Sydney McDonald
Forensic Interviews of Preschool Child Witnesses
Virtual TrainingForensic 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…
Preparation and Adaptations for Interviewing Children with Mental Health Needs
Virtual TrainingChildren referred for a forensic interview during an investigation of maltreatment may also present with either a diagnosis or concerns about their mental health including but not limited to PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety, and sleep disorder. They may also present with concerning behavioral indicators such as a history of self-harm, suicide ideation or prior attempts,…
Preparation and Adaptations for Interviewing Children with a Disability
Virtual TrainingChildren with a disability are at high risk for victimization. Forensic interviewers well trained in their discipline may lack confidence when speaking with a child with a disability as it is unrealistic to expect that an interviewer be well versed in the impact of the wide variety of disabilities on a child’s behavioral, cognitive, linguistic,…
Forensic Interviewing of Children Training
Virtual TrainingThe National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) Forensic Interviewing of Children training is an internationally recognized, research-informed and practice-informed intensive training. Participants will learn necessary skills to conduct a competent investigative interview of a child using the NCAC Child Forensic Interview (CFI) Structure. Participants will also be introduced to the evidence-based literature that supports the NCAC…
Critical Thinking in the Forensic Interview: moving from rote to responsive practice
National Children's Advocacy Center Training Facility 210 Pratt Avenue NE, Training Building, Huntsville, AL, United StatesEffective 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…
Interviewing Children on the Autism Spectrum
Virtual TrainingChildren 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…
Forensic Interviewing of Children Training
National Children's Advocacy Center Training Facility 210 Pratt Avenue NE, Training Building, Huntsville, AL, United StatesThe National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) Forensic Interviewing of Children training is an internationally recognized, research-informed and practice-informed intensive training. Participants will learn necessary skills to conduct a competent investigative interview of a child using the NCAC Child Forensic Interview (CFI) Structure. Participants will also be introduced to the evidence-based literature that supports the NCAC…
Supervision of Child Forensic Interviewers
National Children's Advocacy Center Training Facility 210 Pratt Avenue NE, Training Building, Huntsville, AL, United StatesThe role of the forensic interviewer within the CAC continues to evolve, calling for a greater level of competence and skill. Limited opportunities for peer review are no longer sufficient to meet this goal. Long recognized in medicine and mental health, supervision is an established relationship between a senior practitioner and junior colleague(s) focused on…
Increasing Skill in Forensic Interviewing of Children
Virtual TrainingMastering 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…
Interviewing Children who Identify as LGBTQ
Virtual TrainingForensic interviewers often encounter children who identify as having a sexual orientation and/or gender identity (e.g. transgender or non-binary) that is marginalized. These children are at high risk for all forms of maltreatment and other adversities and traumas for being who they are authentically. Additionally, these children may present with mental health issues possibly because…
