Conference Program
8:30 – 8:45am: Welcome – ILATSA President Chad Brownfield, Ph.D
8:45am – 12:00pm: Keynote
Title: Essential Elements of Effective Therapy Groups
Presenters: Steven Sawyer, MSSW, LICSW
Room: Building E, E121 Dining Room
Summary: This session explores nine elements of effective therapy groups including creating and maintaining structure, creating a rich and safe emotional climate, evolution of therapeutic factors, and the experience of individual and whole group significant moments.
12:00 – 1:00pm: Lunch Break – Provided with conference registration
1:00 – 2:30pm: AFTERNOON BREAKOUTS
Session A: Fostering Compassion and Managing Relationship Ruptures in Groups Through the Lens of Trauma Informed Care
Presenter: Steven Sawyer, MSSW, LICSW, ATSAF
Room: Building E, E121 Dining Room
Summary: This session will describe the use of compassion and the impact of relationship ruptures in groups in the context of trauma informed care.
Session B: Let Your Report Do the Talking: How to Craft High-Quality Forensic Reports – Part 1
Presenter: Joshua Camins, PhD, ABPP, LSOE, LSOTP; Chad Brownfield, PhD, LSOE
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: This is the first of a two-part session. The authored report is the ultimate litmus test for quality in forensic evaluations. A well-written report can decrease the likelihood of required testimony and improve the discourse in a psycholegal context. This breakout will focus on strategies to improve the quality and clarity of forensic reports. With a special focus on what to include and how best to articulate observations, and inferences, this workshop is designed specifically for those who are interested in performing evaluations consistent with current best practices.
Session C: Navigating Trauma in Problem Sexual Behavior Treatment
Presenter: Libby Fisher, ATR, LCPC, LSOE, LSOTP; Dr. Mark Carich, LCPC, LSOE, LSOTP
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: Trauma has always been involved in sexual offending work, but has not always been addressed in treatment. There were worries about enabling clients to avoid responsibility, enhancing self-pity, and victim standing. This has changed in the last 12 years. The field has now learned addressing trauma can be an important mitigating dynamic risk factor. This presentation will define and discuss different types of trauma. Presenters will provide a variety of strategies and techniques to help clients to resolve trauma.
Session D: Bridging the Gap: Building Collaboration Between Sex Offender Therapist and Parole/Probation Agents Through Shared Risk Language
Presenter: Stephany Trejos LCSW, LSOTP; Andrew Zadlo Sr Parole Agent
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: Effective management of individuals who have committed sexual offenses requires consistent coordination between treatment providers and supervising agents. While both share responsibility for client outcomes, therapists focus on rehabilitation and change, and agents prioritize compliance and public safety. These differing lenses can create misunderstandings and reduce treatment effectiveness. This presentation highlights practical ways to strengthen collaboration through structured communication and shared risk understanding. Using tools like the STATIC-99R and STABLE-2007, presenters will show how risk data can guide supervision levels, treatment planning, and joint decision-making. We will also address challenges related to confidentiality, role conflict, polygraph use, risk management, and client noncompliance.
Session E: Effective Supervision of Sex Offender Evaluations
Presenter: Dr. Alexandra Tsang; Dr. Elisa Lancaster
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the legal and professional framework guiding evaluations in Illinois. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the legal requirements and standards that govern evaluation practices, ensuring compliance and ethical integrity. The session will highlight best practices for supervising first-time evaluators, offering strategies to support their development and ensure high-quality work. Attendees will also explore common challenges and pitfalls that can arise in the evaluation process and learn practical ways to address them. Finally, the presentation will emphasize how to cultivate a positive and effective supervisory relationship that promotes growth, accountability, and professional excellence.
Session F: Offender Registration Unit Training: Compliance, Procedures, and Legislative Updates – Part 1
Presenter: Kelly O. Phelps, J.D., R.N.; Cpt. Scott Watkins
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: This is the first of a two-part session. This comprehensive training, presented by the Illinois State Police Offender Registration Unit, equips law enforcement personnel with the latest procedures, statutory requirements, and administrative rules governing the registration of sex offenders and violent offenders against youth in Illinois. Topics include the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act (MVOAY), LEADS 3.0 system updates, registration timelines, address verification, fee collection, and residency restrictions. Attendees will gain practical guidance on compliance, documentation, and inter-agency coordination to ensure accurate and lawful offender registration and reporting.
