The Missouri Office of Prosecution Services held its 8th Annual Family & Sexual Violence Conference April 30 – May 2 in Springfield, Missouri. The theme for the conference was Bending History: Step by Step. Representatives of the JAYC Foundation (Terry Probyn, Dr. Rebecca Bailey, and Jane Dickel, LCSW) gave two presentations to the gathering of prosecutors, law enforcement, victim advocates, and mental health workers. The first was Inspiring the Criminal Justice Response: Lessons Learned from the Garrido Case. During this presentation the group presented encouragement about the future of getting these cases right, and how to take care of the victims along the way.
The second presentation was Building Protected Spaces for Families in Transition. This session examined transition techniques for families after they have experienced a traumatic experience. The trainers discussed the roles people assume after a trauma, emotional heroism, and challenges criminal justice professionals face when dealing with those who have experienced trauma. Especially emphasized was the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to the healing process. Attendees received continuing education credits for their participation.