In this episode of “One in Ten,” host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Lisa Nichols, an assistant professor at the University of Northern Colorado, to discuss the challenges faced by child abuse detectives. The episode delves into the complexities and emotional toll of child sexual abuse investigations, highlighting findings from Dr. Nichols' study. Key themes include understaffing, high turnover, funding issues, the emotional impact on detectives, and communication challenges with Child Protective Services (CPS). Dr. Nichols emphasizes the need for better support and resources, including culturally competent mental health services, to improve the wellbeing and effectiveness of these law enforcement professionals. 

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Introduction: Detectives in Crisis 

02:10 Interview with Dr. Lisa Nichols 

04:00 Study Design and Methodology 

06:09 Key Findings: Funding and Emotional Toll 

15:13 Challenges of High Turnover 

31:42 Communication Issues with CPS 

39:08 Implications for Policy and Practice 

42:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

Resources:

“It’s Like We Never See the Light at the End of the
Tunnel”: Law Enforcement Perceptions on Stakeholder
Collaboration and Resources at CACs in a Southern
State; Journal of Child Sexual Abuse; February 2025

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In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar talks with researcher Kotomi Yokokura about the critical issue of educator sexual misconduct and the role of electronic communication in these offenses. Yokokura shares her personal motivation and findings from her study, which reveals the alarming prevalence of misconduct, including frequent use of social media and messaging apps for grooming. They discuss the need for clearer policies, better informed consent from parents, and the implications of increased technology use in education post-pandemic. They also highlight the challenges and potential solutions in protecting students both online and offline. 

 Time Stamps:

00:00  Introduction and Episode Overview 

01:33  Meet Kotomi Yokokura: Personal Journey and Research 

02:58  Understanding Educator Sexual Misconduct 

05:07  The Role of Electronic Communication in Misconduct 

05:42  Data and Findings from Disciplinary Records 

08:54  Characteristics of Offending Educators 

14:05  Impact on Students and Parental Awareness 

21:31  Policy Recommendations and Future Research 

34:50  Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Description of Electronic Communication Use; Journal of Child Sexual Abuse; January 2025

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In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Melissa Bright, founder and executive director of the Center for Violence Prevention Research. They discuss the What's OK Helpline, a groundbreaking initiative designed to help youth with problematic sexual behaviors seek intervention and support. Dr. Bright shares insights from her research and experiences with the helpline, highlighting the surprising number of young people proactively seeking help for their behaviors and the importance of early intervention. The episode sheds light on how this service is changing narratives around youth and sexual harm, offering hope and practical solutions for prevention and support. 

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode 

01:28 Meet Dr. Melissa Bright 

01:40 The What's Okay Helpline: Origins and Purpose 

03:19 How the Helpline Operates 

06:22 Advertising and Demographics 

11:22 Youth Concerns and Helpline Impact 

21:32 Challenges and Misconceptions 

25:08 The Role of Social Media 

26:19 Research Insights and Future Directions 

36:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

Resources:

Dr. Melissa Bright is the Executive Director of the Center for Violence Prevention Research.

Groundbreaking research on sexual harm caused by youth will strengthen prevention strategies; Center for Violence Prevention Research; March 19, 2023

What's OK Helpline

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Host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Dr. Sarah Font, co-principal investigators of Lives Cut Short, about the persistent issue of child abuse fatalities and why progress in reducing these deaths has stalled. The episode delves into the emotional impact of child abuse cases, the challenges of accurate data collection, the reluctance to discuss child safety, and the need for systemic changes. They also highlight the importance of transparency and evidence-based interventions, and recommend practical steps that policymakers can take to better protect vulnerable children.

Editor's note: Dr. Font's connection during the interview was inconsistent due to a storm in her area, leading to some glitches in her audio that we worked to troubleshoot. We apologize for the lower quality. Please see transcript for clarity in Dr. Font's answers.

Time and Topic

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:30 Personal Story: The Case That Stuck

02:35 Interview with Dr. Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Dr. Sarah Font

04:14 Challenges in Child Abuse Fatality Data

08:10 State-Level Data and Reporting Issues

25:10 Policy Recommendations and Future Directions

47:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Drs. Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Sarah Font are co-principal investigators of Lives Cut Short, a join project of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the American Enterprise Institute.