2:30 – 3:00pm: Break with snack
3:00-4:30pm: AFTERNOON BREAKOUTS
Session G: Group Facilitation to Treat Dynamic Risk Factors, Foster Protective Factors, and Evolve Therapeutic Factors
Presenter: Steven Sawyer, MSSW, LICSW, ATSAF
Room: Building E, E121 Dining Room
Summary: This session will summarize therapeutic factors (Yalom), dynamic risk factors (Harris, Hanson, Blankley), and protective factors (Thornton, Kelly) and how those interact or intersect. Examples of individual and group level interventions will illustrate opportunities to facilitate the evolution of therapeutic factors that in turn can be leveraged to address dynamic risk factors and support protective factors.
Session H: Let Your Report Do the Talking: How to Craft High-Quality Forensic Reports – PART 2
Presenters: Joshua Camins, PhD, ABPP, LSOE, LSOTP; Chad Brownfield, PhD, LSOE
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: This is the second of a two-part session. The authored report is the ultimate litmus test for quality in forensic evaluations. A well-written report can decrease the likelihood of required testimony and improve the discourse in a psycholegal context. This breakout will focus on strategies to improve the quality and clarity of forensic reports. With a special focus on what to include and how best to articulate observations, and inferences, this workshop is designed specifically for those who are interested in performing evaluations consistent with current best practices.
Session I: Sex Offender Supervision Best Practices
Presenter: Timothy Blair, Andrew Zadlo
Room: Building E, Room Breakout Room
Summary: The most effective supervision models for sex offenders balance control with treatment focusing on dynamic risk (like attitudes, intimacy deficits, or employment) and tailoring contact and services to individual profiles. Collaborative supervision (between parole/probation officers and therapists) is proven to reduce recidivism when combined with specialized training and responsive sanctioning strategies.
Session J: The Gap Part II- Addressing the Missing Trauma Component in Sex Offender Specific Treatment – The Research Findings
Presenter: Sacha Montgomery, LCPC, LSOTP, C-DBT
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: This presentation explores the critical need to move beyond a standard trauma-informed approach, emphasizing the importance of deeper engagement and tailored strategies for addressing trauma within specific populations. Attendees will gain insight into the transformative outcomes that can be achieved when trauma is effectively addressed, including enhanced resilience, improved well-being, and better long-term recovery outcomes. By delving into practical applications and real-world examples, this session will equip participants with the tools to create meaningful, trauma-responsive interventions that drive impactful change.
Session K: Sexual Victimization and Mis-Use of Fire by Children and Adolescents
Presenter: Anthony F Campagna PhD, MAC
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: Mis-use of fire by children and adolescents is widespread and often dismissed as harmless fire play Research has demonstrated that even small incidents of mis-use can lead to enormous financial costs in death, injury, and property damage, and that unidentified child victimization can manifest in fire mis-use. Evaluating every instance of fire mis-use will thus identify some youth who would otherwise not be recognized as victims of sexual/physical abuse and/or neglect. Child protection professionals can reduce child harm and enhance public safety more broadly by interrogating every incident of fire mis-use by children and adolescents. An international multi-disciplinary group of experts in this field has developed a structured, evidence-informed process for this examination. The Firesetting and Fire Safety Identification Tool (FFIT) guides the non-specialist to determine whether the specific incident requires a developmentally appropriate fire safety training intervention alone, or whether more intensive child protection/mental assessment is also required.
Session L: Offender Registration Unit Training: Compliance, Procedures, and Legislative Updates – Part 2
Presenter: Kelly O. Phelps, J.D., R.N.; Cpt. Scott Watkins
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: This is the second of a two-part session. This comprehensive training, presented by the Illinois State Police Offender Registration Unit, equips law enforcement personnel with the latest procedures, statutory requirements, and administrative rules governing the registration of sex offenders and violent offenders against youth in Illinois. Topics include the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act (MVOAY), LEADS 3.0 system updates, registration timelines, address verification, fee collection, and residency restrictions. Attendees will gain practical guidance on compliance, documentation, and inter-agency coordination to ensure accurate and lawful offender registration and reporting.
8:30 – 8:45am: Welcome
8:45am – 12:00pm: Keynote
Title: Women Who Perpetrate Sexually Motivated Offenses
Presenter: Dawn M. Pflugradt, Psy.D., ABPP & Bradley P. Allen, Ph.D., J.D.
