Near Record Number of South Dakotans to be Trained on Child Abuse Prevention

10/03/2023

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 3, 2023
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer
              Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us | 605.773.2031

Near Record Number of South Dakotans to be Trained on Child Abuse Prevention

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.—With more than 430 South Dakotans attending, the 23rd Annual Community Response to Child Abuse Conference begins on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Multidisciplinary team members representing 200 regional organizations, schools and businesses will hear from national and regional speakers on topics that will help professionals and the public better understand child abuse and strengthen response efforts.

The professional training and educational opportunities are geared toward teachers, medical professionals, school officials, dentists, law enforcement, social workers, mental health providers, youth service providers, the legal community and other community members and child advocates.

Keynote addresses will include:

  • Unto the Third Generation: A Call to End Child Abuse Within 30 Years presented by Victor Vieth, Chief Program Officer, Education & Research, Zero Abuse Project
  • Predator on the Reservation - U.S. v. Dr. Stanley Patrick Weber presented by Curt L. Muller Special Agent in Charge, Office of Inspector General - Office of Investigations, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Justin Christman, Special Agent, Office of Inspector General - Office of Investigations, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
  • Know Your Why presented by Mitchell Reed, Superintendent, Florence School District

Conference participants can choose from multiple breakout session opportunities. Examples of additional learning opportunities include:

  • Whole Child Approach: Engaging Learners & Families through Relationships
  • In My Neighbor’s House: MDT Responses in Rural Communities
  • Honoring Our Children by Honoring our Traditions - Overview of Positive Indian Parenting

Returning this year, an on-demand conference option allows individuals unable to attend the conference access to a minimum of 12 conference session recordings.

Conference sponsors include South Dakota Unified Judicial System’s Court Improvement Program, Child’s Voice at Sanford Health and Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment at the University of South Dakota. Conference details are available at https://conference.sdcpcm.com.

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
8 a.m. Thursday Opening General Session – Convention Center Exhibit Hall 2:
Eagle Voices of Rosebud opening drum circle
Victor Vieth keynote address

12:15 p.m. Thursday Lunch Award Presentation – Convention Center Exhibit Hall 2
Presentation of Outstanding Service Award

Conference co-host representatives will also be available throughout the conference:

  • Sara Kelly, South Dakota Unified Judicial System
  • Amanda Liebl, Child’s Voice at Sanford Health
  • Darla Biel, Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment

FACTS AND INFORMATION

  • The individuals attending have dedicated their professional life preventing adverse childhood experiences or ACEs. Adults with an ACE Score of four or more are 12.2 times more likely to have attempted suicide and 7.4 times as likely to consider themselves alcoholic.
  • Approximately 21% of children in South Dakota reported an ACE score of two or more.
  • More than 80% of juvenile justice-involved youth report experiencing trauma.
  • The average age of a victim when they are first involved in sex trafficking is 12 years old. 
  • Professionals at this conference either work to treat victims of traumatic experiences, investigate harm being done, or work to prosecute those who are causing that harm.
  • Conference sessions provide continuing education credits so these professionals can relicense and continue to serve populations in need.

About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.