Maryland recorded an alarming rise in child deaths from abuse and neglect. No one noticed; Jessica Calefati, The Baltimore Banner; February 3, 2025

One in Ten; Prediction as Prevention, with Dr. Emily Putnam-Hornstein; Season 1, Episode 7, August 5, 2019

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In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar talks with Dr. Rebecca Rebbe, an assistant professor at UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work, to delve into the complex intersection of child abuse and domestic violence. The discussion covers the co-occurrence of these issues, especially affecting very young children, and addresses concerns about overexposure to foster care. They examine the challenges of identifying and managing cases involving domestic violence, neglect, substance abuse, and mental illness. Dr. Rebbe elaborates on her research using data from California's child welfare system to shed light on safety assessments, substantiation rates, and the implications for out-of-home placements. The episode highlights the importance of tailored interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the need for improved data to better understand and address these multifaceted cases. 

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 

00:18 Guest Introduction: Dr. Rebecca Rebbe 

01:45 Research Background and Initial Findings 

04:16 Understanding Domestic Violence Exposure 

05:21 Research Questions and Methodology 

07:11 Failure to Protect: A Controversial Paradigm 

11:52 Prevalence and Impact of Domestic Violence in CPS Cases 

20:34 Co-occurring Issues and Case Complexity 

22:47 Reporting and Substantiation Challenges 

32:45 Policy Implications and Future Research 

38:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of One in Ten, Teresa Huizar speaks with Katie Connell, a forensic interviewing expert and retired FBI unit chief, about the impact of mass violence on children. They discuss the prevalence of mass violence incidents, the importance of trauma-informed care for child witnesses, and the evolving roles of Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) in these tragic events. The conversation explores challenges and strategies in interviewing child witnesses, the need for strong community partnerships, and long-term impacts on affected communities. Insights are also shared on supporting the resilience of first responders and the critical role of CACs in providing ongoing support to traumatized children. 

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode 

00:26 Understanding Mass Violence 

01:07 Impact on Children and Trauma-Informed Care 

01:47 Interview with Katie Connell 

02:18 Defining Mass Violence Incidents 

03:50 Role of CACs in Mass Violence 

06:10 Case Study: Columbine and Its Long-Term Effects 

09:48 Challenges and Considerations for Forensic Interviewers 

12:09 Federal and Local Law Enforcement Collaboration 

21:56 Community Partnerships and Long-Term Support 

27:00 Supporting Responders and Secondary Trauma 

35:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections 

Links:

FBI-NCA MOU (memorandum of understanding) began in 2015 and was updated in 2022; it ensures our law enforcement partners have access to CAC services needed to investigate and prosecute federal child abuse cases

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In this episode of One in Ten, Teresa Huizar interviews Dr. Luciana Assini-Meytin from the MOORE Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. They discuss the effectiveness of policies and procedures implemented by various institutions to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse over the past two decades. The conversation explores boundary-violating behaviors, the role of codes of conduct, and the impact of these measures on child safety. The episode highlights research findings showing a decline in abuse within some organizations, while also identifying areas needing further improvement. Dr. Assini-Meytin shares valuable insights for parents and child abuse professionals on maintaining and observing professional boundaries to protect children. 

Time Stamps: 

00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview 

01:24 - Guest Introduction: Dr. Luciana Assini-Meytin 

01:33 - Research Background and Methodology 

04:10 - Understanding Boundary Violating Behaviors 

11:27 - Key Findings and Implications 

17:20 - Challenges and Future Directions 

33:15 - Practical Advice for Parents and Professionals 

37:50 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

Links:
Luciana C. Assini Meytin, Ph.D., MS is an Associate Scientist at the MOORE Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Assini-Meytin, L. C., McPhail, I., Sun, Y., Mathews, B., Kaufman, K. L., & Letourneau, E. J. (2024). Child Sexual Abuse and Boundary Violating Behaviors in Youth Serving Organizations: Child Maltreatment.