Room: Building E, E121 Dining Room
Summary: Research related to women who have committed sexually motivated offenses continues to grow and evolve. The existent research literature provides an empirical basis for viewing these women from a Gendered Perspective (Brennan et al., 2012; Pflugradt et al., 2022; Steffensmeier & Allan, 1995; 1996). This Gendered perspective is a person-centered strength-based approach/model that takes into consideration how gender affects patterns of offending for individual persons (Pflugradt & Allen, 2023; Pflugradt el. al., 2018). As such, women who perpetrate sexually motivated criminal offenses necessitate intervention approaches that differ from their male counterparts. The purpose of this workshop is to provide an update regarding the current empirical evidence that guides practice when working with women who have engaged in sexually motivated criminal behavior.
12:00-1:00pm: Lunch break – Provided with Conference Registration
Session M: Acute 2007 – Part I
Presenter: Dawn M. Pflugradt, Psy.D., ABPP
Room: Building E, Room E121 Dining Room
Summary: This is part one of a two-part session. Comprehensive risk assessment of adult males convicted of sexual offenses incorporates the use of instruments that assess both static and dynamic risk factors. While measures such as the Static-99R assess static risk factors, the STABLE-2007 & ACUTE-2007 are among the most widely used dynamic sexual offense specific risk assessment instruments across settings. These tools can also be used in combination with Static-99R to provide a more effective and accurate evaluation. This training will provide an overview of the development and research on the ACUTE-2007. Focus will also be on how to score the instrument and interpret the results.
Training Prerequisites: While previous training on the Static-99R and STABLE-2007 is preferred and recommended, it is not a mandatory requirement for participation in this training. Professional staff from various employment and academic backgrounds with an interest in risk assessment are welcome to attend.
Session N: Visitation and Reunification of Sexual Abusers with Minor Children – Part 1
Presenters: Ron Smith MS., LMHC, LCAC, CADACIV
Room: Building E, Room Breakout Room
Summary: This is part one of a two-part session. The workshop will provide a brief overview of theoretical perspectives and approaches utilized with sexual abusers who have visitation and or reunification with minors. The workshop will discuss assessing the readiness of the sexual abuser, minor child and the non-offending adult providing the supervision of sexual abusers. Participants will be provided with innovative approaches to equip a non-offending adult in how to effectively supervise sexual abusers who have ongoing interactions with minor children. In addition, the workshop will address the following: Identification of four levels of denial in the non-offending adult supervisor Identification of components of a clarification session. Identification of components necessary in providing effective supervision. Identification of sexual abuse antecedents and risk factors. Identification of the components of a visitation and home safety plan. Identification of the challenges facing sexual abusers having visitation and reunification with minor children.
Session O: Trauma-Informed and Victim-Centered Approaches in Sexual Offender Treatment
Presenter: Victor Kersey, Ph.D., SOTP-II
Room: Building E, Room Breakout Room (second floor)
Summary: Understanding the impact of trauma on both victims and offenders is crucial. Training curricula often include modules on secondary trauma, the role of victims and victim advocates, and educating the community about sexual assault. These components aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics involved in sexual offenses and their aftermath.
Session P: 101 Basics in Contemporary Treatment – Part 1
Presenter: Mark S. Carich, PhD
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: This is the first part of a two-part session. The human condition itself is quite complex. The treatment of men with sexually offending issues is different than treating clients without these issues. The primary differences focus on sexual deviance and related issues. These are reflected in the form of dynamic risk factors (DRFS), usually criminogenic in nature. The overall goal is helping clients change by increasing their protective factors, reducing risk and maintaining a pro-social life plan. This training will provide a treatment framework incorporating Positive Psychology and the Good Lives Model (GLM). Assessment will be addressed by reviewing static historical and relevant dynamic risk factors. Specific philosophical and theoretical assumptions will be outlined to help attendees add in their own way thinking concerning treatment. Basic elements of individual therapy along with group management skills will be discussed. Attendees will have reasonable picture of treatment and specific techniques that can be used with this population.
