4:00-4:30
Richard S. Sinacola
Title: Psychology, Religion and Spirituality: How It Shapes Mental Health in the Age of COVID-19

While most of the patients we work with claim to be persons of faith or at least people who claim to have some belief in a higher power, most psychologists and therapists dismiss religion and spirituality as an ignorant attempt to cope with existential fears. However, research continues to conclude that those who claim to have a “deep intrinsic faith” are happier, less stressed, and live longer than those with no faith or spirituality at all. This workshop will give an historical account of faith and how it has helped many cope in the face of crisis and pandemic.

ABSTRACT:
Aquil Basheer and Debra Warner

Title: Proactive Community Mobilization

This presentation will focus on the current community climate. It will address the ideas and emotions connected to community medical uncertainty. It will address community racial unrest. Information about the conference to follow on 08/03 and 08/04 to be given.Type your paragraph here.

AUGUST 4- DAY TWO

5:00-5:30
Thomas Gagliano
Title: “Talking to your Kids about the Tough Stuff”

It’s impossible to shelter our children from the constant influx of information from social media. How do we talk to our kids about drugs, sex, politics, prejudice and divorce? Seven key areas in parenting will be discussed and the audience will be given poll questions rating themselves in each area.

5:30-6:00
Moderator: Debra Warner
Panel: Lawrence Carey, Robert Carey, Jessica Torres, Allie Roddy, Cristina Cortez, Julia Lockleer
Title: Beaver, Foxes and Grizzly Bears…Oh and Don’t Forget the Cheetahs, Sloths and Fish Too: A Book about Animal, People and Behavior in the Workplace

This book describes organizational leadership from the perspective of a 9-year-old child. It uses animals to articulate his concepts and a newly developed theory of organizational leadership. Support is given by many different professionals within the psychological community.

9:30-10:30
Andrew Pari
Title: “Does This Mean I Liked It?: Victim Arousal in Sexualized Violence”

Arousal during sexual assault is possibly the most devastating aspect for the survivor. It is rarely discussed in the literature and often not addressed clinically at all. It leads to lower levels of reporting than already exist for rape survivors due to prevailing myths of what it means to orgasm in an assault.
Survivors experiencing arousal/orgasm during sexual abuse/assault raises many treatment implications. Symptom sequelae involving dissociation, guilt, shame, cultural views of this phenomenon, partner rejection, and self-injury increase as barriers to healing.
The presenter will address the myths and prejudice towards these victims, discuss the neuro-biology that drives arousal during sexual violence, and provide psychotherapists & advocates with tools to address the trauma of arousal. New data demonstrating arousal in sexual violence and the trauma it causes will be reviewed.
Survivors are confronted with many false beliefs about sexualized violence, both socially and psychologically. Arousal is the deepest shame many survivors experience. Clinical and forensic understanding of arousal as a physiological mechanism versus an element of desire will better prepare the professional to support their client through this experience.

5:30-6:00
Nita Watson
Title: “Self-Care Lab Presents: Using Exercise to Address Past Trauma”

Exercise is not only good for physical health, but for mental health as well. It helps improve depression, build self-esteem, allows for social interactions, increases control of impulsive behaviors, and reduces stress and anxiety. This interactive workshop will teach the fundamentals of exercise and show the impact it can have on the body and mind. You will not want to miss this!

6:00-7:00
Moderators: Debra Warner and Aquil Basheer
Closing Speakers: Robert Hernandez and Dulce Acosta

The closing ceremony will discuss the nature of the 6th annual SCRIPT conference and this year’s theme of Community Collaboration. The 2020 Hope Awards will be given, followed by the closing address and remarks.

7:00-8:00
Happy Hour

We will miss our party at ‘The Revolving Lounge’ but this is sure to be a blast!
Grab your favorite beverage and join us for a virtual Happy hour.

To see all speakers biographies, please head to the SPEAKERS TAB

12:30-1:00
Valene Gresham
Title: “How Did a Global Pandemic Change the Role of Mental Health Services Internationally?”

