Conference Program
Preconference - Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Preconference – Wednesday, March 13, 2024 8:00 – 5:00pm Building E Room E100.01
Dr. Sue Righthand is a psychologist in independent practice. She has a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She has extensive experience working with youth and adults who have offended sexually, as well as individuals who have experienced or initiated child maltreatment and other forms of violence. Dr. Righthand is affiliated with the University of Maine where she is an Adjunct Associate Research Professor. Dr. Righthand’s recent collaborations include the development of the Youth Needs and Progress Scale and two books: Effective Intervention with Adolescents Who Have Offended Sexually: Translating Research into Practice and the Safer Society Handbook of Assessment and Treatment of Adolescents who have Sexually Offended. She co-authored the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol II and related research, and was a member of ATSA’s Adolescent Practice Guidelines Committee. Dr. Righthand is a consultant to the National Center for Sexual Behavior in Youth (NCSBY) and provides training, program evaluations, and consultations within the United States and in other countries.
Thursday and Friday Conference
Thursday Keynote Speakers: Elizabeth Griffin and David Delmonico
Elizabeth Griffin, MA, LMFT, has thirty-five years of experience assessing and treating adults who struggle with problematic sexual behaviors, including sexually compulsive behaviors and sexually offensive behaviors. She specializes in assessing and treating individuals who have engaged in both offline and online sexual offense behavior. Ms. Griffin has worked in various settings, including in-patient, out-patient, military, prison, and civil commitment settings. She lectures and consults nationally on the assessment and treatment of problematic online sexual behaviors, sexual offending behaviors, and sexual compulsivity. Ms. Griffin has published numerous academic articles on issues related to problematic sexual behavior. She co-authored several books and workbooks, including In the Shadows of the Net, Cybersex Unhooked, Cybersex Unplugged, and Illegal Images.
Dr. David Delmonico is a Professor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Delmonico is a Kent State University’s Counseling and Human Development Services Doctoral Program graduate. He lectures on topics such as Internet psychology, healthy sexuality, compulsive/hypersexual behavior, and the relationship between gaming and sexuality. Dr. Delmonico co-authored In the Shadows of the Net, Cybersex Unhooked, Cybersex Unplugged, and Illegal Images. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on various technology and sexuality topics. Dr. Delmonico is the founder and director of the Online Behavior Research and Education Center (OBREC) at Duquesne University, co-director of Internet Behavior Consulting (IBC), and past Editor-in-Chief of the Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity journal.
Friday Keynote Speaker: Michael H. Miner, Ph.D., L.P.
Michael H. Miner, Ph.D., L.P. is Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine and Community Health and the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health (formally the Program in Human Sexuality) at the University of Minnesota. He began his work in sex offender research as the experimental psychologist for California’s Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Project and since joining the Program in Human Sexuality (PHS); his research has focused on the etiology of sexual abuse perpetration in adolescence, risk assessment, and sexual compulsivity. Dr. Miner coordinated adult sex offender treatment at PHS until 2008 and coordinated forensic assessment services until closing his clinical practice in 2022. He is Past President of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) and past Vice President of the International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders. Dr. Miner is on the editorial board of Sexual Abuse and past Associate Editor of Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment. Dr. Miner has published over 100 articles and book chapters on sex offender treatment, forensic assessment, instrument development, and evaluation methodology. He is recipient of the Professional Service Award from the Minnesota Chapter of ATSA and the Lifetime Significant Achievement Award from ATSA.
Workshop Descriptions – Thursday, March 14, 2024
8:30 – 8:45am: Welcome ILATSA President Chris Blakley
8:45am – 12:00pm: Keynote
Title: #digitaldeviance: Trending Topics in the Assessment and Management of Online Sex Offense Behavior.
Find the Handout here – #DigitalDeviance
Presenters: Elizabeth Griffin and David Delmonico
Room: Building E, E121 Dining Room
Summary: This workshop will introduce participants to the most recent research related to individuals who engage in online sexual offense behavior. Additionally, the latest technologies used in online sexual offense cases will be discussed. Specific assessment tools and issues related to risk assessment with this population will be presented. The presenters will also discuss various management tools helpful to probation who are supervising individuals convicted of online sexual offense behavior.
