10 NBCC credit hours are available

Arkansas Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (AR ATSA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7910. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Arkansas Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (AR ATSA) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The training will be held at Wyndham Riverfront, Little Rock, AR.

2 Riverfront Place, North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501)-371-9000

A block of rooms has been reserved at a discounted rate when you reference the Arkansas Association for Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse Conference.

The conference is presented in a hybrid format with an online option

Registrants who choose this option will receive a link for the training one week prior to the date.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 4TH

8:30 am -10:00 a.m. (1.5 credit hours)

Family Reunification in Sibling Sexual Harm

In sibling incest cases, reunification is a process that can take many shapes, and goals can change at various points. Therapists must address treatment needs of their clients, work to enhance protective factors in the family system, and interface with courts, CPS, and multiple other stakeholders as the case unfolds. This presentation will provide suggestions for navigating the stages of treatment as a family works to establish a new normal in the context of legal, child protection and other requirements addressing the needs of the youth who harmed, the child who harmed, and the family. 

Learning Objective 1: When should conjoint sessions with youth who harmed, child who was harmed, and caregivers begin? 

Learning Objective 2: What other family members could benefit from being included in the reunification process?

Learning Objective 3: What are benefits and barriers in collaborating with other stakeholders?

Karen Boyd Worley, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist.  She received her doctoral training at Texas Tech University.  She is the Co-Director of the Family Treatment Program in the Department of Pediatrics for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.  The Family Treatment Program provides treatment for families in which there has been sexual abuse.  Dr. Worley is also Co-Director of the Adolescent Sexual Adjustment Project, which provides outpatient assessment and treatment for adolescent who have sexual sexually offended.  Dr. Worley has been active on a number of state boards addressing child abuse issues, provides statewide training and consultation, and has several publications on child maltreatment. 

Diana Smith, LCSW, joined the Family Treatment Program staff in July of 1995 and has conducted psychosexual assessments and provided treatment for youth who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviors. Ms. Smith emphasizes community safety and recognizes the importance of helping parents and other caregivers develop the skills necessary to support their children in the best possible way. Ms. Smith routinely collaborates with Juvenile Probation Officers and staff of the Division of Youth Services and the Division of Children and Family Services. Ms. Smith coordinates the referrals to the Adolescent Sexual Adjustment Project for psychosexual assessments and for registration risk assessments. In 1997, she became a clinical member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), and in 2021, she became a Fellow of the ATSA organization. She is a board member of the Arkansas chapter of ATSA. In addition, she serves on the Arkansas Supreme Court Commission on Children, Youth, and Families.

10:15 a.m.  to 11:45 p.m.     (1.5 credit hours)

Challenges in Court Testimony

We will review the characteristics of effective testimony and how to prepare for court. We will also review the difference between an expert witness versus fact witness and how this affects testimony. Additionally, we will discuss some of the pitfalls and basic ploys used by attorneys and how to respond to these

Learning Objective 1: Identify the characteristics of effective testimony

Learning Objective 2: Examine effective responses to common ploys used by attorneys

Learning Objective 3: Define the difference between expert witness versus fact witness

Melissa Wright, Psy.D. graduated with her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2013. She completed her post-doctoral training in forensic psychology at the Arkansas State Hospital in 2014. She worked as a forensic evaluator, conducting fitness to proceed and criminal responsibility examinations of criminal defendants, for 11 years before joining the UAMS Department of Pediatrics in September of 2024. She recently accepted the position of Director of the Family Treatment Program where she provides assessment and therapy to youth charged with sexual offenses.

11:45 to 1:00p.m. Lunch Provided

1:00p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (1.5 credit hours)

The Realities of Human Trafficking: What Providers Need to Know

This presentation highlights the definition of trafficking, its forms of force, fraud, and coercion, indicators of human trafficking, and how life is impacted through the eyes of the victim. Attendees also learn common myths and rumors to help further them understand what human trafficking looks like in Arkansas.

Learning Objective 1: Define human trafficking according to current legal standards and describe how it occurs

Learning Objective 2: Identify vulnerable populations and the methods traffickers use to exploit them

Learning Objective 3: Recognize common indicators of human trafficking and potential victims.

Learning Objective 4: Explain the role of providers in responding to trafficking, including best practices and referral options

Erica Parker is the Community Educator at Hope Found of NEA. A Jonesboro native, Erica is a proud graduate of Arkansas State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications with a double minor in Marketing and Graphic Design. Her media and public outreach background equips her to build compelling awareness strategies. She has held several titles within the Miss Arkansas Organization and promotes her platform, VIP: Volunteering is Priceless, to encourage youth service across the state. Outside of work, Erica is a long-time volunteer and wish-granter for Make-A-Wish, enjoys creating art, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with loved ones. She’s passionate about making a difference and proud to be part of the Hope Found team.

2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. (1.5 credit hours)

Understanding Sex Offenders 

This presentation explores the topic of sex offenders through a multidisciplinary lens. It examines the legal definitions and classifications of sex offenses,  risk factors associated with offending behavior, and the way society responds to registered offenders including registration laws, rehabilitation and community safety measures. The session aims to foster informed dialogue around prevention, justice, and reintegration, while addressing common myths and ethical considerations.  

