SOMB Quarterly Minute
April 2022
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Hello and Happy Spring! As many of you know, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The annual campaign aims to increase awareness about the causes and risk factors for sexual assault and empower individuals to take steps to prevent it in their communities. There are many opportunities to participate in this throughout the month – Denim Day, Take Back the Night Rally, Day of Action, etc. The National Sexual Violence Center also has a great list of trainings and volunteer opportunities, and you can find those here - https://www.mobilize.us/nsvrc/. Local agencies often have events or fundraisers you can participate in to support survivors in your community- to find a center near you, visit https://youhavetherightco.org/support-services-2-2/ and check out the agencies in your area. Attending or supporting a SAAM event is a great way to be part of the movement to end sexual violence.
While these are all great ways to get involved and honor those that have experienced sexual violence, Chair Kimberly Kline and Vice-Chair Katie Abeyta would also like to take a moment to honor those on the front lines of this work. And there are many.
Victim representatives, SO Treatment Providers, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Law Enforcement, Victim Witness divisions, Victim Advocates, Victim Therapists, Victim Service Officers, and many, many more.
This work is so important and can, at times, weigh heavy on the shoulders of those standing in the gap. We hope you all remember to take care of yourselves and charge your batteries so that you can continue holding that space for those we serve.
Finally, and most importantly, we want to honor survivors of sexual violence and thank them for allowing us to walk alongside them through this journey. We see you, we hear you, and we support you.
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Casey Ballinger has worked as a Post-Conviction Victim Advocate with The Blue Bench (metro Denver’s only comprehensive sexual assault prevention and support center) for three years providing victim representation and consultation to supervision teams and treatment providers across the state. She is excited about the opportunity to elevate the needs of survivors as a board member and is eager to explore all of the ways Colorado can continue to implement survivor consideration throughout the treatment process for those who have caused harm.
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Tony Carochi has worked at Fremont County DHS since May 2020. He was hired as a Child Welfare Administrator and was appointed Executive Director for the Fremont County DHS in August 2021. Prior to that, he spent 35 years in Corrections. 28 1/2 years with the Colorado Department of Corrections, retiring in 2013 as the Interim Executive Director; 1 year with the State Department/U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico and 5 years with the GEO Group, a private prison company, as a Deputy Director of Operations, Warden and Vice President. He hopes to become better educated by everyone, so he can learn and grow to become a productive and contributing member to a very important board in our state.
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Nicole Feltz started her career with Judicial in 2001 as a probation officer working in Weld County and then transferred to Larimer County in 2005. She started working with sex offenders in 2008 as a Probation Officer and was promoted to the supervisor of the sex offender unit in 2015. She is currently the Deputy Chief Probation Officer and oversee sex offender programming in this role. She lives in Fort Collins with her husband Dennis and their two boys Zane and Zakary. She enjoys spending time watching my boys play sports, family events, and attending pure barre classes. She is very excited about this opportunity to serve as a board member as she is very passionate about the importance of sex offender supervision and treatment to repair harm to victims and the community. She looks forward to building relationships with everyone involved with the SOMB as this is very challenging work as it is important to focus on strong teamwork and listening to all voices involved.
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Hon. Gary M. Kramer, grew up in southeast Denver and attended the University of Colorado for both his undergraduate education and law school. He was appointed as a District Court Judge in the 18th Judicial District in January 2016. He is the only district court judge in Elbert County, and he shares the juvenile, probate, and mental health docket in Douglas County. Judge Kramer and his wife, Dr. Susan Fixman, have three grown children and two grandchildren. When he is not on the bench, Judge Kramer enjoys playing with his grandchildren, travelling, hiking, scuba diving, and bicycling. He has ridden the infamous Triple Bypass (“For those who dare!”) 18 times.
Judge Kramer is enthusiastic to join the Sex Offender Management Board, because he handles many cases involving both adults and juveniles who have been convicted of crimes involving sexual behavior. He knows that the knowledge he gains from this board will make him a better judge. Similarly, he believes he will have practical experience that he can contribute to the board during its deliberations.
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Ivonne Sierra is the new representative from the Colorado Department of Education, where she currently works as the Fingerprint and Background Specialist. In this role, she is responsible for processing any adverse information from fingerprints, criminal histories, subsequent arrest reports, school district notifications, and self-disclosures, as well as researching background information, and handling educator misconduct information to determine if further investigation is required. In addition, she has previous experience as a Police Dispatcher and in Pretrial Services, as well as an educational background in Criminal Justice and Criminology. As a member of the SOMB, Ivonne hopes to accomplish reducing the number of sexual offenses while improving the protection of victims.
