing development.

Ashley Hageman-Turner
Detective @ Ada County Sheriff’s Office

Title

Case Study

Description

Coming soon!

Learning Objectives

Coming soon!

Rose-Hermance Rony
Director of Legal Services/Attorney @ Community Council of Idaho – Familias Unidas

Breakout Title

Immigration Relief for Victims of Domestic Violence

Description

Outline of Presentation: Immigration Relief for Victims of Domestic Violence

1. Introduction
   • Purpose: Inform victims of domestic violence about available relief options.
2. Understanding Domestic Violence
   • Definition and forms of abuse (physical, emotional, social, sexual, and economic).
   • Common indicators of abuse and its impact on victims.
   • Addressing myths vs. truths about non-immigrants victims of domestic violence.
3. Potential Immigration Relief for Undocumented Victims
   • VAWA Self-Petition: Protection for abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
   • U Visa: Available to victims of certain crimes (including domestic violence) who assist law enforcement.
   • T Visa: Protection for victims of human trafficking.
   • Gender-Based Asylum: Relief for victims fleeing persecution.
   • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS): Protection for minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
   • VAWA-Based Cancellation of Removal: Defense against deportation for eligible victims.
4. Confidentiality Protections
   • Immigration laws protect the confidentiality of certain applicants.
5. Current trends and Updates in Immigration law
   • New law imposed by the new administration
   • Misunderstanding of those new laws and regulations
   • Keeping victims safe without violating federal and local laws
6. Accessing Help and Resources
   • Contacting law enforcement for immediate safety.
   • Legal assistance and advocacy organizations.
   • Local support services available to victims.

Relevance to Victims of Crime:

This presentation directly addresses the legal and immigration protections available to victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and certain other crimes. It empowers survivors by informing them of their rights, the legal processes available, and the support networks that can assist them in seeking safety and justice. It educates providers and those working with victims with the most recent guidance and regulations to help them better help victims of domestic violence, trafficking, sexual assault, and certain other crimes.

Learning Objectives

1. Understanding Domestic Violence
   • Identify different forms of domestic violence in the concept of immigration law (physical, emotional, social, sexual, and economic). Recognize common indicators of abuse and its impact on victims.
   • Address common myths and misconceptions surrounding domestic violence in immigrant families.
2. Legal Protection and Immigration Relief
   • Learn about immigration options for non-citizen victims, including:
   • VAWA Self-Petition for abused spouses, children, and parents.
   • U Visa for victims of qualifying crimes who assist law enforcement.
   • T Visa for victims of human trafficking.
   • Gender-Based Asylum for survivors fleeing persecution.
   • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for minors facing abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
   • VAWA-Based Cancellation of Removal for those in deportation proceedings.
3. Confidentiality and Safety
   • Understand how immigration laws protect victims from abuser retaliation.
   • Learn how the confidentiality provisions in VAWA, U Visa, and T Visa cases ensure victims’ safety.
4. Accessing Support and Resources
   • Identify local organizations, legal services, and advocacy groups that provide assistance.
   • Understand how to report abuse and seek protection through law enforcement and legal channels.
   • Gain knowledge of emergency and long-term support options for victims.
5. Current trends and Updates in Immigration law
   • Learn about New law imposed by the new administration and the misunderstanding that came with those new laws and regulations.
   • Learn how to Keep victims safe without violating federal and local laws

Takeaways:

• Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the legal protections available to domestic violence victims, how to access immigration relief, and where to seek support. This session empowers survivors and advocates by providing essential knowledge and resources to help victims achieve safety and stability.