As COVID-19 quickly spread across the globe, there has been a vast shift to telehealth services, as well as a drastic increase in the types of treatment being provided. Couples counseling, grief counseling, trauma work, and existential crises are all on the rise as mental health providers continue with patient care while managing their own emotional responses to the pandemic. Additionally, news coverage and social media continue to shine a light on the flaws of the coronavirus response from that country’s unique perspective, which influences the patient’s reactions. This clinical presentation addresses how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the mental health of communities locally as well as internationally, and how media influence plays a major role in the exacerbation of symptoms, particularly anxiety.

1:00-1:30
Diana Barnes-Fox & Kristin Rose White
Title: “Human Trafficking”

According to CDC, there is a serious public health problem that negatively affects the well-being of individuals, families, and communities: Human trafficking! Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery. It has been estimated that between 12 to 27 million people are held in slavery around the world today, including men, women, and children. Documented to undocumented, foreign nationals and citizens, this problem affects people all around the world. You may think slavery is only in history books but it's happening today, even in your neighborhood.

Do you know what human trafficking is? Do you know the signs? Could you tell if someone is being trafficked or what to look for? Do you know the differences in the type of traffickers or their tactics? Health and mental health providers will leave with a better understanding of all these question on human trafficking and insight from two survivors.

They will share their stories and very different experiences. What sets human smuggling apart from human trafficking is that the defining element of human smuggling is transportation while the defining element for human trafficking is exploitation. In fact, the human trafficking victim would not need to travel anywhere to be trafficked. And people who are smuggled are not necessarily exploited and acting out of their own free will.

There are a number of red flags, or indicators, which can help you identify human trafficking. Recognizing the signs is the first step in identifying victims. Each red flag focuses on the traffickers' methods of control and can be broken down into categories: personal documents, wages, safety, freedom, and working and living conditions. Think of these categories as pieces of a puzzle. Any method in any category can give a trafficker control.

10:30-12:00
Jim Struve, Sam Katz, Jordan Masciangelo, & Drew Walker

Title: “Empowering the Voices of Male Survivors Through Film and Video”

Historically - and still currently - male survivors remain a largely invisible and underserved population, resulting in chronic isolation and toxic feelings of loneliness. Research data about the prevalence of male sexual victimization fails to permeate the cultural gender bias that sexual victimization is a female issue. This workshop will explore the context of invisibility and effective ways to employ personal narrative as a dynamic tool to promote visibility. A number of survivor-driven videos produced by MenHealing will be included in this presentation.

4:30-5:00
Susan Omilian & Diana Barnes-Fox
Title: “Embracing Hope, Healing, and Empowerment: Helping Victims of Multiple Traumas Reclaim Their Lives from Survivor to Thriver”

From hopelessness and despair, victims can take action to reconnect with a part of themselves untouched by all they have experienced—domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, trauma, hurt and pain. Hear inspiring stories about survivors who have embraced hope, healing and been empowered to reclaim their lives beyond surviving their experiences. Learn innovative, life-changing techniques from Susan Omilian, a survivor of a domestic violence homicide attempt herself, has successfully used to help survivors become thrivers, healthy, happy people with brilliant, productive futures. Hear about the model she’s building to bring together fragmented systems to simplify this healing journey.

1:30-2:00

Thomas Gagliano
Title: “Addiction: The Intimacy Substitute”

The speaker will describe why egocentricity and fragmentation are the underlying causes of addiction and why addicts push away help when it is offered. He will explain that fellowship is the key to recovery. The speaker will educate the co-addict in learning the difference between loving the addict and enabling them.

3:00-4:00
Deputy Raymond Bercini, Alfred Lomas and Andrea Jones
Title: “Multi-agency Collaboration to Protect and Serve Child Victims of Sex Trafficking”

LASD Detective Raymond Bercini will provide an introduction and overview of the Los Angeles County Regional Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force involves a collaboration amongst multiple agencies that provide services throughout Los Angeles County via 37 government agencies and 30 victim services agencies. He will discuss how the victim-centered approach, which includes safety, security, and stability, is a priority in the process of an investigation.
Alfred Loma and Andrea Jones will discuss the services provided by Inner City Visions, which is a program located in Los Angeles. Inner City Visions works directly with commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC).