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Scott James is a Northern Colorado native, Scott James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and 16-year-old son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the power of the individual, the free market, and the rule of law. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.
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30th Anniversary of the SOMB |
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The Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) is celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2022. In 1992, the Colorado General Assembly passed legislation that created a Sex Offender Treatment Board to develop standards and guidelines for the assessment, evaluation, treatment, and behavioral monitoring of sex offenders. The General Assembly changed the name to the SOMB in 1998 to more accurately reflect the duties assigned to the SOMB. In 2000, The Colorado General Assembly amended and passed legislation (section 16-11.7-103(4)(j)(l), C.R.S.) that required the SOMB to develop and prescribe a standardized set of procedures for the evaluation and identification of juveniles who have committed sexual offenses.
Much has happened with the SOMB over the past 30 years. The SOMB has been celebrating the anniversary with a series of fun facts at SOMB meetings this year. In addition, the SOMB will be celebrating its 30th anniversary at a hosted event during the annual conference on the evening of July 13th during the Annual Domestic Violence Offender Management Board and SOMB Annual Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado. Stay tuned for more details, and we hope you will join us in celebrating the work of the SOMB on behalf of the citizens of Colorado.
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2022 DVOMB & SOMB Annual Conference
"Working Together to Build Hope and Celebrate Resilience."
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July 12th - 15th
Beaver Run Conference and Resort Center
Breckenridge, CO
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The Office of Domestic Violence and Sex Offender Management (ODVSOM) are excited to return to Breckenridge. The conference will return to in-person with the added feature of having each keynote and breakout session recorded for easy access after the conference. Those who register will be able to access these recordings as part of the conference package. So, if you are unable to attend the entire conference or able to attend for only a portion of it, you will have access to the recorded sessions for 90 days.
We hope you will consider registering for our annual conference to hear more about the latest research, learn about innovative approaches to treatment or supervision and obtain new skills.
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Here you will find all of the information you need ahead of the conference. You will find the agenda, speakers, cost, scholarship information, sessions, and frequently asked questions. |
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Reference "2022 Domestic Violence and Sex Offender Management Conference" for the discounted rate. |
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Award Nominations
Denise Fransua Domestic Violence Offender Management Leadership Award
This award will honor a person who exhibits the attributes of effective leadership in domestic violence offender management. This person should exhibit charisma, demonstrate exceptional compassion, and dedication, and be influential and driven to make a difference in either reducing the occurrence of domestic violence or making a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence. His/her/their efforts should have resulted in positive change and significant contributions to their community or the state in domestic violence offender management. This award is appropriate for treatment providers, supervision officers, victim advocates, law enforcement, caseworkers, and other professionals responsible for domestic violence offender management.
Gary Burgin Sex Offender Management or Treatment Leadership Award
This award will honor a person who exhibits the attributes of effective leadership in sex offender management or treatment. This person should have respect among peers, and a high level of integrity. This person should promote collaboration, and his/her/their efforts should have resulted in positive change and significant contributions to their community or the state in sex offender management or treatment. This award is appropriate for treatment providers, supervision officers, caseworkers, researchers, and other professionals responsible for sex offender management/treatment.
Senator Norma Anderson Excellence in Victim Advocacy Award
This award will honor a person who exhibits excellence, innovation, or creativity in victim representation. This person should demonstrate exceptional compassion, dedication, and commitment to victims. This award is appropriate for victim advocates and representatives, victim therapists, law enforcement, and other professionals who work with or for victims.
Deadline: May 27, 2022
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Please join us for our monthly SOMB meeting In-Person or Virtually.
When: May 20, 2022
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Where: Denver Police Protective Association Event Center
2105 Decatur St., Denver, Colorado 80211
Agenda & Registration Coming Soon!
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Practice Corner
Use of Interns:
The SOMB has always recognized the importance of the use of Interns within offense-specific treatment. The SOMB would like to continue to encourage providers to share their experience, expertise, and knowledge with new providers interested in the field. The development and recruitment of new therapists are essential in maintaining our commitment to community and victim safety. Recently, changes within the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) licensing and SOMB Standards have raised questions regarding the use of interns within offense-specific treatment.
