MDT Training Opportunities

Ralston House utilizes a multidisciplinary team response to child abuse allegations and includes representation from law enforcement, child protective service, district attorneys, medical team, mental health navigator, and victim advocacy support. We offer several free trainings throughout the year. Please sign up for our MDT Communication email below.

2024 Training Schedule

Thursday, May 23 - Trauma, Stress and the Brain: Understanding the Stress Response in Individuals Who Have Witnessed or Experienced Traumatic Events

Individuals who have witnessed or experienced traumatic events (e.g. physical or sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, neglect, etc.) can respond in a wide variety of ways - some responses are predictable while others may feel unexpected. The same event that may leave one person visibly upset or distressed can have seemingly “no effect” on another. Developed for prosecutors, police, therapists, victim advocates, teachers, human services and other agencies working with individuals with a trauma history, this presentation will provide information about the impacts of stress and trauma focusing on:

Why individuals (including ourselves) may demonstrate specific behaviors/reactions
How the brain processes and responds in various situations depending on the setting, persons present and the victim’s experiences
How our interactions can create opportunities for disclosure, safety, healing and connection

Presenter: Halley Gruber, M.A.Ed and Katie Lohmiller, DrPH. Co-Founders and Directors, Educational Access Group

Time: 11am - 1pm

Location: 1st JD District Attorney Office - 500 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401

Click Here To Register

Thursday October 24 - Importance of Medical Exams as part of the investigation

Presenter: Dr. Coral Steffey, MD, FAAP Denver Health Child Protection Team

Time: 11am - 1pm

Location: TBD

Case Review: 1st JD

Case review takes place on the second Wednesday at each month at the Jefferson County District Attorney Office. This training is closed to the public.

SART

The Sex Assualt Task Force meets the third Tuesday of the month in the 17th Judicial District. Locations may vary. This meeting is closed to the public.

Medical Referral Form

Click here to request a medical referral form for your case.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee

Ralston House is seeking members to join the Inclusion Committee. This group meets quarterly to review National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Standards. MDT members have a responsibility to identify possible issues with the child and family they are working with to better understand their unique needs. This information is necessary to effectively respond and to children and families that Ralston House serves. Click here to inquire about joining.

Vicarious Trauma Resources

Secondary traumatic stress is the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the first hand trauma experiences of another. Its symptoms mimic those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Accordingly, individuals affected by secondary stress may find themselves re-experiencing personal trauma or notice an increase in arousal and avoidance reactions related to the indirect trauma exposure.

Click here for more resources.