10:00-11:00
Moderator: Debra Warner, Psy.D
Panel: Jim McDonnell, Ann Marie Johnson, Bill Murray, Aquil Basheer, Lore Santiago, Marcos Briano & Rachyll Dempsey
Title: Covid-19 and Community Perspectives

This panel will focus on today’s climate in Covid-19 and tensions in the world. Panelists will share their perspectives according to their experience and expertise. Questions and answers will also guide discussion. Q & A to follow with audience participation from 11:00 to 11:30am.
#1) How has the pandemic affected you personally and professionally?
#2) What changes do you see to your industry both positive and negative?
#3) Is there anything that is currently being done that can be used to assist with appropriate change?
#4) What would you say should be the focus of community collaboration to assist with change?

2:30-3:00
Aquil Basheer
Title: Social Justice Community Collaborative (Solutions for the Peoples Pain)

This breakout session will show the cross connections of solutions as they tie to community pain. Common denominators will be established along with paralleling tracks to validate differing perspectives. Lastly, solutions will be provided to help bring balance back to individuals, organizations and communities.

1:00-1:30
Thomas Gagliano
Title: “Addiction: The Intimacy Substitute”

The speaker will describe why egocentricity and fragmentation are the underlying causes of addiction and why addicts push help when it is offered. He will explain that fellowship is the key to recovery. The speaker will educate the co-addict in learning the difference between loving the addict and enabling them.

2:00-3:30
Lee Sunday Evans
Title: “The Flores Exhibits”

A series of videos in which artists, lawyers, advocates, and immigrants read the sworn testimonies of children held in detention facilities at the U.S./Mexico border in June 2019. Panel discussion will explore the long-term impact of border policies on children and young families under 18.

12:30-1:00
Valene Gresham
Title: “Correctional Psychology: An Overview of Community Impact”

Correctional psychology is a unique domain in the field of forensics that requires a specialized subset of skills to successfully provide effective mental health treatment. In addition to understanding the judiciary system, psychopathology and psychological theory, understanding the unique importance of public safety and the impact on the community is critical for effective treatment. From a managerial perspective, the long-term goal of effective treatment is based on offender management, skill building, and recovery while reducing harm and increasing public safety. This clinical presentation seeks to outline the important distinctions and clinical implications of effective psychological treatment in a correctional setting.

11:00-12:00
Moderator: Gregory Canillas
Panel: Heather Calhoon, Karly Dickinson, Melissa Duncan, Ebone Smith, & Maria Sierra
Title: Family of Origin: Risk and Protective Factors in Romantic Relationship

The panel presentation will explore the risks and protective factors in romantic relationships. Panelists will highlight the factors that increase the likelihood of relationship discord and the factors that contribute to relationship harmony. Special attention will be paid to issues of diversity such as race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and the impact of familial history of mental health issues in the prevention and treatment of romantic relationship issues.

3:30-4:00
Karen Rich, Megan Garza, & Diana Barnes-Fox
Title: “Bring Trauma-Informed into Your Community, Your Practice, Your Life”

What’s the buzz behind the buzz word trauma-informed care? Review the key principles, methods of trauma-informed care and what improved outcomes can be achieved with such an approach. Examine more fully how vulnerable populations are impacted by trauma and the need for awareness of the impact of intergenerational transmission of trauma. Explore how trauma-informed care is being implemented in a diversity of settings including using a trauma-informed approach in police investigations of sexual assault crimes and working with abuse victims to support and build resiliency. Consider how your workspace and environment can be more trauma-informed for staff and clients alike. Audience participation will be encouraged to discuss the barriers for bringing trauma-informed care to one’s community and share ideas for possible solutions including the approach by the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence (NPEIV) in its national plan and policy statement.