Matthew Welde
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney IV @ Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office

Breakout Title

Picking a Jury in a Domestic Violence Case & Experts in Domestic Violence Trials

Description

Part 1: Picking A Jury

This presentation would train domestic violence prosecutors on how to effectively select a jury for a domestic violence trial. The goals are to help prosecutors be more effective at identifying problem jurors so they can be removed, help prosecutors use the voir dire process to educate their jurors before testimony begins, help prosecutors preempt issues that will come up during trial, and to use their voir dire questions to set up their eventual closing arguments or rebuttal. Problem jurors will be divided into three types: nullifiers, sympathizers, and rogue jurors. The training will discuss a series of sample voir dire exercises designed to identify one or more of the three types of problem jurors so they can be removed for cause or by peremptory challenge. Sample voir dire exercises will be discussed that serve to get the venire members to discuss any personal past experiences related to domestic violence with the goal of educating the panel about domestic violence and its prevalence in most communities. Additional sample voir dire exercises will be discussed that help prime a jury to hear evidence of issues such as a recanting victim, an absent victim, a victim with “unclean hands”, victims who have their own history of criminal activity, substance abuse, or mental health, or a victim that has engaged in other forms of counterintuitive victim behavior. Finally, the training will cover how to refer back to the above mentioned voir dire exercises during closing argument to make the prosecutor’s arguments more salient and persuasive. This relates to victims by helping prosecutors succeed at trial in difficult cases more often. Once a prosecutor learns to succeed at trial in tough cases, such as domestic violence cases with a recanting victim or where there was delayed reporting of domestic violence, the prosecutor can then resolve more cases by negotiating from a position of strength and hold more abusers accountable without having to put the victim through a trial.

Part 2: Experts in Trials

This training would focus on effective use of various types of experts in domestic violence trials. The types of experts that will be discussed include:

• Domestic violence experts to explain counterintuitive victim behavior
• Strangulation experts to explain strangulation to a jury, including how little pressure is required to strangle a person
• Trauma experts to explain signs and symptoms a person typically exhibits in the wake of a traumatic experience
• Forensic Nurse Examiners to testify regarding their Forensic Nurse Examination of a victim

The material will include important questions to ask to avoid common objections and authority to rely on to overcome common objections The material will also cover the importance of using hypothetical questions to connect the experts testimony to the case. This relates to victims by helping prosecutors succeed at trial in difficult cases more often. Once a prosecutor learns to succeed at trial in tough cases, such as domestic violence cases with a recanting victim or where there was delayed reporting of domestic violence, the prosecutor can then resolve more cases by negotiating from a position of strength and hold more abusers accountable without having to put the victim through a trial.

Learning Objectives

Part 1: Picking A Jury

1. Attendees will learn how to use the jury selection process to increase their chances of success at trial in domestic violence cases.
2. I have learned that, while winning a trial during jury selection is not realistic, a prosecutor can absolutely lose a trial during voir dire.
3. Domestic violence trials are often wrought with complications and difficulties. Effective jury selection techniques can make a significant difference in overcoming them.
4. I remember my own trials early in my career where I went into voir dire lacking a clear plan or strategy and how much harder it was for me to succeed as a result. This training is meant to help other prosecutors avoid that situation.

Part 2: Experts in Trial

1. Attendees will learn when and how to use certain types of experts to strengthen their domestic violence cases for trial.
2. Expert testimony, and the use of hypotheticals, are a powerful tool in domestic violence trials, but they only help if they are called, if the prosecutor knows what to ask, and if the prosecutor can overcome the common objections to expert testimony.
3. This training will provide prosecutors that valuable knowledge.

Sherri Coronado
Detective (Retired) @ Boise Police Department

Breakout Title

Navigating Police Reports

Description

Law enforcement responds to all types of calls for service involving family violence. Reports are taken, offenders are arrested, and the case is presented to the courts. The offender may take a plea deal, or found guilty by a jury. When the information is handed over to DV evaluators, treatment providers, counselors, or even parenting time evaluators, the end result may not be the same as the original charge. This can cause confusion, appear misleading, and may even change the outcome of offender evaluations. This session will provide attendees a better understanding of a criminal report from beginning to the adjudication. The class is designed to encourage participants to interact and engage in the discussion. The attendees will be better able to do an thorough assessment of offenders to determine the proper course of action needed.

Learning Objectives

1. At the end of the session, the attendee will understand the components of a police report and how it changes through the court process.
2. The attendee will be better able to assess an offender for programs/treatment.

