General Information
The ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol training brings the field into the classroom, enhancing the proficiency 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 a practicum forensic interview with a trained actor portraying a child abuse victim.
- The program encourages ongoing critiques of students’ interviewing skills to improve their technique.
- The ChildFirst® forensic interview course has been approved by the National Children’s Alliance to meet accreditation standards.
What’s new?
We know that narrative practice and invitations are the best way to reduce suggestibility and create a child-centered interview. The narrative invitation is utilized throughout the interview process and taught in the forensic interview training. We have made subtle yet essential changes in how interview instructions are incorporated in the interview.
First Witness’s updated protocol and training information will prepare each 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 will do our best to help you obtain pre-approved credits before you attend.