Advanced Forensic Interviewing Training:

Facilitating Children's Disclosures: Active Disclosers & Reluctant Disclosers

Huntsville, AL

Cost: $899

This training is specifically designed for experienced professionals who have responsibility for initial forensic interviews of children. It is recommended that the interviewer have at least two years of interviewing experience and have attended a recognized basic training in Investigative/Forensic Interviewing (i.e. National CAC Training, APSAC, APRI, CornerHouse, etc.). Participants are asked to bring one copy of a videotaped forensic interview, which he/she conducted, for peer review.

Course Description

All participants should be working at an advanced level, have a specific interview structure which they typically follow, and possess an understanding of basic questioning techniques. The training will focus on specialized techniques and issues, which may be included within any basic interviewing structure.

Conducting effective forensic interviews of children is a complex task, requiring in-depth knowledge of children's cognition and language, as well as a specialized skill set. This skill set includes a working understanding of the types of questions used in forensic interviews and the kinds of information one can expect to elicit in response to each question type. The interviewer should have adopted a flexible interview protocol, which will guide the conversation with the child, and meets the criteria of best practice in the field while adhering to local requirements. Once these basic skills and knowledge have been acquired, the journey to becoming a sensitive, strategic, flexible interviewer is just beginning. The Advanced Training will focus on deepening and strengthening the interviewer's effective implementation of each stage of the interview protocol.

We will consider suggestions for assessing child and case information to predict which children may be in active disclosure and which children are likely to be more reluctant to talk about their experiences. The interviewer will expand their repertoire of ways to use the basic skill sets in the most appropriate and helpful manner for "this child" taking into consideration developmental/cultural characteristics, the impact of trauma on behavior and communication, effects of the child's support system, and the circumstances of the disclosure. The training will include didactic presentations with examples, opportunities for practice, videotape review sessions, and lots of discussion. The training is research-based, hands-on, and supportive; an approach designed for interviewers who see themselves as life-long learners.

Faculty for this training include:

  • Linda Cordisco Steele, M.Ed, LPC: Senior Trainer and Curriculum Chair, The National Children's Advocacy Center
  • Kathleen Coulborn Faller, Ph.D., A.C.S.W.: Marion Elizabeth Blue Professor of Children and Families, Director, Family Assessment Clinic, School of Social Work, University of Michigan
  • Erna Olafson, PhD, PsyD: Associate Professor, The Childhood Trust, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati Medical School, Cincinnati, Ohio

Registration Information

The fee for each session is $899. Each participant will receive a notebook of resource materials. Participants are responsible for all transportation, lodging and some meals (lunches will be provided). Early registration is encouraged. CEUs will be available. More about CEUs

Register Early -- Slots are limited and classes often fill early!

Please confirm your registration before making your travel arrangements.

For more information, contact Pamelia Wales at pwales@nationalcac.org or at 256-327-3786.

Hotel Information

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 session.

APSAC Advisor Volume 15, Number 4, Fall 2003

NCAC's Child Forensic Interview Structure by Linda Cordisco Steele, MEd, LPC

Posted by permission of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, 940 NE 13th Street, TCH 3B3406, Oklahoma City, OK 73104

APSAC Advisor Volume 15, Number 4, Fall 2003

NCAC's Child Forensic Interview Structure by Linda Cordisco Steele, MEd, LPC

Posted by permission of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, 940 NE 13th Street, TCH 3B3406, Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Dates Online Registration Printable Registration Form
May 21 - 24, 2007 CLASS FULL CLASS FULL
September 24 - 2007 Register Online Print Registration Form