Michala Iverson
Clinical Supervisor & Screening/Evaluation Specialist @ Fourth Judicial District

Shelley Carson
Family Court Services District Manager @ Fifth Judicial District

Breakout Title

Parenting Time Evaluations in Family Law Cases with Domestic Violence

Description

Parenting Time Evaluations in Family Law Cases Involving Domestic Violence

1. Introduction
   • Presenter’s background, qualifications and experience conducting parenting time evaluations
2. Parenting Time Evaluations
   • What are they
   • Process – who provides them, qualifications, Idaho Family Law Rule of Procedure that governs PTEs, general overview of how they are conducted (intake appointment, child interview, parent interview, document review, home visit and collateral interviews
   • How PTEs provide information and guidance to the court in custody cases (provide custody schedule recommendations, recommend treatment for parents such as counseling, recommend safety guidelines such as UAs, recommend further resources such as co parenting courses and/or provide confirmation of the presence of mental health concerns, domestic violence, child abuse etc).
3. Parenting Time Evaluations and Domestic Violence
   • Definition of Domestic Violence (how it’s defined by law vs broader definition including emotional, financial, coercive control etc)
   • How domestic violence presents in family law cases
   • What sort of domestic violence evaluation tool evaluators use to determine if domestic violence is a concern and what safety concerns are present (Ada County evaluators use SaFER)
   • How the presence of domestic violence in a family law case affects custody recommendations (what sort of custody schedules are recommended, what safety parameters are recommended etc)
   • What can survivors of domestic violence expect with a PTE, how can they prepare, what documentation and collaterals they should be prepared to provide, what are the safety and confidentiality aspects to consider, how can they most effectively cooperate with the evaluator
   • How can attorneys and advocates support survivors through the PTE process

How this presentation relates to victims of crime:

Survivors of domestic violence more often than not end up in the family law system with a custody or divorce case against their abuser. PTEs can be a valuable tool to assist the court with protecting the survivor and their children by recommending restrictions on the abusive parent and appropriate custody schedules for children who have been abused or witnessed abuse.

Learning Objectives

The PTE process is lengthy and can be overwhelming for survivors. Attendees will learn about the process, what to expect and how to support survivors moving through it. Attendees will gain knowledge on how PTEs can be a valuable tool in family law cases. Attendees will also learn about more about the providers who submit these evaluations and their credentials. The objective is to provide transparency and information on an important court process to better protect survivors and their children.

Sherri Coronado
Detective (Retired) @ Boise Police Department

Tessie Buttram
Deputy Prosecutor @ Ada County Prosecutor’s Office

Breakout Title

Successful Prosecution in Domestic Violence

Description

Domestic Violence cases can be difficult to build and take into the courtroom. The “unwilling” or “recanting” victim, lack of witnesses, reports that may be lacking in information can create a recipe for a plea-bargain or dismissal. Stalking and strangulation cases can be equally challenging with the lack of physical evidence present. However, collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcement is essential, as well as the use of expert witnesses in overcoming the above obstacles. During this session, attendees will learn how to utilize tools in their community to assist in the prosecution and ultimately conviction in DV cases.

Learning Objectives

1. At the end of the session, the attendee will be able to identify what resources are available in the community to utilize in DV cases.
2. The attendee will understand the necessity, and will be confident in utilization, of expert witness(es) and be able to implement this change.
3. The attendee will understand the crucial relationship between prosecutor and law enforcement and how to create a positive environment to foster and build this team approach.

Coming Soon!

Monica Reyna
Violence Prevention Coordinator @ The Advocates

Breakout Title

Out-of-the-Box Prevention: Cross-Sector Collaborations

Description

Participants will gain a clear understanding of innovative and unconventional collaboration strategies that can prevent violence and address other community issues, moving beyond traditional approaches.

We will present real-world examples of successful strategies, explaining the steps we took to implement them and showcasing their impact on our prevention efforts. By highlighting these examples, attendees will be able to see how creative, non-traditional methods can be applied to create lasting change.

