General Information
The ChildFirst® forensic interviewing protocol brings the field into the classroom, enhancing the education of front-line child abuse professionals. This course is designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers, social workers, prosecutors, child protection attorneys and forensic interviewers. Students receive training on the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol, child development, memory and suggestibility, testifying in court, legal issues and preparing children for court. This training incorporates lecture and discussion, review of electronically recorded interviews, skill-building exercises and an interview practicum with professional actors.
ChildFirst® is a unique approach to forensic interviewing for several reasons:
- ChildFirst® was designed by and for the front-line child abuse professional.
- Courses teach students to apply the latest research to real-world situations.
- Students watch numerous videotaped child sexual abuse interviews as a means of bringing the course material to life.
- The program requires students to demonstrate their interviewing skills.
- ChildFirst® models the multidisciplinary approach.
- The education incorporates an actual forensic interview with a child sexual abuse victim.
- The program encourages ongoing critiques of students’ interviewing skills in order to improve their technique.
- The ChildFirst® forensic interview course has been approved by the National Children’s Alliance to meet accreditation standards.
Training cost: $850.00
What’s new?
We know that narrative practice and invitations are the best way to reduce suggestibility and create a child centered interview. Narrative invitation is utilized throughout the interview process and taught in the forensic interview training. We have made subtle, yet important changes in how interview instructions are incorporated in the interview.
First Witness’ updated protocol and training information will prepare each training attendee to conduct a purposeful and legally defensible interview.
This training is designed for child protection workers, tribal social service workers, law enforcement officers and county attorneys whose primary responsibility is investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse cases.
Continuing Education Credits
P.O.S.T. and C.L.E credits available for Minnesota participants. For other states, with some notice – we can help obtain pre approved credits before you attend.
DHS Scholarship Eligibility
Yes, scholarships are available for county, tribes and other local professionals responsible for child maltreatment investigations and prosecutions in the State of Minnesota. When selecting from our training options, choose from options under “If you work in MN – Dept. of Human Services Scholarship Applicant“. The applicant is responsible for all travel, food and lodging. Scholarships provided through the Minnesota Department of Human Services using state and federal funds provided through a Children’s Justice Act grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
You will be notified within a few days of registering if you have been awarded a scholarship.
If you are from a ChildFirst® State
(AK, AR, CT, GA, IL, KS, MD, MO, NJ, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, VA, WV)
ChildFirst® states reserve the right to train their own residents. If you wish to attend the ChildFirst® First Witness Forensic Interview training in Duluth, Gundersen NCPTC will have to grant permission. This process can take up to a week but it’s easy and we will help.
If you are not from a ChildFirst® State
(AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, HI, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY)
The ChildFirst® protocol is still for you! Even if your team is trained in different protocols, we give you one of the very best in interview protocols. We are one of a few National Children’s Alliance accredited protocols and offer ongoing technical assistance to participants after completing our training. With our protocol, your or your staff will be able to screen for multiple forms of maltreatment. Our protocol is also excellent for professionals that do a limited amount of interviews as it is highly adaptable and easy to learn. We specialize in working with medium cities to rural and tribal communities in bringing the latest and best researched backed forensic interview skills to professionals.