Georgia ATSA Annual Conference

Description

Georgia ATSA is excited to host our 2026 Annual Conference, Friday, June 12, 2026 8:30-4:00PM EST 

Addressing bias: Towards more objective, accurate assessments of sexual offenders Professional guidelines encourage clinicians assessing sexual offenders to strive for objectivity and minimize bias, particularly biases associated with an adversarial legal system. Likewise, the justice system often assumes that clinicians are interchangeable, and can all reach the same, correct conclusion about an offender’s diagnosis and risk. But emerging research reveals substantial differences among clinicians in the conclusions they reach about the same examinees, and reveals that the adversarial pressure of the justice system may influence clinician conclusions – even on ostensibly objective tasks such as scoring risk assessment measures. This workshop will consider common biases and ways they may compromise accurate, objective assessment. We will consider empirical data from studies of sex offender assessment, and practical examples of bias. Ultimately, we will consider strategies for minimizing bias at several levels: individual opinion formation, case management and practice procedures, and broader system interventions. 

Challenges in Courtroom Testimony In this session, we will review characteristics of effective testimony. We will address the distinctions between fact and expert witnesses and how to communicate the parameters of our testimony with the appropriate parties during preliminary consultations. We will review best practices in testimony, the pertinent ethical standards, and common pitfalls. Using case examples, we will explore the typical strategies utilized to undermine experts during cross examination and how to respond effectively. This session aims to enhance courtroom expertise and provides an opportunity to discuss and practice difficult lines of questioning. 

Understanding Paraphilias