December 9, 2025 12:00pm PT - 1:00pm PT
Hot Topic: Behind the Screen: How Does Online Exploitation Target Our Youth -- and How Can We Fight Back?
Description: In this Gathering, we will explore ways young people are at risk in digital spaces and what adults can do to recognize and disrupt these patterns. This presentation will unpack real-world examples, current trends, and warning signs of online grooming and exploitation. Participants will leave with an understanding of health and safety concerns facing young people in the digital world and prevention strategies to help keep youth safe, informed, and empowered online.
November 17, 2025 12:00pm PT - 1:00pm PT
Hot Topic: From Silos to Synergy: Tri-Sector Multidisciplinary Alliances for Immigrant Thriving
Description: Immigrant children and families face growing levels of stress often missed by traditional systems. This Gathering explores how collaboration across mental health, education, media/TV, and community organizing spanning private, nonprofit, and government sectors can create exponential impact.
October 3, 2025 12:00pm PT - 1:00pm PT
Hot Topic: How can you help close the “ACEs Gap”? (You probably didn’t know there even was a gap!)
Description: “Closing the ‘ACES Gap’ between Kids & Critters: Animal Abuse as a Marker for Child Maltreatment”
The ACEs Study was a landmark in child abuse prevention and response. But it omitted a crucial element in the lives of a majority of American children: the presence of animal companions, and the potential that these pets’ deaths, disappearance, or being victims of animal cruelty can be a lifelong emotional and physiological trauma. We’ll open your eyes to this issue and ask what you can do to Close the ACEs Gap!
September 12, 2025 12:00pm PT - 1:00pm PT
Hot Topic: Do custody issues interfere with Child Maltreatment Reporting, Assessment and Treatment?
Description: Seth will discuss how child abuse allegations, including sexual abuse, are often dismissed when child abuse professionals learn that the parents are divorcing or involved in a custody dispute. He stresses that due diligence is essential, no matter the family situation.
Seth’s core question: How can we know the truth if we don’t seriously look?
June 13, 2025 12:00pm PT - 1:00pm PT
Hot Topic: Is it possible to break through the silence of trauma?
Description: Building on the success of Esmeralda, a short film based on a real life story, this talk delves into the complex cycle of intergenerational trauma and resilience in the Latino community through the lens of child sexual abuse. Using a trauma-informed framework, we will examine the profound impact on individuals, families, and communities while highlighting prevention, intervention, and healing strategies to drive meaningful change and support survivors on their path to recovery.
May 30, 2025 12:00pm PT - 1:00pm PT
Hot Topic: Can Faith Based Institutions Prevent Child Maltreatment and Contribute to Healing?
Description: Rev. Armstrong will present a landscape analysis of how Faith-inspired institutions and houses of worship have helped reduce the incidence of child maltreatment and promote child and family well-being.
April 24, 2025 12:00pm PT - 1:00pm PT
Hot Topic: Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Variant of Childhood Sexual Abuse or an Entirely Different Experience?
Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is a prevalent yet underrecognized form of intrafamilial abuse. A significant challenge in this field is the lack of a clear and consistent definition, which complicates research, recognition, and intervention efforts. This presentation will explore the definitional gap and discuss initial findings from recent studies, highlighting key characteristics of SSA, its impact, and the complexities involved in addressing it.
March 27, 2025 12:00pm PT - 1:00pm PT
Hot Topic: When Fake Images Cause Real Harm: The Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Addressing AI-Generated CSAM
This presentation explores the legal and regulatory frameworks governing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in the United States. It delves into current legislation, challenges in enforcement, and the evolving landscape of digital content regulation, offering insights into how legal systems can adapt to new technological realities while safeguarding children.