AUGUST 2-PRE CONFERENCE

7:00-8:00
Happy Hour

We will miss our party at ‘The Revolving Lounge’ but this is sure to be a blast! So, grab your favorite beverage and join us for a virtual Happy Hour

12:00-12:30
Sonny, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Los Angeles County Chapter President
Title: “Introduction to Services: The Keepers of the Children”

Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.

Please reach out with any questions or comments!

SCRIPT

Summit on Community Resilience, Intervention, Prevention, and Training

1:30-2:30
Moderator: Clive D. Kennedy
Raven Savoy-Juan Ferrer Rossetti, Andrea Elam, Kenneth Adonis Brown, Dana Langston, Urennaya Okoro
South Central Training Consortium
Title: “Making Lemonade When Auntie ‘Rona Came to Town: Collaborative Children’s Services in Crisis”

This program provides an opportunity to highlight the many contributions from several South Central Training Consortium (SCTC) students during this unprecedented National Crisis. While the Covid-19 Virus presented many unique challenges, which have not been previously considered, the resulting scenarios provide opportunities to demonstrate creativity and persistence in engaging the children and community in exceptional ways.

STOP THE STIGMA

12:00-12:30
Karyna Gonzalez & Sarah Cruz
Title: “1-866-BE-A-HERO: Helping K-12 Students and their Families to #RiseUpAgainstBullying”

Bullying represents a public health issue impacting children’s dignity, worth, life expectancy, and their civil and human rights. Authentic care, humility, and collaborations are needed to solve this problem. Yet despite California laws and school district policies created for promoting safe and supportive environments for children to learn, the next generation of adults continues to report to be oppressed and traumatized in multiple ways and often further stigmatized by those who are supposed to serve, protect, and educate them. For nearly three years, the Bullying and School Violence Advocacy Program (BSVAP) has been directly listening, engaging, and helping elementary, middle, and high school students who are being bullied in their schools in Southern California. This presentation provides a working definition of the issue, key terms, viral and unheard stories, diverse frameworks, audit findings, cultural and political implications, and free resources. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to elevate knowledge, needs, and advocacy to #RiseUpAgainstBullying in the current school-family-community-government climate facing low-income youth, families, and the BSVAP counselors.

AUGUST 3- DAY ONE

4:00-5:00
Michael Levittan
Title: “Male Conditioning in Our Society”

Women have gained rights through movements which brought necessary societal changes. Men have been relegated to the reactive position of figuring out an adaptive role to deal with louder, insistent voices of women. The workshop focuses on the comparison of the traditional man with the 21st century man. Ultimately, discussions are generated regarding how men can feel “strong,” yet sensitive to the needs of women.

6:30-7:00
Nita Watson
Title: “Self-Care Lab Presents: Using Exercise to Address Past Trauma”

Exercise is not only good for physical health, but for mental health as well. It helps improve depression, build self-esteem, allows for social interactions, increases control of impulsive behaviors, and reduces stress and anxiety. This interactive workshop will teach the fundamentals of exercise and show the impact it can have on the body and mind. You will not want to miss this!

9:00-9:30
Felicia Reed
Title: “Ways We Can Help Survivors to Open Up”

In this session, we will discuss ways we can support survivors of abuse in their healing journey. We will discover methods to help them open up and share about their experiences. We will walk away with tools and resources to stimulate dialog.

6:00-6:30
Carol Sligh
Title: Overcoming Obstacles and Living Your Dreams

Having a "community" is a hidden component to those who are successful in attaining their goals and those capable to endure. It can be as small as a circle of family and friends or as large as an entire city, group or local organization.
No man is an island, and no one ever was created to be or do it alone. The greater the obstacles the more vital is your community. This workshop addresses the importance of having a community, identifying how to develop and fortify your personal community.

9:00-10:00
Moderators: Debra Warner and Aquil Basheer
Opening Speaker: Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Retired
Keynote: Anne-Marie Johnson

The opening ceremony will discuss the nature of the 6th annual SCRIPT conference and this year’s theme of “Community Collaboration.” The conference opener will have speakers from the community and application of the conference to the life roles we interact in.

ABSTRACT:Aquil Basheer and Debra Warner