This workshop examines the Anthony “Macc Bucc” Johnson trafficking case to explore how traffickers recruit, manipulate, and maintain control over victims—and why victims may remain loyal despite severe exploitation. Detective David Clark also breaks down the multi-jurisdictional investigative strategies used to corroborate victim accounts and build a prosecutable case.

This workshop explores how to bridge communication gaps between Multi-Disciplinary Team members and survivors to improve case outcomes in child maltreatment investigations. By integrating the perspectives of a veteran prosecutor and a survivor-advocate, the session provides practical strategies for trauma-informed collaboration that balances the pursuit of justice with the survivor’s long-term journey.

In this session, Melanie Barton shares her survivor journey, from navigating the Child Advocacy Center and court process as a child, to healing from pelvic pain/dysfunction, and learning to love and be loved after trauma. Through personal photos and stories, she highlights how the CAC model and her forensic interview helped her find her voice, the vital role her MDT played, and her 20-year path of healing, faith, and purpose. She also reflects on her more than 10-year career in victim services and advocacy.

This case study traces a child torture investigation that began with a late-night 911 call and ended in justice for Audryna. Led by the case investigator, the session examines investigative strategy, complex medical evidence, and the lasting personal impact of secondary trauma on the professionals involved.

This workshop examines the research showing that truly fabricated child maltreatment allegations are rare. Participants learn to distinguish fabricated claims from suggestive questioning and coerced recantations, and to avoid premature conclusions that undermine investigations.

This session follows survivor Melanie’s journey through the CAC and court process, showing how forensic interviewing and MDT support helped her find her voice and begin healing. Drawing on two decades of recovery and advocacy, she offers a firsthand perspective on the lasting impact of coordinated, survivor-centered practice.

This session examines how legal, medical, psychological, and survivor-centered perspectives intersect in child abuse cases and how effective MDT collaboration drives successful outcomes. Through cross-disciplinary discussion and case examples, participants learn to use medical evidence, expert testimony, and coordinated communication to support survivors and strengthen prosecution.

This workshop explores how sexual trauma can impact the body long after abuse, often beyond conscious awareness. Through Melanie’s story and Dr. Saar’s clinical insight, participants examine the mind–body connection, non-linear healing, and the vital role of trauma-informed medical care in survivor recovery.

This workshop uses survivor-advocate Melanie’s story to show how sexual trauma can manifest physically years later, including pelvic pain and dysfunction. Participants explore the non-linear nature of healing and the critical role of trauma-informed medical care in a survivor’s path to recovery.

This session follows survivor Melanie Barton’s case from disclosure through trial and long-term impact, presented in conversation with forensic psychologist Dr. Timothy Saar. Together, they examine prosecution missteps, the effects of trial on victims, effective testimony preparation, and post-trial support.

This case study examines the investigation and prosecution surrounding the death of 14-year-old Emily Hampshire, whose mother concealed her Type 1 diabetes, leading to fatal neglect. The session highlights how a coordinated MDT uncovered the truth and secured justice in a close-knit community.

This two-part case study examines the investigation and prosecution of the fatal abuse of 7-week-old Baby Owyn. Participants explore MDT timeline-building, charging and pretrial decisions, and trial strategy for complex medical evidence, nonverbal victims, and accelerated jury trials.

This workshop focuses on presenting pediatric sexual assault exams—especially “normal” findings—as powerful corroboration in child sexual abuse trials. Participants learn to prepare and use medical experts to clearly explain anatomy, exam results, and penetration elements in ways juries understand.

Children are more likely to disclose and less likely to recant when they have a safe adult—but that role sometimes falls to the MDT itself. Using a rural incest case study, this session examines how professionals can step into that role through coordinated advocacy, caregiver education, and strategies that reduce recantation and strengthen outcomes.

This training focuses on how CPS and law enforcement can strengthen child protection through clear communication, defined roles, and strategic collaboration. Participants gain practical strategies for navigating case barriers and maintaining effective MDT coordination—even when one agency closes its case—so safety and investigative goals remain aligned.

Human trafficking cases require specialized, flexible approaches—and when victims are boys, added hurdles like low disclosure and stigma often complicate the work. This session blends core trafficking practices with dynamics specific to boys, highlighting proactive identification, strong case development, tech-informed corroboration, and coordinated partnerships across physical and online contexts.

This workshop equips participants with practical strategies to navigate and transform conflict into highly-functioning, empathetic MDTs. Attendees will gain practical skills to analyze conflict origins, lean into the power of the uncomfortable, and engage in accountability conversations.

This workshop, hosted in a game show format by a former prosecutor and a forensic psychologist, equips attendees to address and refute defenses frequently encountered in child abuse cases. Participants will gain insights into identifying and addressing common defenses in child sex trafficking, online sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse, and explore practical countermeasures tailored for MDT members.

Trauma can complicate investigations and prosecutions, especially in coercive environments like cults, trafficking networks, and other high-control settings. This workshop covers trauma-related barriers, communication with reluctant witnesses, and evidence-gathering and trial-prep strategies that prioritize safety and account for trauma’s impact on disclosure and testimony.

With rapid advances in AI, new digital threats are creating fresh challenges for MDTs. Led by a former prosecutor, this workshop unpacks the investigative and legal implications of emerging technologies in sexual exploitation and abuse cases.