Huntsville, AL

This training introduces a model for a multi-session forensic interview of a child who is potentially a victim or witness of child abuse or other violent behaviors. Extended Forensic Evaluation (EFE) is appropriate for children where the results of a single interview are inconclusive or where there are serious concerns about the child’s ability to participate in a single-session interview. Such children might be the very young child, a child with developmental delays or cognitive disabilities, or an extremely traumatized child. Cultural considerations may indicate a need for an EFE, rather than a single-session interview.

This training is designed for mental health clinicians or other professionals (such as a forensic interviewer) with knowledge of child development, the impact of trauma on memory and development, and dynamics of child abuse. The EFE Model is based on empirically-based forensic principles. Topics addressed during the EFE training are forensic questioning of children, developmental and cultural screening, memory and suggestibility, the use of media in forensic questioning, incremental and direct approaches to substantive issues, and consideration of alternative hypotheses in forensic questioning.

Trainees will participate in hands-on activities and role-play. Each participant will receive a manual for implementing the EFE model as well as a notebook of resource material.

The standard training is 3 days, this year we are offering 2 additional Optional Days.

OPTIONAL DAY 1 - Introduction to Forensic Questioning Training (REQUIRED for those with no previous Forensic Questioning Experience)

Optional Day 1 takes place on Monday BEFORE the standard training begins on Tuesday.

This one-day training will introduce the attendee to forensic questioning of children. It is REQUIRED for those wishing to learn the Extended Forensic Evaluation Model who have no previous training and experience with Forensic Interviewing of Children, and is optional for those people who would like a refresher course.

The goal of forensic questioning is to elicit a complete and accurate account of the child’s lived experiences, while minimizing the introduction of specific information or influence from the interviewer. Empirical research and consensus standards in the field concur that information obtained through the use of recall or open-ended prompts is more likely to be accurate and to include greater detail. However, practice experience and research also demonstrate that some children require more direct probes and scaffolding of their responses to be able to organize their accounts into a “story model” format and to be able to talk about embarrassing topics. This one-day training will introduce methods for implementing effective forensic questioning of children.

OPTIONAL DAY 2 - Practice Day for Extended Forensic Evaluation

Optional Day 2 takes place on Friday, AFTER the standard training ends on Thursday.

This Optional Day of additional training and practice of forensic questioning skills will supplement the EFE Training for those trainees who would like more exposure to and practice with forensic questioning of children. This one-day training will include limited instruction and focus on observation of recordings of forensic questioning of children and role-play activities.

The trainee will gain confidence in the use of forensic questioning formats, the use of media in a forensic setting, and strategies for addressing substantive topics in the sessions. The trainee will increase their understanding of the necessary elements in a child’s description of an abusive event, including gathering contextual information and the clarification of the details of any abusive acts.

Registration Fees:

June 7-11, 2010 Training Session
Extended Forensic Evaluation Training (June 8-10)
Early Registration Fee: $699 (Payment must be received by May 6, 2010)
Standard Registraion Fee: $749 (after May 6, 2010)

Optional Day 1 (June 7, 2010)
Registration Fee: $89 (rate does not change based on date of payment)

Optional Day 2 (June 11, 2010)
Registration Fee: $89 (rate does not change based on date of payment)

September 20-24, 2010 Training Session
Extended Forensic Evaluation Training (September 21-23)
Early Registration Fee: $699 (Payment must be received by August 20, 2010)
Standard Registration Fee: $749 (after August 20, 2010)

Optional Day 1 (September 20, 2010)
Registration Fee: $89 (rate does not change based on date of payment)

Optional Day 2 (September 24, 2010)
Registration Fee: $89 (rate does not change based on date of payment)

Participants are responsible for travel and lodging expense. The host hotel will provide transportation to/from the airport and to/from the training. Additionally, the host hotel will provide coupons for breakfast at their full-service resturant and NCAC will provide lunch every day of the training. Please be sure to book your room early and ask for the block of rooms reserved for NCAC. Please click on this link for hotel information:

Hotel Information

Early registration is encouraged because classes fill up quickly.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Training classes are subject to cancellation in the event of insufficient registrations. Therefore, DO NOT make non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive both a “Preliminary Registration” e-mail AND a “Final Confirmation” e-mail from NCAC that the training will take place (approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the training). In the event of cancellation due to insufficient registrations, 100% of the registration fee will be refunded.
For more information, contact Pamelia Wales at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 256-327-3786.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be made available through the Institute for Continuing Education. More about CEUs.

Cancellation Policy: Written cancellations received at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the training session will be refunded less a $100 administrative fee. Registration is transferable. No refunds will be made if cancellation is received within 30 days of the training sessions.

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