Previously, the SOMB’s policy was to have interns listed under the “Intent to Apply” status. When the ‘Intent to Apply’ status was removed, interns could still be approved at the “Associate Level” as long as they could be licensed with DORA. However, following DORA’s changes from “Registered Psychotherapist” to “Unlicensed Psychotherapist,” this has not been possible. The “Unlicensed Psychotherapist” listing is only available to those who were previously listed as a “Registered Psychotherapist.” Those individuals have been grandfathered in and can continue with this listing. Individuals applying for a new license with DORA are unable to apply as an “Unlicensed Psychotherapist,” and will not be able to be listed as an Associate Level Provider. Providers who have questions regarding licensing should contact DORA directly.
In order to provide clarification, the Staff of the SOMB, in collaboration with the Executive Committee and Application Review Committee, are in the process of creating guidance for providers regarding the use of interns. This guidance will be consistent with DORA’s policy which exempts interns from the requirement to be licensed. Pursuant to section 12-245-217(2)(g), C.R.S. “Students enrolled in a school program and practicing as part of the school practicum or clinical program are exempt from licensure requirements.”
In accordance with this policy, the SOMB will also exempt interns from being approved and listed with the SOMB as long as they are providing services through a formal school practicum or internship program. Interns will be required to have an approved SOMB clinical supervisor, and the supervisor will be responsible for all sex offense-specific services provided by the intern. If a complaint is filed alleging violations of SOMB Standards, the Clinical Supervisor will be held liable and responsible for the actions of the intern.
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Research Corner
Sex Offense Specific Treatment with Clients of Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds
Dr. Collie shared how research supports the general effectiveness of offense-specific treatment approaches across ethnically and racially diverse groups but highlighted that culturally-adapted approaches appear potentially more effective. As well as better meeting the treatment responsivity principle, culturally-adapted or sensitive approaches may facilitate better therapeutic alliance and group cohesion, development of protective factors, and culturally influenced pathways to desistance including via the use of Indigenous healers. Dr. Collie highlighted that recent research has found ethnic-racial differences in sexual offending characteristics that have implications for treatments.
Mr. Powers shared about his own clinical practice with Native American clients from southern Colorado tribal groups. He highlighted processes he has developed to increase his own cultural knowledge and to respect the diversity present within the Native American community. Mr. Powers shared insights from interviews he conducted with his Native American clients about their experience of offense-specific treatment. A common theme that emerged was gratitude for having their culture inquired about, acknowledged, and respected in a nonjudgmental way. Another was mistrust of non-Native American providers and feeling culturally isolated within groups, at least during the earlier phases of treatment. A third major theme was how cultural perspectives on sexual offending emphasize the role of spirituality in offending and rehabilitation in contrast to mainstream psychological perspectives.
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Evaluating Individuals Charged with Child Pornography Possession
Presentation attendees will be supplied with information covering a brief historical overview of child pornography possession, rates of offending, technology that underlies the sharing of such material, and emerging practices in the assessment of Child Pornography Possession (CPP). The Presenter will review the developing theories concerning CPP, including whether child pornography possession is a variation of traditional sexual offending or represents a different manifestation of risky sexual behavior. Additionally, CPP similarities and differences compared to “traditional” contact offenders will be reviewed so stakeholders can make informed decisions with respect to risk, needs, and responsivity principles. During the presentation, attendees will be introduced to the limitations of traditional risk assessments when applied to this population as well as emerging instruments that are undergoing empirical validation. Recommended best practice will include existing ethical guidelines, such as the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, base rates of CPP, the extent child pornography possession can predict pedophilia, and recidivism rates for release failure, general recidivism, sexual recidivism, and child pornography recidivism. The presentation will pull from relevant social science research, law enforcement practices, and technology publications. Lastly, the presenter will briefly review the relationship between child pornography possession and previously undetected sexual offending.
3 Objectives:
- Identify how one-way CPP differs from traditional contact offenders.
- Identify the challenges of applying sex-recidivism instruments in CPP cases.
- Recognize base rates of reoffending for CPP.
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INTENDED AUDIENCE: SOMB approved treatment providers, evaluations, polygraph examiners, and members of the CST/MDT teams.
WHEN: May 18, 2022
TIME: 8:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: Lakewood Police Department: 445 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226
CEU: 4 Hours
COST: $10.00
Trainer: Alex James Rodrigues, PsyD
Trainer Bio:
Alex James Rodrigues, PsyD
Dr. Rodrigues is a forensic psychologist and operates a private consultation practice where he completes a variety of forensic evaluations, including sex offense risk, competency to stand trial, insanity, and juvenile transfer assessments. Dr. Rodrigues has qualified as an expert and testified in various jurisdictions. The Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (CSOMB) has listed Dr. Rodrigues as an approved provider/evaluator for both juvenile and adult populations. Additionally, he is a volunteer participant for CSOMB’s best practice committee, reviewing emerging practices for adoption and implementation. He previously served as a psychologist on a pre-trial unit at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C. as well as a member of the hospital’s forensic consultation service, completing both competency to stand trial and risk assessments. Recently, Dr. Rodrigues opened a satellite office in Colorado to complement his practice in the D.C. metropolitan area. Aside from court-related evaluations, Dr. Rodrigues provides consultation to law enforcement, government agencies, and corporations on mental health/violence-related issues in the workspace.
