Forensic interviewers often focus much attention on strategies for interviewing reluctant children. Alternatively, there are also skills to be developed and generously applied when interviewing a highly narrative child. The use of invitations, breadth and depth questions, open and specific ‘wh-’ questions and limited use of option posing questions provides a framework for understanding and […]
Trauma can affect children mentally and physically, even when they haven't been physically hurt themselves. The session focuses on conducting interviews that consider the child's emotional state and working closely with investigators for a thorough and compassionate approach. This training is recommended for forensic interviewers at any level who wish to increase their ability to […]
Children with neuro-divergent disorders such as ASD are at an increased risk of child maltreatment. This population presents challenges for forensic interviewers as there is great variability in functioning including unique memory and cognitive processes, linguistic style, understanding and expression of emotions, and forming connections with others. Many of these children can provide information about […]
Effective forensic interviewers must possess a broad repertoire of skills. Additionally, forensic interviewers should develop a critical thinking framework to accommodate the needs of the child and the investigative team, especially in highly complex cases. This training focuses on preparing interviewers to make thoughtful decisions throughout the entirety of the interview. Suggestions for engaging with […]
Forensic interviews of preschool children are challenging, calling for knowledge of early childhood developmental abilities and limitations, as well as strategies for developing rapport and maintaining engagement with a preschool witness. A nuanced ability to adapt questioning approaches and the interview protocol to the temperament and linguistic ability of each child is necessary. This training […]
Children exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors may be referred for a forensic interview. CAC forensic interviewers whose mission is to interview children about potential maltreatment they have experienced and not as offenders find themselves balancing their mandate with the goals of investigators and concerned parents. This training will provide information to help forensic interviewers distinguish normative […]
Mastering the use of optimal questioning strategies and legally defensible social support requires additional training beyond an initial one-week class. This course deepens interviewers’ understanding of the why and how of effective questioning strategies and the provision of sensitive and targeted social support. Opportunities for practice are provided. This training is highly recommended as the […]
Trauma can affect children mentally and physically, even when they haven't been physically hurt themselves. The session focuses on conducting interviews that consider the child's emotional state and working closely with investigators for a thorough and compassionate approach. This training is recommended for forensic interviewers at any level who wish to increase their ability to […]
Forensic interviewers and multi-disciplinary partners recognize the shortcomings of strict adherence to a “one and done” interview approach. Research provides some clarification of reasons why a child may need more than one interview and limited recommendations for implementation, leaving forensic interviewers and their investigative partners with little clarity about how to apply this information to […]
Children with neuro-divergent disorders such as ASD are at an increased risk of child maltreatment. This population presents challenges for forensic interviewers as there is great variability in functioning including unique memory and cognitive processes, linguistic style, understanding and expression of emotions, and forming connections with others. Many of these children can provide information about […]
This one-day course is an introduction to a supervision model for forensic interviewers beginning with a review of basic principles of supervision and offering strategies for developing an effective supervision process which can be tailored to the resources of the child advocacy center and community. This training is recommended for experienced forensic interviewers and executive […]
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