Session Q: Paradox of Care: A Qualitative Exploration of Therapist’s Experiences in Offense-Specific Practice
Presenter: Dr. Mauricio P. Yabar
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: Youth sexual offending represents a significant yet often misunderstood area within clinical and forensic practice. Despite the recognized importance of offense-specific treatment in reducing recidivism and fostering rehabilitation, little is known about the experiences of therapists who provide these services. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study explores therapists perceptions of their professional roles in working with youth who have sexually offended and their families, with particular attention to how they construct professional identity within the emotionally and ethically demanding landscape of offense-specific work. Preliminary findings illuminate the personal and relational complexities of this practice, while also revealing the passion, resilience, and sense of meaning that therapists derive from this professional role. Implications for training, supervision, and clinical practice are discussed.
2:30 – 3:00pm Break with snack
3:00-4:30pm AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Session R: Acute 2007 – Part 2
Presenter: Dawn M. Pflugradt, Psy.D., ABPP
Room: Building E, Room E121 Dining Room
Summary: This is part two of a two-part session. Comprehensive risk assessment of adult males convicted of sexual offenses incorporates the use of instruments that assess both static and dynamic risk factors. While measures such as the Static-99R assess static risk factors, the STABLE-2007 & ACUTE-2007 are among the most widely used dynamic sexual offense specific risk assessment instruments across settings. These tools can also be used in combination with Static-99R to provide a more effective and accurate evaluation. This training will provide an overview of the development and research on the ACUTE-2007. Focus will also be on how to score the instrument and interpret the results.
Training Prerequisites: While previous training on the Static-99R and STABLE-2007 is preferred and recommended, it is not a mandatory requirement for participation in this training. Professional staff from various employment and academic backgrounds with an interest in risk assessment are welcome to attend.
Session S: Visitation and Reunification of Sexual Abusers with Minor Children – Part 2
Presenter: Ron Smith MS., LMHC, LCAC, CADACIV
Room: Building E, Room Breakout Room
Summary: This is part two of a two-part session. The workshop will provide a brief overview of theoretical perspectives and approaches utilized with sexual abusers who have visitation and or reunification with minors. The workshop will discuss assessing the readiness of the sexual abuser, minor child and the non-offending adult providing the supervision of sexual abusers. Participants will be provided with innovative approaches to equip a non-offending adult in how to effectively supervise sexual abusers who have ongoing interactions with minor children. In addition, the workshop will address the following: Identification of four levels of denial in the non-offending adult supervisor Identification of components of a clarification session. Identification of components necessary in providing effective supervision. Identification of sexual abuse antecedents and risk factors. Identification of the components of a visitation and home safety plan. Identification of the challenges facing sexual abusers having visitation and reunification with minor children.
Session T: From Custody to Community: The Role of Social Capital for Adult Males with a Sex Offense Conviction
Presenter: Sarah Brown-Foiles, MBA, LCSW, LSOTP, LSOE
Room: Building E, Breakout Room
Summary: Despite decades of implementation, laws governing the management of individuals with sex offense convictions, such as residency restrictions and public registrations, remain popular despite the lack of evidence they improve public safety (Socia & Rydberg, 2016). Together with parole mandates and public opposition, such policies hinder community reentry, often extending incarceration or forcing individuals to navigate supervision while homeless. To mitigate these outcomes and reduce barriers, the Illinois Department of Corrections established a transitional housing initiative, grounded in Social Learning and General Strain Theory. The program emphasizes registerable housing, case management, and pro-social connections to facilitate successful community reintegration. Between 2019 and 2025, over 2,500 individuals subject to registration and residency restrictions have participated in the program, enabling a comprehensive program evaluation of its effectiveness in promoting successful community reentry.
Session U: 101 Basics in Contemporary Treatment – Part 2
Presenter: Mark S. Carich, PhD
Room: Building E, Room Breakout Room
Summary: The human condition itself is quite complex. The treatment of men with sexually offending issues is different than treating clients without these issues. The primary differences focus on sexual deviance and related issues. These are reflected in the form of dynamic risk factors (DRFS), usually criminogenic in nature. The overall goal is helping clients change by increasing their protective factors, reducing risk and maintaining a pro-social life plan. This training will provide a treatment framework incorporating Positive Psychology and the Good Lives Model (GLM). Assessment will be addressed by reviewing static historical and relevant dynamic risk factors. Specific philosophical and theoretical assumptions will be outlined to help attendees add in their own way thinking concerning treatment. Basic elements of individual therapy along with group management skills will be discussed. Attendees will have reasonable picture of treatment and specific techniques that can be used with this population.
