Continuing Education

In order to keep current with issues that relate to the volunteer role, our volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education per year. For new volunteers, continuing education hours are prorated by the percentage of the year the advocate was a volunteer. The requirement applies to all volunteers who have been sworn and not discharged, regardless of whether they are assigned to a case.

Continuing Education in the Community

What Every Adult Should Know About Sexual Abuse

This training is designed for parents and adults who would like to be better equipped to prevent child sexual abuse; this class covers signs and symptoms, provides an understanding of the dynamics of sexual abuse- particularly the manipulative behavior of perpetrators- and offers techniques to support open communication with children to prevent victimization.

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: No cost
Location:  Register Here

Complex Trauma and Addiction: A Survivor’s Story of Childhood Exploitation and Adult Human Trafficking

Presented by Maria Tell, this session will provide in-depth, real-life stories and experiences demonstrating how commercial sexual exploitation in early childhood (CSEC) can normalize abusive relationships and, without critical identification or intervention, often leads to ongoing exploitation in adulthood. Join Maria as she reveals her own journey through the recruitment, grooming, manipulation, and abuse she experienced, her barriers to self-identification, and her powerful testimony about interactions with law enforcement, healthcare workers, and community members who overlooked indicators of her victimization.

When: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Location:  Register Here

Quiet Whispers: Unseen Stories of Babies in the System

This session will explore the often-overlooked experiences of babies in the child welfare system—those who cannot speak for themselves, yet whose early encounters shape their futures in profound ways. Through the lens of infant mental health, we’ll challenge the myth that early separations are easily forgotten. Together, we will uncover the hidden costs of developmental trauma, emphasizing that every decision about placement and reunification must prioritize the child's emotional and psychological needs. Using creative dialogue, we will "speak for the baby," giving voice to what infants might experience during moments of loss, transition, and change.

When: Thursday, April 17, 2025
Time: 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

Sextortion: A Call to Action 

Sextortion has been increasing at an alarming rate, often with misunderstood motives, delayed responses, and fatal consequences in the lives of child victims. This session will provide the perspectives of surviving caregivers whose lives have been forever impacted by the emergence of this crime. These caregivers have turned their tragedy into advocacy efforts to change the landscape of how we view online crimes and our responses. Tim and Tamia Woods, along with The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, will discuss the challenges of sextortion cases, law enforcement and tech responses, all in an effort to honor their child’s experience and enhance the capacity of professionals to identify and respond to sextortion cases.

When: Friday, April 18, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

Stewards of Children

This nationally recognized, best practice program uses videos, workbook activities and discussion to engage and educate about child sexual abuse and how to keep children safe. Parents, college students, working professionals, volunteers at child-serving organizations and other staff at agencies and community-based organizations learn that child sexual abuse knows no socio-economic, cultural or racial boundaries. Through compelling stories from survivors of child sexual abuse of their trauma and healing, participants will learn how to develop practices to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. 

When: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Registration: Register here

Understanding Ritual Abuse and Mind Control

Presented by Chelsea Van Essen, this session explores the unique nature of ritual abuse and mind control, highlighting how these forms of exploitation differ from other types of human trafficking in both their essence and the pathways to healing. Participants will gain an understanding of the distinct dynamics and complexities of ritual abuse, including its psychological, spiritual, and relational impacts on survivors. The session will also examine the overlapping areas between ritual abuse and human trafficking, emphasizing the importance of increasing awareness within the anti-trafficking field.

When: Friday, April 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Location: Register Here

Children and Traumatic Stress

Child traumatic stress refers to the physical and emotional responses of a child to events that threaten the life of the child or of someone critically important to the child. Social workers, teachers, counselors, and others who plan to work with children in other ways are invited to participate in this informative program to gain an understanding of traumatic events and their impact on a child’s behavior, demeanor, and long-term well-being.

When: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 
Time: 11:00 a.m.  – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: No cost
Registration: Register here

Independent Learning

To encourage a diverse learning experience below are independent study options, such as documentary series, films, recorded webinars, or podcasts intended to be educational.

Click here for: Films

Click here for: Podcasts

Click here for: Readings

Click here for: Webinars