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In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Meg Sullivan, former Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration of Children and Families, about the efforts and policies of the Biden administration in child welfare. The discussion explores challenges like preventing child abuse, the effectiveness of foster care placements, and strategies for addressing family neglect without primarily associating it with poverty. Dr. Sullivan highlights significant achievements, ongoing challenges, and promising practices like the Family First Prevention Act, which emphasizes preventative measures to keep families together. The conversation also touches on innovative programs that provide direct financial assistance to families and youth at risk of homelessness. Additionally, there is a focus on the work being done to address human trafficking, emphasizing the need for continuous investment and collaboration to tackle these critical issues.

Time Stamps:  

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode 

01:21 Meet Dr. Meg Sullivan 

01:25 Dr. Sullivan's Career Journey 

03:38 Challenges in Child Welfare 

05:49 Policy Changes and Their Impact 

06:46 Family First Prevention Act 

08:31 Addressing Neglect and Poverty 

12:52 Promising Practices and Innovations 

22:59 Human Trafficking Prevention 

27:45 Unfinished Business and Future Hopes 

35:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links:

Dr. Meg Sullivan, MD, MPH, is a former Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration of Children and Families

Family First Prevention Services Act

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Work Requirements

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In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar interviews Dr. Jane Silovsky, Director of the Center of Child Abuse and Neglect at the University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center. They discuss the often-overlooked issue of sibling sexual abuse and preschool-aged children, examining risk factors, prevalence, and the challenges in addressing this sensitive topic. Key points include the difference in behaviors between preschoolers and older children, the role of maltreatment, and the impact of exposure to sexual content online. Dr. Silovsky emphasizes hope through effective treatment and offers practical advice for child abuse professionals on handling these cases with empathy and understanding.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Episode 

01:29 Welcoming Dr. Jane Silovsky 

01:59 Research on Preschoolers with Problematic Sexual Behavior 

04:00 Defining Problematic Sexual Behavior in Young Children 

05:50 Understanding Sibling Sexual Abuse 

09:30 Impact of Family Dynamics and Exposure 

11:54 Influence of Online Content and Technology 

14:16 Details of the Study and Key Findings 

21:31 Implications for Child Abuse Professionals 

28:14 Prevention and Policy Recommendations 

35:31 Concluding Thoughts and Acknowledgements 

 Links

Jane Silovsky, Ph.D., is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She serves as the CMRI/Jean Gumerson Endowed Chair, director of the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, and director of the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth.

Nicole Barton, Cierra Henson, Kimberly Lopez, Emma Lambert, Jordan Simmons, Erin Taylor, Jane Silovsky,
Characteristics of preschool-age children who engage in problematic sexual behaviors with siblings,
Child Abuse & Neglect, 2024

“Sexual Behavior in Youth: What’s Normal? What’s Not? And What Can We Do About It?” (Season 3, Episode 15, November 5, 2021)

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In this episode, titled 'What Adult Survivors Tell Us About Grooming,' Teresa Huizar interviews Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a leading researcher on grooming behaviors. They discuss Dr. Jeglic's recent study involving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the prevalence of grooming behaviors. Dr. Jeglic elaborates on the stages of grooming and details specific red flag behaviors that indicate potential grooming. The conversation emphasizes the importance of educating children, parents, and teachers to recognize and prevent grooming. They also touch on policy implications and the need for evidence-based prevention programs. This episode serves as a deep dive into the mechanisms of grooming and offers practical advice for safeguarding children.

Time Stamps:

00:00  Introduction to Grooming Behaviors

01:34  Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic's Journey into Grooming Research

03:10  Defining and Identifying Grooming

05:03  Red Flag Behaviors in Grooming

06:28  Prevalence and Impact of Grooming

10:01  Survivor Stories and Insights

19:20  Prevention Education and Public Policy

27:52  Future Research and Concluding Thoughts

Links:

Elizabeth L. Jeglic, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York

"How Good Are Parents at Recognizing Grooming?" (Season 6, Episode 7, May 30, 2024)

“The Real Red Flags of Grooming” (Season 5, Episode 4, March 24, 2023)

Winters GM, Jeglic EL, Johnson BN, Chou C. The prevalence of sexual grooming behaviors among survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Child Abuse Negl. 2024 Aug

For more information about National Children’s Alliance and the work of Children’s Advocacy Centers, visit our website at NationalChildrensAlliance.org.  And join us on Facebook at One in Ten podcast.

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