Part of CAC's mission is to prevent abuse against children. Education and training are two of the best defenses against child abuse. Our goal is to raise awareness and share our expertise in the field of childhood trauma. We offer hour-long presentations, and speaker fees may apply for some presentations.

 

Our Community Education and Outreach programs cover a wide range of topics related to children's exposure to violence and keeping them safe. We are happy to work with you to develop presentations specific to your needs, so please let us know if you have additional training requirements.

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In addition, CAC staff are available to attend community outreach events and host an information table.

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If you would like more information on education and training, please email Director of Mental Health Services, Kate Schultz, kschultz@cachelps.org.

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Presentation Themes

 

Trauma 101: Trauma in the Classroom

This presentation is geared toward professionals working with children who have experienced trauma.  It provides an overview of what trauma may look like in a child as well as some basic interventions.  Some brain research is incorporated into this presentation.

 

Body Safety

This workshop is geared for parents and school administrators. Participants will receive information about the importance of talking to children about body safety, how to recognize signs of sexual abuse and learning about behaviors of perpetrators.  Parents will be encouraged to develop a family safety plan to be used in their home to promote child safety.  

 

Mandated Reporting

Making a report of suspected child abuse is difficult.  Mandated Reporting laws say that anyone who interacts with children—teachers, daycare workers, social workers, women's advocates, children's advocates and so on –are required by law to report any suspected child abuse.  This presentation explores the process of making a report of child abuse, defines the law more clearly, and offers support and resources for people who may find themselves in the difficult position of needing to make a report. 

  

Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACEs)

This presentation illustrates information discovered from the groundbreaking study of 1997.  It links childhood adverse experiences to detrimental health and societal outcomes.  This presentation stresses the importance of early mental health intervention. 

 

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

This presentation defines domestic violence and helps parents and/or professionals understand the dynamics of domestic violence and the impact it may have on children’s growth and development.  It further provides information about how to identify and help children who have been exposed to domestic violence.

 

Playful Parenting/The Importance of Play

Children of all ages have an ongoing need for connectedness, security and attachment; playful interaction with parents is an important way to develop such bonds. Through play, parents can help their kids develop greater confidence, express bottled up or difficult feelings, recover from daily emotional upheavals, negotiate agreements, express love and, last but certainly not least… have fun!  This presentation helps guide parents and professionals through the possibilities awaiting them if they are willing and able to, quite simply, play with children.

 

Positive Discipline

How do young children learn self-control, self-help, ways to get along with others and family and school expectations? Such learning occurs when parents and teachers of infants, toddlers, or preschoolers are continuously involved in setting limits, encouraging desired behaviors and offering praise and support.  This presentation offers information about disciplining in a positive way that encourages children to grow and learn in a safe, loving environment.

 

Resilience

When something goes wrong, do you tend to bounce back or fall apart? People with resilience harness inner strengths and rebound more quickly from a setback or challenge.  In contrast, people who are less resilient may dwell on problems, feel victimized, become overwhelmed and turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms.  This presentation explores how we can support children in developing and harnessing resilience.

 

CAC Mental Health Services: A Program Overview

CAC provides a safe place for children and their families to begin the healing process after experiencing a traumatic event through evidence-based therapy. CAC also offers Safe from the Start, a unique program geared for children ages birth to five years who have experienced violence in their homes. This presentation offers an overview of our services.  It explores our innovative multidisciplinary team model, our collaboration with community partners and our unique work with young children and their families.