12:00 – 1:00pm: Lunch Break – Provided with conference registration
1:00 – 2:30pm: AFTERNOON BREAKOUTS
Session A: Keynote Breakout: #illegalimages: Treating Individuals Who View Child Sexual Abuse Media
Presenter: Elizabeth Griffin and David Delmonico
Room: Building E, E121 Dining Room
Find the Handout Here: #illegalimages
Summary: This workshop will focus on the specific treatment issues noted in the literature as important to address with individuals who engage with child sexual abuse media. Treatment issues related to emotional management, social skills development, compulsive sexual behavior, deviant sexual behavior, problematic technology use, and victim awareness will be discussed. Special attention will be paid to treatment activities grounded in “responsivity” in order to engage clients in the treatment process.
Session B: Illinois Sex Offender Registry Act
Presenter: Sarah Brown-Foiles, LCSW, MBA
Room: Building E, E100 Breakout Room
Find the Handout Here: SOR presentation
Summary: This presentation will break down the history of the Illinois sex offender registry as well as the details and requirements for individuals required to register. A review of research and the effectiveness of public registries will be discussed.
Session C: Does this Happen Here? The Facts about Human Trafficking
Presenter: Gina Parisi, Executive Director for Traffick Free, a Chicago-based non-profit that focuses on spreading awareness and education about human trafficking throughout Chicagoland.
Room: Building E, E106 Breakout Room
Find the Handout Here: Traffick Free
Summary: Did you know that human trafficking is the fastest growing organized crime in the U.S. and that it is occurring in our own backyard? According to the Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force Report, Illinois ranks 11th in the nation for number of cases of Human Trafficking as of 2017. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, join this session to learn about the different forms of human trafficking, how to identify a potential victim and those who are at risk, as well as strategies to best work with victims and survivors. This session includes survivor stories and videos to provide a first-hand look at the realities of human trafficking.
Session D: Utilizing Sexual Regulation Techniques in Group Part I (3 hour session)
Presenter: Mark S. Carich, Ph.D.; Jessie Huebner, Ph.D, LCSW
Room: Building E, E108 Breakout Room
Summary: This presentation will begin by briefly identifying key core group factors that enhance group effectiveness. Presenters will then discuss how sexual deviancy may be expressed in a group setting and how the clinician can respond and use these expressions as a teaching/treatment opportunity. Current treatment philosophies and theories along with principles of intervention will be discussed. The primary focus of the presentation will be outlining a series of interventions that can be utilized to integrate sexual regulation into the treatment group setting. This presentation will emphasize client responsivity and working with the client’s strengths.
2:30 – 3:00pm Break with snack
3:00-4:30pm AFTERNOON BREAKOUTS
Session E: Keynote Breakout Cybersex Unplugged: Creating Sexual Health in an Electronic World
Presenter: Elizabeth Griffin and David Delmonico
Room: Building E, E121 Dining Room
Find the Handout Here: Healthy Sexuality
Summary: Issues related to compulsive sexual behavior and deviant sexuality are noted in the literature as significant issues for those who engage in online sexual offense behavior. This workshop will focus specifically on assisting clients in understanding sexual health as a means to address problematic sexual behavior. Various models of sexual health will be explored, and specific treatment exercises, such as the development of an individualized “sexual health plan,” will be presented. Special attention will be paid to issues related to LGBTIA+ issues with individuals who commit online sexual offense behavior.
Session F: Utilizing Internet Monitoring Software to Target and Reduce Risk
Presenters: Andrew Zadlo, CSPA; Timothy Blair, CSPA
Room: Building E, E100.01 Breakout Room
No Handout Available
Summary: The Illinois Department of Corrections Sex Offender Supervision Unit manages approximately 1700 individuals and almost half are enrolled in the internet monitoring program. Internet monitoring has proven to be a great tool for identifying risk factors and prompting intervention and support when necessary. While there is limited research regarding the relationship between internet monitoring software and reduced recidivism, it is suggested that when used properly, internet monitoring could contribute to an individual’s pro-social sexual functioning and non-offending lifestyle in the community.
Session G: Compassion Fatigue and Secondary Trauma Among Clinicians Treating Sex Offenders
Presenter: Victor Kersey, Ph.D.
