D.V., Threat, and Working with CPS (W6)

Transcription

1 Saturday, February 7, :00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. D.V., Threat, and Working with CPS (W6) Presenters Rachel Frost, Detective Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW Abstract: This workshop will combine perspectives and experiences from Child Protective Services, Child Custody Evaluation and Law Enforcement. The purpose of this workshop will be to address the multiple facets of DV & THREAT from different perspectives and will help the attendee better assess threat, collect relevant evidence often missed and complete more thorough assessments and investigations. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement regarding threat assessment and steps to take in the workplace. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers as well. a Outline: 911 CALL Where it starts. What it sounds like. Who is involved? What about the kids? What next? What is DV? PART I: When law enforcement is called- Restraining orders, advocates, interviews, police reports, investigations. How law enforcement & CPS work together and sometimes not. PART II: When CPS is called- What are they assessing? What are the standards of proof in the field? What should matter to a child custody evaluator? What should matter to the family law attorney? When CPS is finished investigating what should you ask for and where to subpoena. The undisclosed tricks to figuring out a CPS investigation and how CWS/CMS can benefit YOU the CCE or the attorney. PART III: Assessing a threat What to pay attention to. What steps can you take to be safer? What matters most in an emergency? How to assess and be really aware of your environment. Do you take your safety seriously? What information and what resources are available to you? AFCC California Chapter 261

2 Workshop 6 Domestic Violence, Threat Management and Working with Child Protective Services (CPS) Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW, Child Custody Evaluator, Stolar Counseling and Consultation Detective Rachael Frost, Riverside County Sheriff's Domestic Violence Threat Management Presentation Summary: Learn how domestic violence and threat management have changed both criminally and in Family Law. Focus on domestic violence and targeted violence not only as part of your case consideration and preparation, but also as part of your own workplace and client concern. We will discuss how to utilize expert witnesses in domestic violence and threat assessment and management to prepare a thorough and unbiased case presentation that maximizes client and family safety. Considerations included for a program addressing internal and external threats of violence to your workplace and to your clients and their families. In addition to the element of domestic violence and threat management, the presence of child endangerment, abuse and neglect and more are often present in your cases. Learn exactly what CPS is assessing when they are called and what the "standards of proof" are in the field. We will address what issues should concern a child custody evaluator and which ones are prevalent for a family law attorney. In addition to CPS "tricks of the trade" which will assist you in obtaining the best legal information for your client, we will showcase the benefits of forensic interviews of child witnesses in order to limit their exposure to the system. Speakers: Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW, has worked in the area of social services for over 15 years. She has over 11 years of employment with Child Protective Services; where she has spent her time investigating child abuse, completing forensic interviews with law enforcement, and testified in criminal, juvenile, civil and family law courts. She has spent the last 7 years training and creating new trauma informed curriculum for foster and adoptive families while completing assessments and in depth background checks. Nicol started her private practice in 2009, "Stolar Counseling and Consultation." She completes child custody evaluations and is an on-going consultant with both law enforcement and attorneys. Nicol started a non-profit in 2014 called, Kids Court & Counseling Center in Riverside, CA ( to assist children who are compelled to testify in court with preparation and counseling to help support them as they are often witnesses and/or victims of crimes. KC&CC is truly a one-stop shop. Detective Rachael Frost, Riverside County Sheriff The program coordinator and developer for the Riverside County Domestic Violence Threat Management team, Detective Frost has testified in numerous cases regarding domestic violence, strangulation and stalking as an expert witness. She has received and provided thousands of hours of training in domestic violence, stalking, strangulation, restraining orders, sexual assault, child abuse, and threat assessment and management. She is currently working on the countywide enhancement of the Riverside County multi-disciplinary Threat Management Teams (TMTs) which encourage and incorporate the threat assessment and management of those at risk of committing targeted violence. These teams include local law enforcement, mental health, prosecutors, educational facilities and more. AFCC California Chapter 263

3 AFCC-CA Annual Conference DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & THREAT MANAGEMENT Part I and III: Preparing evidence-based case presentations while protecting your clients, their families and yourselves Domestic Violence 101 Threat Management Identify, assess and manage those at risk of committing targeted violence Making a threat vs. Posing a threat 264

4 2 Workshop 6 Perception v. Reality Evidence-based case presentation Blind evaluations Expert witness testimony: Case Specific Restraining order considerations/preparation Assessment tools to develop information Safety Client and family Agency/Employees (internal/external) Judicial/Court Family SUMMARY THANK YOU! Detective Rachael Frost QUESTIONS? AFCC California Chapter 265

5 2015 AFCC-CA Annual Conference PART II: When CPS is called- CPS What are they assessing? What are the standards of proof in the field? What should matter to a child custody evaluator? What should matter to the family law attorney? When CPS is finished investigating What should you ask for/subpoena

6 Workshop 6 Something to keep under your hat. The undisclosed tricks to figuring out a CPS investigation and how CWS/CMS can benefit YOU the CCE or the attorney. AFCC California Chapter 267 2