OPCQ x CICC Training

This conference is co-organized by the Centre International de Criminologie Comparée (CICC) and the Ordre Professionnel des Criminologues du Québec (OPCQ) and features three presentations.

This paid activity will be recognized by the OPCQ as continuing education for its criminologist members.

Tuesday, May 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online via Zoom only.

Registration coming soon.

---

How to Conduct a Specialized Assessment in Sexual Offending According to Best Practices

Mathieu Couture, Ph.D., Psychologist and Head of Practice Development at RIMAS

Presentation Summary:
This workshop will present the theoretical, practical, ethical, and legal foundations underlying specialized assessments in sexual offending. It will cover best practices in assessment, from initial conceptualization and mandate reception to courtroom testimony as an expert witness. It will highlight the qualities of a strong assessment report and identify common pitfalls to avoid. The workshop will also address potential biases that may influence evaluators’ practices, as well as the essential prerequisites for developing recognized expertise and credibility in the field. It will provide a comprehensive “A-to-Z” overview of specialized assessment in sexual offending.

Detailed Content and Objectives:
The primary objective is to develop a thorough understanding of the foundations of specialized assessment in sexual offending, from theoretical, practical, ethical, and legal perspectives. Where does this type of assessment come from? Why is it important? How should it be conducted from start to finish?

Secondary objectives include highlighting current best practices based on recent scientific literature, as well as the professional attitude and mindset required when conducting such assessments. The workshop also aims to propose an optimal procedural and technical approach. It will inform participants about common pitfalls, best practices to adopt, and additional training needed to become a recognized expert.

Please note that this workshop alone will not qualify participants to conduct specialized assessments if they have no prior experience. However, it will clearly outline the path to achieving such competency.

---

Beyond Behavior: Understanding and Assessing the Needs of Children with Problematic Sexual Behaviors

Isabelle V. Daignault, Ph.D., Professor, School of Criminology

A clinical psychologist by training, Isabelle V. Daignault is a professor at the School of Criminology at the Université de Montréal and co-holder of the Marie-Vincent Interuniversity Research Chair on Sexual Violence Against Children. She is also a researcher affiliated with several groups, including the CICC, the Canadian Consortium on Child and Youth Trauma, and the Sexual Violence and Health Research Team (EVISA).

Presentation Summary:
This presentation proposes a clinical framework to better understand problematic sexual behaviors in children, explore their developmental and contextual determinants, and guide needs assessment and initial intervention strategies.

---

Sexual Offending Among Adolescents

Julie Carpentier

Associate Professor in the Department of Psychoeducation at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and clinical criminologist at the Philippe-Pinel Institute of Legal Psychiatry, Julie Carpentier focuses on youth intervention, sexual offending, criminal careers, trajectories, and recidivism. She is also a regular researcher with the Groupe de recherche sur les agresseurs sexuels (GRAS).

Summary coming soon.