BERNALILLO, NM — The 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office will host the second annual Southwest Crimes Against Children Conference from October 15 to 17, 2024, at the Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel. Due to the overwhelming response to last year's event, the conference has been expanded from two to three days.
This free, statewide event aims to improve collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, child and victim advocates, social workers, and the judiciary. Participants will share best practices, explore new investigative techniques, and receive training on prosecutorial approaches to better address cases of child abuse and neglect in New Mexico.
The conference will cover a variety of topics, including evidence corroboration, suspect interviews, case studies, managing trauma exposure, and enhancing cooperation with the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD). Organizers hope that this multidisciplinary approach will improve outcomes for victims while reducing the trauma experienced by children during legal proceedings.
The keynote speaker, Eliza Sultan, author of Children on the Frontlines of Justice: Report Sexual Abuse and Survive the Criminal Trial, will discuss the impact on children who testify in court against family members. Sultan will share insights based on her personal experience navigating the criminal justice system with her own children.
The event will also feature a panel discussion with three Native American judges: Catherine Begaye (Navajo Nation), Abby Abinanti (Yurok), and Janette Mondragón (Chickasaw). The judges will offer their perspectives on the challenges and benefits of incorporating restorative justice practices to reduce the trauma of court proceedings for Native children and families.
Registration for the conference opens on August 19, and a block of hotel rooms will be available at a special rate of $121 per night at the Santa Ana Star Casino and Hotel. The conference is open to professionals who work with child victims, particularly those involved in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.
For more information and registration details, visit the 13th Judicial District Attorney's website at www.13th.nmdas.com.