ANNECCM 2026

Ticket includes light breakfast, full lunch, and refreshment breaks for the day(s) you are registered.

For more information, please email Sally Newhall, ANNECCM Event Planner, at sally@seaglassevents.com or (781) 856-4805.

PROGRAM AGENDA

Thursday, November 5,  2026

8:00    Check in

8:45     Introduction: Eric Meyer, LCSW, MBA & Joyce Wientzen, LCSW

9:00     How Parentification and Adultification Bias Affect Child Abuse Investigations Involving Teens

Caitie Dahl

There are many myths and stereotypes about how, when, and why children disclose abuse and the behaviors they will display when they present in our process. When our community, team and jury members are asked to describe a “typical” child abuse victim, they often imagine a young, naïve child who understands that what is happening to them is wrong and expresses discontent or anger towards their alleged perpetrator. While it is possible that a child abuse victim may display these attributes, the identities of child abuse victims, their process of disclosure and how they cope and/or accommodate to the experience of on-going abuse may be much different. This is particularly true for child abuse victims that have been cast into adult roles, display “adult-like” behavior, have been parentified or are the target of adultification bias. While our child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary processes are “child-centric,” they aren’t always designed with the parentified child in mind. This training will examine practice when working with parentified youth, youth displaying “adult like behavior” and/or youth that are the target of adultification bias.

10:15   Break

10:30   Intent versus Impact: Examining and Improving Interactions with Child Victims and Their Non-Offending Caregivers

Caitie Dahl

This presentation will examine the various types of interactions MDT professionals may have with child victims, non-offending caregivers and the community throughout the course of a child abuse investigation. It will highlight the differences in approach, intent and strategies employed during each of these varied interactions. Using case studies, concrete examples and research, this presentation will provide strategies for engaging with these populations in an intentional way, with a focus on balancing investigative needs and the benefits of rapport-building and affirmative interactions. Other topics that will be covered include examining intent versus impact in interactions with children and families and suggestions for improving communication amongst MDT professionals and forensic interviewers.

11:45   Lunch break

1:00     Often Mistaken for Rivalry: Sibling Aggression and Abuse as Important but Overlooked Forms of Family Violence

Corinna Jenkins Tucker, PHD

Current conceptions of family violence do not capture the full spectrum of experiences, resulting in unidentified instances of sibling aggression and abuse (SAA), the most common forms of family violence. This presentation will begin with an overview of research on sibling aggression and abuse, including prevalence, definitions, impacts, and associated family conditions. We will present a classification of sibling dynamics, distinguishing sibling rivalry and conflict from sibling aggression and abuse. We will also provide evidence-based practical recommendations for parents and professionals to prevent and stop sibling aggression and abuse and promote positive sibling relationships. Excerpts from lived experiences will be infused throughout the presentation

2:15     Break

2:30     Online Exploitation: Recognition and Response

Joyce Wientzen, LCSW

This workshop will examine the various forms of online exploitation, including grooming, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sextortion, and sadistic exploitation. Participants will review current research on the prevalence and scope of online exploitation, as well as the implications for prevention, identification, and response. The workshop will highlight key indicators of exploitation and provide professionals with practical strategies to support effective intervention and promote online safety.

Friday, November 6, 2026

8:45     Introduction: Nicholas Miles, MD

9:00     Strengthening Kinship Families: Putting Research into Action

Rohanna Buchanon & Joel Davis

Kinship families play a critical role in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children and youth in both formal and informal placements. This presentation explores research on kinship family experience, highlighting the benefits and positive outcomes associated with kinship care for both caregivers and young people. Participants will gain insights into how child behavior data can be used to identify and assess caregiver support needs, helping practitioners deliver responsive and effective services. The session feature strategies for engaging kinship families in services and supports and conducting peer-led discussions to help caregivers identify, access, and navigate community resources. Drawing on findings from two recent Administration for Children and Families (ACF) studies, presenters will share key lessons learned, practical implications for service delivery, and evidence-based approaches for strengthening caregiver skills and resources networks. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge and skills to support kinship families and improve outcomes for children and youth.

10:15   Break

10:30   Strengthening Kinship Families: Putting Research into Action Cont’d

            Rohanna Buchanon & Joel Davis

12:00   Lunch break

1:00     Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Children: What We See, What Helps, and Why It Matters

Sasha Svendsen, MD

This presentation explores how trauma can affect children’s development, behavior, emotions, relationships, and overall well-being.  Participants will learn how the effects of trauma may present differently across children and developmental stages, why children exposed to similar experiences may have very different outcomes, and how positive relationships and other evidence-based protective factors can promote resilience.  The session will also highlight practical ways that adults and child-serving professionals can strengthen protective experiences and support children who have experienced adversity.

2:15     Break

2:30     The Intersection of Poverty and Child Welfare

Bobbi Johnson & Melissa Hackett

This presentation will provide information and context around growing efforts to distinguish conditions of family poverty from child abuse and neglect. This will include the research and evidence base, national and state trends, and local efforts here in Maine to disentangle poverty from neglect. The presentation will focus on the recent collaborative efforts in Maine to pass and implement changes to the definition of child abuse and neglect to distinguish it from poverty, and other related initiatives to ensure children and families are directed to the most appropriate support or intervention.

3:45     Adjourn