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Lunch & Learn Trainings are for SOMB Approved Providers ONLY |
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Lunch & Learn: Using Polygraph in a Risk-Informed Way and to Inform Risk
The use of polygraph in the treatment of adults convicted of a sexual offense continues to be a point of discussion with key stakeholders including the Colorado State Legislature. The Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) has continuously revised Section 6.00 of the Adult Standards and Guidelines to account for the changes in the use of the polygraph based on research, Court cases, and stakeholder feedback. The polygraph should be used as a tool to inform risk and be implemented in a risk-informed way. This lunch and learn session will provide a forum for approved providers to discuss the Standards and Guidelines related to the use of polygraph, and the challenges being experienced.
Moderator: Chris Lobanov-Rostovsky
Presenters:
- Dr. Gary Reser - SOMB Approved Evaluator & Treatment Provider,
- Glenn Knipscheer - SOMB Approved Polygraph Examiner & SOMB Board Member,
- Jeff Jenks - SOMB Approved Polygraph Examiner
WHEN: May 12, 2022
TIME: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
WHERE: Virtual
CEU: 1.5 Hours
COST: $0.00
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This workshop will review revisions to both the Adult and Juvenile SOMB Standards, as well as policy changes that have occurred over the past year. Presenters will cover Sections 2, 3, 5, and victim clarification just to name a few. This training is for providers only. Participants should be familiar with the SOMB Standards and are required to attend the entire session.
WHEN: June 16, 2022
TIME: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
WHERE: Virtual
CEU: 1.5 Hours
COST: $0.00
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Committee Update
Best Practices Committee/Sex Offense History Sub-Committee:
Per a future agenda request from SOMB member Taber Powers, the Best Practices Committee reviewed the evaluation of adults whose current offense is a non-sex crime but has a history of a past sex crime conviction or adjudication. The current Adult Standards and Guidelines include Appendix E: Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Sex Offenders with a Current Non-Sex Crime (also referred to as the Matrix).
New research by Dr. Karl Hanson and colleagues provided a way to assess the risk for future sexual offending on the part of these clients. As a result, the Best Practices Committee formed the Sex Offense History Sub-Committee to review the current research and make recommendations for any needed modifications to the Appendix. Click here to review the research presented to the Sub-Committee.
The Sub-Committee convened on January 6, 2022, and has met three times. Dr. Rachael Collie, SOMB Staff Researcher, completed a review of the research that was presented to the Committee on February 3, 2022. Based on the research review, the Sub-Committee is currently making changes to the way in which these clients are evaluated. The results of these recommendations should be presented to the Best Practices Committee in May-June 2022, and the SOMB in August 2022.
Stay tuned for more information.
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Policy Update
Telehealth:
On March 18, 2022, the Board ratified Section 3 and added a new appendix to both the Adult and Juvenile Standards, adding the use of teletherapy as a treatment modality. Revisions were made to Section 3.140, I of the Juvenile Standards, Appendix P, and Section 3.160, B of the Adult Standards, Appendix U. The Adult and Juvenile Standards have been updated to the SOMB website, found HERE (Add the link to the Standards section)
Common FAQ’s
- When does this come into effect?
- This has been ratified by the Board with a four-month implementation period. Providers should begin to transition and be completed by July 31, 2022.
- Is my variance still in effect?
- Yes, a variance is still in effect with the expectation for providers to transition to the new Standard and Appendix. The Variance will terminate on July 31, 2022.
- Is the SOMB following the guidelines from DORA?
- Yes, the SOMB has followed the guidance from DORA and incorporated it into the Standard and Appendix.
- Should providers still follow the recommendations from the CDC, CDPHE, and local health dept?
- Yes, providers should still follow the COVID recommendations from their local health dept. They must ensure teletherapy meets the individual needs of the clients. Should clients agree to the continued use of teletherapy, providers must follow the Standard and criteria within the Standards.
Stay tuned for additional FAQ’s and continued implementation information.
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