Room: Building E, E106 Breakout Room
Summary: This presentation proposes the prevalence and impact of compassion fatigue and secondary trauma among clinicians treating sex offenders. Results reveal the multifaceted nature of these phenomena, influenced by the complex dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, professional boundaries, societal stigma, and the challenging nature of client issues. My experience and findings highlight the importance of addressing compassion fatigue and trauma to enhance clinician well-being and improve the quality of care provided to sex offenders. The presentation underscores the need for targeted interventions and support systems within clinical settings to mitigate the negative effects of these occupational challenges.
Session H: Utilizing Sexual Regulation Techniques in Group continued (3 hours)
Presenters: Mark S. Carich, Ph.D.; Jessie Huebner, Ph.D, LCSW
Room: Building E, E108 Breakout Room
See the Handout under Session D Above
Summary: This is part 2 of this session. This presentation will begin by briefly identifying key core group factors that enhance group effectiveness. Presenters will then discuss how sexual deviancy may be expressed in a group setting and how the clinician can respond and use these expressions as a teaching/treatment opportunity. Current treatment philosophies and theories along with principles of intervention will be discussed. The primary focus of the presentation will be outlining a series of interventions that can be utilized to integrate sexual regulation into the treatment group setting. This presentation will emphasize client responsivity and working with the client’s strengths.
4:45 – 5:45pm Networking Event – No CEUS are provided for this session
During this session, all members are invited to a local restaurant to get to know other ILATSA members and conference attendees in a casual environment. We look forward to seeing you there!
This year – Meet us at Nick’s Pizza!!! 990 S Randall Rd. Elgin, IL 60123. Attendees purchase their own food and drink.
Workshop Description – Friday, March 15, 2024
8:30 – 8:45am Welcome
8:45 – 12:00pm Keynote
Title: Exploring How Attachment, Masculinity, and Sexual Control Influence Adolescent Male Perpetration of Child Sexual Abuse
Presenter: Michael Miner, Ph.D., L.P.
Room: Building E, E121 Dining Room
No Handout Available
Summary: Over the last 15 years, researchers at the Program in Human Sexuality have been exploring the application of attachment theory to understanding the perpetration of sexual abuse and sexual aggression by adolescent males. These studies have included comparisons of various categories of adolescents who have perpetrated sexual harm: those with child victims, those with peer/adult victims, and those with only hands off offences; and have compared these groups with boys who committed non-sexual crimes and boys in treatment for substance use or other mental health disorders. This presentation will start with a description of attachment theory and related concepts of attachment behavior, attachment style and internal working models. The findings from our studies will be presented which provide a model for how attachment style, adolescent social involvement, concepts of masculinity and indications of sexual behavioral control influence the development of sexually abusive and/or sexually coercive behavior. Our work builds on the meta-analysis by Seto and Lalumière (2010) in that we have fleshed out the contribution of attachment theory, further explored issues of social interaction and social involvement, and can discuss how sexuality and early childhood sexual trauma may influence different types of acting out or problematic behavior.
The presentation will focus on the therapeutic implications of our research. I hope to challenge some long-standing assumptions and use our findings to provide a basis for thinking about adolescent sexually harmful behavior within the context of adolescent development. A more broad-brush concept that sets adolescent sexually harmful behavior within the context of other problematic sexual behavior, other delinquent behavior, and internalizing problems of youth will be presented.
12:00-1:00pm Lunch – Provided with Conference Registration
Session I: Keynote Breakout What is Healthy Sexuality? An Exploration of Data, Attitudes, and Treatment Implications Part I (3 hour session)
Presenter: Michael Miner, Ph.D., L.P.
Room: Building E, Room E121 Dining Room
Summary: This interactive workshop is designed to provide information on current sexual practices, at least as indicated by recent national surveys and published papers. Participant exercises and popular media will be used to encourage interactions between attendees and to aid them in exploring their conceptions of healthy sexuality, appropriate and inappropriate sexual interactions, and the integration of these concepts into sex offender treatment for adults and adolescents. The workshop will present data from recently completed national surveys of the sexual behavior of men and women between the ages of 14 and 75 years and studies of the use of digit technology. This workshop will emphasize attendee discussion and participation and will integrate information through discussion that focus participant attention to cultural differences, application to treatment of adults and adolescents who have committed sexual harm, and allow individual attendees to explore their attitudes and beliefs regarding sexuality.
