The 9th Annual Multi-Disciplinary Team Conference

on Crimes Against Children

April 24th, 2018

The Conference will be held at the Elks Lodge

1279 Franklin Grove Rd, Dixon, IL 61021

This Conference is FREE to all attendees.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

8:00-8:30              Registration (Continental Breakfast Provided)

8:30-10:00             We’re Just Going to Talk: Presenting Your Case in Opening Statements and Closing Arguments in Cases of Child Abuse

Victor Vieth, Founder and Senior Director, Gundersen National Child Protection Training Center

The outcome of many child abuse cases depends on the ability of the prosecutor to argue the facts to the jury. In this workshop, prosecutors and child protection attorneys will learn the art and science of effective strategies and themes for opening statements and closing arguments in child abuse cases.  Participants will learn a theme for presenting their case.  They will learn specific arguments to persuade a jury that a child is telling the truth and how to debunk common defenses in child abuse cases.

10:00-10:15           Break

10:15-11:45           Cross-Examination of the Defendant and Defense Witness

Victor Vieth, Founder and Senior Director, Gundersen National Child Protection Training Center

In this workshop, participants will learn the keys to a successful cross-examination.  They will learn how to prepare and gain a thorough understanding of the case including the evidence to be presented by both sides, drafting cross-examination topics and questions, and understanding the limitations of cross-examination. Finally, participants will learn concrete examples of how to box the witness into a corner.

11:45-12:45           Lunch (provided)

12:45-2:15             Juvenile Sex Offenders

Victor Vieth, Founder and Senior Director, Gundersen National Child Protection Training Center

In this workshop, participants will learn to address juvenile sex offenders at the investigation, prosecution and treatment stages.  Analyzing current research and practices; this workshop offers suggestions and guidelines to address the needs of juvenile sex offenders, their victims, and society.  This workshop also addresses the differing viewpoints concerning the prosecution and treatment of child sex offenders and seeks to bridge the differences and reach a consensus for dealing with this population.

2:15-2:30              Break

2:30-4:00              Preparing Children for Court

Victor Vieth, Founder and Senior Director, Gundersen National Child Protection Training Center

Participants will learn creative strategies for empowering children to effectively handle the stress of testifying in court.  Students will also learn of creative pre-trial motions and other strategies to modify the courtroom and the procedures of testifying to reduce the stress level of child witnesses.

4:00-4:30              Q & A/Discussion