Families at Risk: The Role of Parenting and Family Processes in Child Maltreatment and Intervention


Internationally renowned experts in family studies and child maltreatment research, policy, and practice will lead the conference’s lectures and discussions. Visit the Speaker Bios page for more information about the conference speakers, moderators, and discussants.

Four sessions will target the following topics:

  • Maltreatment, Family Processes, Risk and Resilience
  • Intergenerational Transmission of Maltreatment
  • Intervention with Maltreating Families
  • Preventing Child Maltreatment

May 5th Registration - 8:00 a.m.

Welcoming and Opening Remarks - 9:00 a.m. Douglas Teti, Ph.D.Professor of Human Development, Psychology, and PediatricsConference Chairperson

Rodney Erickson, President Pennsylvania State University

Session I: Child Maltreatment and Family Processes - 9:15 a.m.Moderator: Lucy Johnston-Walsh, J.D. – Dickinson School of Law, Pennsylvania State University

Lead speaker: Sherry Hamby, Ph.D. – Sewanee: University of the South

Discussants:Margaret Wright, Ph.D. – Miami University Nancy Kellogg, M.D. – University of Texas Health Science CenterEmily Putnam-Hornstein, Ph.D. – University of Southern California

Buffet Lunch - 12:30 p.m.Nittany Lion Inn Atrium

Session II: Intergenerational Transmission of Child Maltreatment - 1:30 p.m.Moderator: Sandra Azar, Ph.D. – Pennsylvania State University

Lead speaker: Laura Ann McCloskey, Ph.D. – Indiana University

Discussants:Jennie Noll, Ph.D. – Pennsylvania State UniversitySheree Toth, Ph.D. – University of RochesterViola Vaughan-Eden, Ph.D. – American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children

Adjournment - 4:45 p.m.

May 6th

Opening Remarks - 9:00 a.m.

Session III: Intervening with Maltreated Children and Their Families - 9:15 a.m.Moderator: Benjamin Levi, M.D., Ph.D. – Penn State College of Medicine

Lead speaker: Judith Cohen, M.D. – Allegheny General Hospital, Drexel University College of Medicine – Pittsburgh

Discussants:Tony Mannarino, Ph.D. – Allegheny General Hospital, Drexel University College of Medicine – PittsburghMonica Fitzgerald, Ph.D. – University of Colorado School of Medicine Mark Chaffin, Ph.D. – University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Buffet Lunch - 12:30 p.m.Nittany Lion Inn Atrium

Session IV: Preventing Child Maltreatment: Current Efforts, Future Directions - 1:30 p.m.Moderator: Mark Feinberg, Ph.D. – Pennsylvania State University

Lead speaker: John Lutzker, Ph.D. – Georgia State University

Discussants:Deborah Daro, Ph.D. – University of Chicago Charles Wilson, MSSW, – Rady Children's Hospital Sharon Wasco, Ph.D. - Independent Evaluator and Consultant

Adjournment - 4:45 p.m.

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