Session V: An introduction to Multisystemic Therapy for Youth with Problem Sexual Behaviors (MST-PSB):
Presenter: Katarvis Torres, MSW
Room: Building E, Room Breakout Room
Summary: Youths who engage in sexual and other criminal behaviors place significant demands on juvenile justice, mental health, and educational systems, yet few empirically supported interventions effectively address the multiple, interconnected risk factors driving these behaviors. Multisystemic Therapy for Problem Sexual Behaviors (MST-PSB) is an ecologically based, evidence-supported treatment model adapted from standard MST to meet the complex needs of this population of youths. This workshop will describe the empirical, theoretical, and clinical foundations of MST-PSB; summarize findings from randomized clinical trials and large-scale dissemination efforts; and illustrate how therapists conceptualize and intervene in real-world cases. The presentation will be relevant for clinicians, probation officers, and other professionals involved in the assessment, treatment, and supervision of youths with problem sexual behaviors. Case examples will demonstrate how MST-PSB integrates cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and other ecological approaches to promote accountability, community safety, family stability, and prevention of re-offenses.
Keynote Speakers
Thursday Keynote Speaker: Steven Sawyer, MSSW, LICSW
Mr. Sawyer earned his MSSW from the University of Wisconsin in 1980. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and is founder and President of Sawyer Solutions, LLC, a private clinical and consulting practice. He was a founding board member and Executive Director of Project Pathfinder, Inc., a founding board member and past chapter president of the Minnesota Chapter of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (MNATSA), and is a past board member and chair of the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
In his clinical practice he provides clinical and consultation services to individuals, families and organizations. Over the past 35 years he has assessed and treated hundreds of men who have committed sexual crimes and has supervised the treatment of several thousand men in sexual offender treatment.
For more than 20 years he served as a consultant to catholic religious orders on matters of sexual perpetrator assessment, and sexual abuse prevention and management. He has provided clinical supervision and training services for the State of Minnesota since 2013. He has consulted with civil commitment programs in four states, and provided full day trainings and webinars for state agencies and clinicians.
Mr. Sawyer is an experienced public speaker for the media and professionals. He has given lectures and trainings locally and nationally to public and professional groups about sexual offender treatment, group therapy and sexual abuse prevention. He has published more than 20 articles, workbooks, and book chapters on topics ranging from a program for men who use prostitutes, sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, group therapy with adult sexual offenders, sex dysfunction in sex offenders, and sex offender treatment program outcome research.
Friday Keynote Speaker: Dawn M. Pflugradt, Psy.D., ABPP & Bradley P. Allen, Ph.D., J.D.
Dawn M. Pflugradt, Psy.D., ABPP
Dawn M. Pflugradt, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist (Iowa and Wisconsin) and licensed clinical social worker (Wisconsin) specializing in forensic, correctional, and clinical psychology. She holds advanced degrees in clinical bioethics, clinical psychology, and social work and is board certified in clinical psychology. Dr. Pflugradt has been qualified as an expert witness in multiple jurisdictions. Dr. Pflugradt works as a risk assessment specialist and sexually violent person evaluator for a midwestern Department of Corrections, maintains a private forensic psychology practice, and holds an appointment as professor of psychology at the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology. She also serves on the scientific advisory board for the International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders (IATSO), is an ATSA Fellow, and a SAARNA certified STATIC-99R, STABLE-2007, ACUTE-2007 and ODARA trainer. In addition to her years of clinical experience, Dr. Pflugradt has published numerous articles, practice guidelines, books, and book chapters in the areas of developmental neuropsychology and criminology, the latter focusing on individuals who commit sexual and violent crimes.
Bradley P. Allen, Ph.D., J.D.
Brad Allen is a licensed psychologist and licensed attorney with advanced degrees in psychology, sociology, law, and epidemiology. Brad works for a midwestern DHS as a sexually violent person evaluator and for a midwestern DOC as a psychological consultant. He also maintains a private clinical and forensic psychology practice where he provides psychological services to a VA facility. In addition to over 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. Allen has an eclectic research background publishing in the areas of developmental disabilities, gerontology, and individuals who perpetrate sexual offenses.
For questions regarding the conference, please contact ConferenceChair@ilatsa.org or 630-384-9887
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