Learning Objective 1: Identify legal definitions and catergories of sex offenses

Learning Objective 2: Identify risk assessment tools and recidivism rates

Learning Objective 3: Identify sex offender registry laws and public policy

Learning Objective 4: Discuss community impact

Detective Ernest Ward (Retired)  is the Sex Offender Registration Specialist with Jonesboro Police Department. He is a certified law enforcement instructor in various skills and specialty areas of law enforcement. Detective Ward has extensive training in various law enforcement areas to include Internet Crimes Against Children, Guidance Forensic Software, Access Data Forensics Software, and at the National White Collar Crime Center. Detective Ward has worked in law enforcement for 40 years in Osceola and Jonesboro, AR. He has worked as a patrolman, school resource officer and in the criminal investigation division.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5TH

8:00 am to 9:30 a.m. (1.5 credit hours)

Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Adolescents

This session will cover typical versus atypical sexual behaviors in children, criteria for PSB, evidence-based treatment models, and the rates of sexual recidivism in children/teens. We will also discuss the UAMS Family Treatment Program, including the services offered and best practice approaches to the psychosexual assessment of youth offenders.

Learning Objective 1: Examine characteristics of Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children

Learning Objective 2: Identify characteristics of evidence-based treatment models for PSB

Learning Objective 3: Describe assessment procedures for adolescents charged with sex offenses

Skip Hoggard, LPE-I, has his Masters in Counseling Psychology from UCA. He has spent 25 years at the Family Treatment Program; 20 at ACH Adolescent Medicine; 6 at RiverStone Wellness Center. He helped with conducting individual and group therapies at AJATC in the 2000s for juveniles with PSB, serious offenders, and general population (UAMS contract). He has been a member of ARATSA and presented at the conference several different times. He has also presented at many ATSA conferences. Additionally, Skip specializes in eating disorder treatment.

 Melissa Wright, Psy.D., graduated with her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2013. She completed her post-doctoral training in forensic psychology at the Arkansas State Hospital in 2014. She worked as a forensic evaluator, conducting fitness to proceed and criminal responsibility examinations of criminal defendants, for 11 years before joining the UAMS Department of Pediatrics in September of 2024. She recently accepted the position of Director of the Family Treatment Program where she provides assessment and therapy to youth charged with sexual offenses.

9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (1.5 credit hours)

Using Systemic Approaches when Working with Families of Adult Sex Offenders.

While there is sufficient literature related to the use of family therapy with adolescents who have sexually abused others, there is little research that has been done or programming that has been developed to aid the family members of juvenile or adult offenders. Of the scant research related to family members, almost all of that is concerned with youth interventions. This presentation will focus on the need for programs that aid families of adult sex offenders using a systemic or family systems model of intervention. Common challenges in providing this type of assistance is considered. Examples of specific techniques and theoretical approaches are highlighted throughout the discussion, using Emotionally-focused Therapy (EFT), Bowenian Family Systems Theory (BFST), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).  

Learning Objective 1: Identify at least three benefits of using a system family therapy approach with families with persons who have sexually harmed others.

Learning Objective 2: Identify common family systems assessment tools that can be used in families that have members who have been sexually harmed.

Learning Objective 3: Discuss the responsibilities of the family therapist when working with families where the sexual abuser is in the session.

Learning Objective 4: List and discuss the three key theoretical orientations that are appropriate to use with families where the sexual abuser is present.

Learning Objective 5: Apply techniques from specific family therapy orientations, including EFT, BFST, and SFBT, to a vignette exercise.

Robert D. Hanser, Ph.D., LPC-SA, LAC-CCS is a faculty member of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Rob has also been the clinical supervisor for both a male and a female sex offender treatment program for over 14 years in Louisiana.

11:30am to 12:30 p.m. (1 credit hours)

Paraphilias and Sexual Offending

This presentation provides an overview of paraphilic disorders, emphasizing the distinction between atypical sexual interests and clinically significant paraphilic pathology. We will review the history of paraphilias, diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5-TR, explore underlying psychological and neurobiological factors, and discusses the role of attachment, impulse control, and fantasy in maintaining problematic behaviors. The session highlights assessment considerations, risk management and treatment approaches. Ethical and clinical challenges are addressed, with attention to balancing accountability, client safety, and therapeutic alliance. Case examples and discussion prompts to support application to real world clinical contexts will be discussed.

Learning Objective 1: Identify the historical understandings of paraphilias and describe modern interpretations

Learning Objective 2: Distinguish between disorders and atypical sexual interests

Learning Objective 3: Identify two etiological pathways to paraphilias

Sam Wallace, Ph.D. LPC has been a licensed therapist for twenty-three years. He is in private practice in Fayetteville, AR. Dr. Wallace is a clinical member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA) and the Past-President  and current Treasurer of the Arkansas Chapter of ATSA. Dr. Wallace has worked with juveniles who have offended for twenty-three years and with adult offenders for twenty years. Dr. Wallace has provided consultation and training to law enforcement, child advocacy centers, and clinicians at over forty state and national conferences. Dr. Wallace also serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse and Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, and Trauma. Dr. Wallace has been trained in EMDR since 2012 and is an advanced level trainee in Somatic Experiencing (SE).