Session J: Juvenile Registry Removal: The Basics
Presenters: Tracy Tholin, LCPC, LSOE, LSOTP; Michael Kleppin, LCPC, LSOTP, LSOE, CADC; and Karyn Glass, JD
Room: Building E, Room E100.01
Find the Handout Here Youth Registry Removal
Summary: Illinois has a statute allowing juveniles the opportunity to petition the court for removal from the sex offender registry provided certain guidelines are met, including an updated evaluation. This session will provide an overview of the statute, and suggestions from an attorney on what may be required for the court process. Evaluators will discuss ways of completing these risk evaluations based on best practices and what we know about adolescent risk. Finally, suggestions will be given on how to educate clients and their families regarding this process. Any attendees who have completed these evaluations are also encouraged to attend and share their experiences.
Session K: Utilizing Art Therapy with Clients with Problem Sexual Behavior Part I (3 hours)
Presenter: Libby Fisher, ATR, LCPC; Mark S. Carich, Ph.D
Room: Building E, Room E106
Summary: This presentation will cover the foundations of theoretical parameters. Presenters will engage learners through topics such as Good Lives Model application, holistic philosophy that guides treatment, and addressing dynamic risk factors. Participants will learn about art therapy and how it is utilized with clients with PSB through hands-on art experiential learning.
Session L: The Sleeping Giant: Vicarious trauma among professionals who work with sex offenders.
Presenter: Patricia Grosskopf, Psy.D., LCPC, LSOTP, LSOE; Brooke Settle, M.A., Senior Parole Agent
Room: Building E, E108
No Handout Available
Summary: Often the symptoms of vicarious trauma (VT) are overlooked by professionals who work with sex offender populations. Because the changes are pervasive and occur over a period of time they often go unnoticed, unrecognized and ignored. However these symptoms can impact a professionals sense of self, world view, interpersonal relationships, and behaviors.
2:30 – 3:00pm Break with snack
3:00-4:30pm AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Session M: Keynote Breakout What is Healthy Sexuality? An Exploration of Data, Attitudes, and Treatment Implications Part II (3 hour session)
Presenter: Michael Miner, Ph.D., L.P.
Room: Building E, Room E121 Dining Room
Summary: This interactive workshop is designed to provide information on current sexual practices, at least as indicated by recent national surveys and published papers. Participant exercises and popular media will be used to encourage interactions between attendees and to aid them in exploring their conceptions of healthy sexuality, appropriate and inappropriate sexual interactions, and the integration of these concepts into sex offender treatment for adults and adolescents. The workshop will present data from recently completed national surveys of the sexual behavior of men and women between the ages of 14 and 75 years and studies of the use of digit technology. This workshop will emphasize attendee discussion and participation and will integrate information through discussion that focus participant attention to cultural differences, application to treatment of adults and adolescents who have committed sexual harm, and allow individual attendees to explore their attitudes and beliefs regarding sexuality.
Session N: Unlocking Success: Probation Best Practices from Three Perspectives
Presenters: Phoebe Heather, Kane County Probation; Jennifer Hess, Dupage County Probation; Sharon Klapperich, Lake County Probation
Room: Building E, Room E100.01
Healthy Sexuality Group Outline
Kane County – No Handout Available
Summary: Join us for an insightful presentation as three dynamic probation departments share their best practices in managing sex offenders. In this engaging session, three departments will share for 25 minutes each about a successful case or collaborative effort with treatment that has yielded positive outcomes.
Session O: Utilizing Art Therapy with Clients with Problem Sexual Behavior, Part II (3 hours)
Presenter: Libby Fisher, ATR, LCPC
Room: Building E, Room E106
See Session K Above for Handout
Summary: This is part 2 of this session. This presentation will cover the foundations of theoretical parameters. Presenters will engage learners through topics such as Good Lives Model application, holistic philosophy that guides treatment, and addressing dynamic risk factors. Participants will learn about art therapy and how it is utilized with clients with PSB through hands-on art experiential learning.
Session P – The Effective Use of Polygraph
Presenter: Jay Cherry, Eagle Eye Polygraph
Room: Building E, Room E108.01
No Handout Available
Summary: Jay Cherry, owner/operator of Eagle Eye Polygraph, LLC will be presenting on the use of polygraph in Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT). Topics to be discussed will include:
o General Principles of How Polygraph Works
o Types of exams for PCSOT
o Test Question Construction
o How to work with your polygraph examiner
o Do’s and Don’ts
o Open Discussion
o Questions and Answers
For questions regarding the conference, please contact ConferenceChair@ilatsa.org or 630-384-9887
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