The session will guide participants through a discussion on how these strategies can be adapted and implemented in their own communities or organizations. Attendees will identify and discuss potential collaboration strategies suited to their unique community needs. This collaborative activity will foster idea sharing and creative problem-solving, enabling participants to come up with tailored solutions to local challenges. In addition, attendees will learn practical tools and frameworks for engaging in strategic cross-sector collaborations.

According to the CDC’s publication “Continuing the Dialogue: Learning from the Past and Looking to the Future of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention” (2019), a multi-sector approach that involves various stakeholders working together can facilitate more sustainable, costeffective, comprehensive, and impactful solutions. Cross-sector collaboration is essential for addressing complex issues that affect crime victims, particularly in violence prevention. By linking violence prevention efforts with other health and social issues, communities can create more comprehensive, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.

Cross-sector collaborations enable resource sharing—whether financial, human, or informational— between organizations that may otherwise work in isolation. Collaboration also improves data sharing, ensuring that critical information about shared risks and resources is accessible across organizations.

Cross-sector relationships enables communities to respond more flexibly to changing needs, ensuring that violence prevention is part of broader community efforts, including health, education, and social equity. This integration can help secure sustained resources and support for long-term prevention initiatives.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the benefits and challenges of cross sector collaboration strategies as prevention.
2. Review practical examples of their implementation and impact.
3. Map their current and potential cross sector collaborations.
4. Identify tools to foster collaboration in their own communities, considering the barriers and opportunities in their specific context.

Megan McCaleb
CEO @ Improv Team Culture

Title

Get Even Better Results with “Yes, And”

Description & Learning Objectives

This companion workshop will pick up where our opening keynote leaves off and expand your knowledge and application of simple, fun, and effective rules from improv. Experience a deeper connection with “Yes, And,” while adding in activities to demonstrate the other critical factors within communication including nonverbal queues, better listening, and being empowered by human emotions instead of being controlled by them. 

Laughter ensues in this unique learning environment where the magic of play tethers us back to the core of human connection. 

Monica Reyna
Violence Prevention Coordinator @ The Advocates

Tommy Green
Men & Boys Engagement Specialist @ The Advocates

Breakout Title

Description

This presentation will focus on peer-led strategies for engaging youth in media literacy as part of violence prevention programs and education. We will highlight an example of youth voice and leadership through the short film Reel Love, created by The Advocates Every Teen Counts interns.

Additionally, we will provide a roadmap for developing youth- or peer-led projects and opportunities to involve young people in media literacy education and beyond.

Youth- and peer-led education campaigns help foster connections with trusted adults, promote associations with pro-social peers, and strengthen youth connections to their communities—all of which are protective factors against teen dating abuse and other forms of violence. Given that media consumption is high among teens and adolescents, with one-third of U.S. teens reporting almost constant use of social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, (Pew Research 2024) media literacy becomes even more critical. It addresses societal norms that promote aggression and coercion—key risk factors for various forms of violence, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence. Additionally, media literacy teaches critical thinking skills, helping youth identify healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationship portrayals in media. Teaching safe and healthy relationship skills is an essential strategy for preventing intimate partner violence.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the role of media literacy as a violence prevention strategy, emphasizing how media shapes youth perspectives on relationships, power, and violence.
2. Understand the unique strengths of engaging youth voices in media literacy education, campaigns, or projects.
3. Learn about the process of involving youth voices through an example project, “Reel Love”.
4. Gain practical insights into developing youth- or peer-led media literacy projects, including the key steps of training, planning, execution, and next steps for creating impactful programs.

Tamara Fife
@ Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center

Breakout Title

Sustainability and Diversifying Funding

Description

Three critical domains of sustainability planning for victim service organizations are best practices for grant management and effective resource and partnership development. This training will provide participants with guidance to support the implementation of an effective sustainability model and strategies to develop the domains of an organizational sustainability plan, including resource and partnership development, with aligned programmatic goals, objectives, and activities.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify an appropriate sustainability model that meets the future needs of the board and organization.
2. Identify two strategies to develop the organizational sustainability plan with aligned programmatic goals, objectives, and activities.
3. Identify a tool to conduct a sustainability assessment.
4. Identify innovative funding options to diversify funding.