ACSOL’s annual conference was held on October 2 and October 3 in Los Angeles. During the conference, speakers discussed challenges that face registrants and their families as well as proposed solutions to those challenges.
“The focus of this year’s conference was how to succeed while on the registry, including while on parole or probation,” stated ACSOL Executive Director. “The conference also provided information regarding how to successfully petition for removal from the California registry.”
Speakers included all four ACSOL presidents: current president Elie Miller and former presidents Catherine Carpenter, Janice Bellucci and Chance Oberstein. Each president spoke on a different topic.
Highlights of the conference included presentations by newly elected ACSOL board members Ben Adams and Sean Wood. Ben discussed his successful efforts to persuade district attorneys not to file charges after allegations of sexual abuse. Sean shared the results of his recent survey of registrants and suggested that new actions are required to meet all the needs of those required to register.
“The most exciting presentation was made by ACSOL board member Danell Puglisi-Knutson regarding women on the registry,” stated Bellucci. “Danell presented the stories of many women registrants and the unique challenges they face.”
Additional presentations were made by Catherine Carpenter regarding the need to create “sticky messages” that could persuade the public, legislators and policy makers to improve existing or remove harmful laws and Janice Bellucci who reminded registrants that they are protected by the U.S. Constitution.
Many people who attended the conference thanked ACSOL for conducting an in-person conference this year and expressed a desire that next year’s conference be held in person as well.
Current and past presidents:
