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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T113000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20251008T190647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T232037Z
UID:10001350-1774519200-1774524600@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness | What Children Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Asking Questions
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training examines how children remember and recall experiences\, with a focus on applying research to investigative interviews with children. Participants will learn how factors like age\, development\, trauma\, and cognitive ability influence memory\, and how memory can be both reliable and vulnerable to suggestion. We’ll explore common misconceptions\, the effects of stress\, and the critical role that questioning plays. Research shows that poorly worded or leading questions can distort a child’s memory\, while open-ended\, trauma-informed approaches help elicit accurate and detailed accounts. This training is ideal for professionals in child protection\, forensic interviewing\, law enforcement\, and mental health who want to better understand and support how children recall and share their experiences. \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-what-children-remember-the-science-of-memory-and-the-art-of-asking-questions/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Medical,Mental Health,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Problematic Sexual Behaviors,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T160000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20251008T190824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T190824Z
UID:10001351-1773925200-1773936000@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Mind the Gap
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nMind the Gap is an advanced training designed for advocates who have already completed a comprehensive 24-hour Advocacy Training. This course builds upon the foundational principles of victim advocacy outlined in the 2017 accreditation standards and prepares participants to meet the 2023 Victim Advocacy Standard for Accreditation established by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). The training has been officially approved by the NCA. \nOver the course of 3 hours\, participants will deepen their understanding of key topics\, including: \n\nVictim Rights and Compensation (pre-reading materials)\nCultural Responsiveness and Addressing Explicit Bias\nCaregiver Resilience\nDomestic Violence and Polyvictimization\nEffective Referral Methods\n\nThrough real-life case studies and group discussions\, participants will learn how to apply these concepts in practical scenarios. \nFor advocates who have not yet completed the foundational 24-hour training as specified by the NCA\, First Witness offers comprehensive 24-hour Training for Advocates Working with a CAC. \nRegister through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-mind-the-gap-7/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260219T113000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20251008T190246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T190257Z
UID:10001349-1771495200-1771500600@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness | Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse: Working with Non-Offending Caregivers Who Have Been Victims
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nSexual abuse can be generational. Caregivers who have experienced abuse now walk through our doors after a report from their own child. Their child’s report may trigger a new crisis stage for parents on their own healing journey. Understanding common experiences and needs of adult survivors can help advocates support them in their efforts to help support their children. \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-adult-survivors-of-sexual-abuse-working-with-non-offending-caregivers-who-have-been-victims/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Medical,Mental Health,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Problematic Sexual Behaviors,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260209
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260214
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20251008T185918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T185918Z
UID:10001348-1770595200-1771027199@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Training
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol brings the field into the classroom\, enhancing the education of front-line child abuse response professionals. This training is designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers\, social workers\, prosecutors\, child protection attorneys\, and forensic interviewers. \nStudents receive training on the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol\, which includes 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. \nThe ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol is an NCA-approved forensic interview protocol for accreditation. \nThis training will be held in-person at the First Witness Capstan Training Center in Duluth\, MN. \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-childfirst-forensic-interview-training-21/
LOCATION:First Witness\, 1402 E 2nd Street\, Duluth\, MN\, 55805\, United States
CATEGORIES:Accreditation,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Online Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260112
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260117
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20251008T185418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T185418Z
UID:10001347-1768176000-1768607999@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness | Training for Advocates Working with a CAC©
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training meets all essential training components in the 2023 National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Standard of Victim Advocacy and has been approved by the NCA.  First Witness Child Advocacy Center’s advocacy program bridges the gap between individual advocacy with one victim and system-based advocacy that creates change for many victims. This contrasts with more restrictive advocacy models that are based on delivering services identified by practitioners and systems rather than victims. \nThrough hands-on practice\, participants will learn how to put advocacy principles into action\, including: \n\nExamining advocacy principles through the lens of their organization\,\nChanging organizations and systems\, and\nCreating programs and interventions that meet victims’ needs.\n\nParticipants will practice skills for effective crisis intervention and advocacy\, problem solving\, and decision making around the toughest issues in advocacy work. \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-training-for-advocates-working-with-a-cac-16/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Online Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260106T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260106T113000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20251008T185016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T222852Z
UID:10001346-1767693600-1767699000@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness | Is This Normal? Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Youth
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nHistorically\, the presence of sexual behaviors in children was societally met with judgment\, fear\, and misunderstanding. Realistically\, sexual play is common for children\, with 66%-88% of children exhibiting some form of sexual play in the course of their childhood. As professionals working with children\, it is important to understand how to distinguish between developmentally normal sexual behaviors and developmentally problematic sexual behaviors in children. This presentation differentiates between sexual behaviors that are more typical than sexual behaviors that are more harmful and uses this foundation for considerations on responding to problematic sexual behaviors. \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-is-this-normal-problematic-sexual-behaviors-in-youth/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Medical,Mental Health,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Problematic Sexual Behaviors,Special Events,Statute,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251218T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251218T113000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250807T160402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T160402Z
UID:10001282-1766052000-1766057400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness | Faith and Healing: Practical Approaches for Working with Christian Families
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis session equips professionals with the tools to engage and support clients who identify as Christian effectively. Participants will explore how faith and religious practices shape worldviews\, influence responses to child abuse\, and impact help-seeking behaviors. The training includes statistics on the prevalence of Christianity across the United States and data on child abuse within faith communities to provide important context. Attendees will gain research-based insights and practical strategies that are culturally responsive\, trauma-informed\, and ethically sound. Emphasis is placed on fostering trust\, navigating value differences with sensitivity\, and supporting clients in ways that honor their beliefs while maintaining professional boundaries. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-faith-and-healing-practical-approaches-for-working-with-christian-families/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Medical,Mental Health,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Spirituality
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251211T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251211T160000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250807T160127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T160127Z
UID:10001281-1765458000-1765468800@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Mind the Gap
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nMind the Gap is an advanced training designed for advocates who have already completed a comprehensive 24-hour Advocacy Training. This course builds upon the foundational principles of victim advocacy outlined in the 2017 accreditation standards and prepares participants to meet the 2023 Victim Advocacy Standard for Accreditation established by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). The training has been officially approved by the NCA. \nOver the course of 3 hours\, participants will deepen their understanding of key topics including: \n\nVictim Rights and Compensation (pre-reading materials)\nCultural Responsiveness and Addressing Explicit Bias\nCaregiver Resilience\nDomestic Violence and Polyvictimization\nEffective Referral Methods\n\nThrough real-life case studies and group discussions\, participants will learn how to apply these concepts in practical scenarios. \nFor advocates who have not yet completed the foundational 24-hour training as specified by the NCA\, First Witness offers comprehensive 24-hour Training for Advocates Working with a CAC. \nRegister through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-mind-the-gap-6/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T120000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250801T151245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T151245Z
UID:10001243-1763028000-1763035200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Normalizing the Conversation: Talking with Families about Body Safety
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nIn this session\, we will not only discuss healthy childhood development\, but also go over working with parents and non-offending caregivers as they start to grow their communication skills and normalize talking about body safety with their children. Participants will be informed on what to look for in terms of victim manipulation\, signs of possible child sexual abuse\, and how to support caregivers in learning and understanding this information \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-normalizing-the-conversation-talking-with-families-about-body-safety/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251103
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251108
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250804T153425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250804T153425Z
UID:10001263-1762128000-1762559999@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Training for Advocates Working with a CAC
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training meets all essential training components in the 2023 National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Standard of Victim Advocacy and has been approved by the NCA. \nFirst Witness Child Advocacy Center’s advocacy program bridges the gap between individual advocacy with one victim and system-based advocacy that creates change for many victims. This contrasts with more restrictive advocacy models that are based on delivering services identified by practitioners and systems rather than victims. \nThrough hands-on practice\, participants will learn how to put advocacy principles into action\, including: \n\nExamining advocacy principles through the lens of their organization\nChanging organizations and systems\, and\nCreating programs and interventions that meet victims’ needs.\n\nParticipants will practice skills for effective crisis intervention and advocacy\, problem solving\, and decision making around the toughest issues in advocacy work. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-training-for-advocates-working-with-a-cac-15/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251030T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251030T120000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250801T150745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T150745Z
UID:10001240-1761818400-1761825600@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Interviewing and Working with Queer Youth: Understanding the Cultural Context
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis session will cover the dynamics of interviewing and working with queer youth who are potential victims of violence or abuse. Topics discussed will include dynamics of abuse and violence in the queer community\, barriers to service\, historical context and power dynamics\, risk factors\, and suggestions for building inclusion into your practice\, both on the individual level when interviewing queer youth\, as well as the organizational level when working with queer youth in general. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-interviewing-and-working-with-queer-youth-understanding-the-cultural-context-2/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251027T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251027T133000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250801T150909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T184709Z
UID:10001241-1761566400-1761571800@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Safe & Strong Communities
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training is offered to adults in youth-serving agencies\, churches\, sports leagues\, and beyond. Participants learn how to recognize\, respond to\, and report child abuse. \nThis is mandated reporter training and beyond\, covering: \n\ndynamics of child abuse\,\nHow to respond to a child in a trauma-informed way\,\nred flags of child abuse\,\nchild resilience\,\nSafe and Strong Child© body safety curriculum\,\nand more.\n\nThis training meets the mandated reporter training requirements listed in Minnesota State Statutes (260E.065). \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-safe-strong-communities-9/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Special Events,Statute,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251020
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251025
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250807T200828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T200839Z
UID:10001299-1760918400-1761350399@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness ChildFirst® Refresher
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis 1-day training is an opportunity to revisit the ChildFirst® forensic interview protocol. Participants will focus on: \n\nReview of ChildFirst® and recent updates to the protocol\nPractical applications and logistical processes\nSkills needed to successfully complete or monitor a forensic interview\nUpdates to research in the field of child abuse/maltreatment and forensic interviewing\n\nAny child maltreatment professional who has successfully completed the 5-day ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Training is eligible to register for this Refresher Training. \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-childfirst-refresher/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Accreditation,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251020
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251025
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250801T151025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T151025Z
UID:10001242-1760918400-1761350399@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Training
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol brings the field into the classroom\, enhancing the education of front-line child abuse response professionals. This training is designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers\, social workers\, prosecutors\, child protection attorneys\, and forensic interviewers. \nStudents receive training on the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol\, which includes 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. \nThe ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol is an NCA-approved forensic interview protocol for accreditation. \nThis training will be held in-person at the First Witness Capstan Training Center in Duluth\, MN. \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-childfirst-forensic-interview-training-20/
LOCATION:First Witness\, 1402 E 2nd Street\, Duluth\, MN\, 55805\, United States
CATEGORIES:Accreditation,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Online Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250904T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250904T113000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250528T215739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T215739Z
UID:10001190-1756980000-1756985400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Failure to Protect or Protective Factors?
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nFor professionals working with children disclosing abuse\, it is important to understand dynamics of domestic violence to be able to be a part of an effective investigation. Understanding that domestic abuse co-occurs at a substantially high rate alongside child abuse enhances child abuse professionals’ ability to do their jobs in a holistic way. In this session\, participants will learn the barriers that victims of domestic violence face in leaving an abusive relationship\, specifically when children are involved\, and how system intervention may inadvertently cause additional barriers. Additionally\, the training will discuss barriers that children face to disclosing their own victimization in forensic interviews when family violence is present in the home. Trainees will examine protective factors that supportive caregivers have put in place to keep their children and themselves safe\, as well as how systems professionals can best support families experiencing these types of victimization utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-failure-to-protect-or-protective-factors/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250829
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250830
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250528T203339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T203339Z
UID:10001181-1756454400-1756486800@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Training for Advocates Working with a CAC
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training meets all essential training components in the 2023 National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Standard of Victim Advocacy and has been approved by the NCA. \nFirst Witness Child Advocacy Center’s advocacy program bridges the gap between individual advocacy with one victim and system-based advocacy that creates change for many victims. This contrasts with more restrictive advocacy models that are based on delivering services identified by practitioners and systems rather than victims. \nThrough hands-on practice\, participants will learn how to put advocacy principles into action\, including: \n\nExamining advocacy principles through the lens of their organization\nChanging organizations and systems\, and\nCreating programs and interventions that meet victims’ needs.\n\nParticipants will practice skills for effective crisis intervention and advocacy\, problem solving\, and decision making around the toughest issues in advocacy work. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-training-for-advocates-working-with-a-cac-14/2025-08-29/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250827
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250828
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250528T203339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T203339Z
UID:10001180-1756281600-1756314000@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Training for Advocates Working with a CAC
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training meets all essential training components in the 2023 National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Standard of Victim Advocacy and has been approved by the NCA. \nFirst Witness Child Advocacy Center’s advocacy program bridges the gap between individual advocacy with one victim and system-based advocacy that creates change for many victims. This contrasts with more restrictive advocacy models that are based on delivering services identified by practitioners and systems rather than victims. \nThrough hands-on practice\, participants will learn how to put advocacy principles into action\, including: \n\nExamining advocacy principles through the lens of their organization\nChanging organizations and systems\, and\nCreating programs and interventions that meet victims’ needs.\n\nParticipants will practice skills for effective crisis intervention and advocacy\, problem solving\, and decision making around the toughest issues in advocacy work. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-training-for-advocates-working-with-a-cac-14/2025-08-27/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250825
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250826
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250528T203339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T203339Z
UID:10001179-1756080000-1756166399@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Training for Advocates Working with a CAC
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training meets all essential training components in the 2023 National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Standard of Victim Advocacy and has been approved by the NCA. \nFirst Witness Child Advocacy Center’s advocacy program bridges the gap between individual advocacy with one victim and system-based advocacy that creates change for many victims. This contrasts with more restrictive advocacy models that are based on delivering services identified by practitioners and systems rather than victims. \nThrough hands-on practice\, participants will learn how to put advocacy principles into action\, including: \n\nExamining advocacy principles through the lens of their organization\nChanging organizations and systems\, and\nCreating programs and interventions that meet victims’ needs.\n\nParticipants will practice skills for effective crisis intervention and advocacy\, problem solving\, and decision making around the toughest issues in advocacy work. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-training-for-advocates-working-with-a-cac-14/2025-08-25/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250821T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250821T120000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250528T204450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T204450Z
UID:10001182-1755770400-1755777600@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Trauma- Informed Leadership Methods in Victim-Serving Organizations
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis session will review the research behind the characteristics and workplace environments of the victim-serving organizations to increase general understanding of the effects these characteristics have on secondary trauma\, mental health\, job satisfaction\, and burnout. Leaders and supervisors will leave with recommendations for trauma-informed leadership methods to effectively respond to the needs of their supervisees. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-trauma-informed-leadership-methods-in-victim-serving-organizations/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250812T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250812T133000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250528T202757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T202757Z
UID:10001176-1755000000-1755005400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Safe & Strong Communities
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training is offered to adults in youth-serving agencies\, churches\, sports leagues\, and beyond. Participants learn how to recognize\, respond to\, and report child abuse. \nThis is mandated reporter training and beyond\, covering: \n\ndynamics of child abuse\,\nHow to respond to a child in a trauma-informed way\,\nred flags of child abuse\,\nchild resilience\,\nSafe and Strong Child© body safety curriculum\,\nand more.\n\nThis training meets the mandated reporter training requirements listed in Minnesota State Statutes (260E.065). \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-safe-strong-communities-8/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Special Events,Statute,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250806
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250809
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250528T203126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T203126Z
UID:10001177-1754438400-1754697599@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness ChildFirst® Expanded Forensic Interview (ChildFirst®  EX)
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nBased on the nationally-recognized ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol\, this 2.5-day training provides a purposeful and legally defensible process for conducting expanded forensic interviews with children who may not succeed in a standard\, single interview due to trauma\, developmental\, special needs or other complicating issues\, including polyvictimization. This training is designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers\, social workers\, prosecutors\, child protection attorney\, and forensic interviewers who have completed a nationally recognized basic child forensic interview training.  \nThis training will teach the expanded interview process as well as research supporting multiple\, non-duplicative interviews with child victims and witnesses.  \nTo be eligible for the training\, participants must have completed a nationally recognized basic child forensic interview training (ChildFirst\, Corner House\, etc.)  \nRegister at First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-childfirst-expanded-forensic-interview-childfirst-ex-6/
LOCATION:First Witness\, 1402 E 2nd Street\, Duluth\, MN\, 55805\, United States
CATEGORIES:Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250729T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250729T133000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250411T194139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T194139Z
UID:10001143-1753790400-1753795800@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Safe & Strong Communities
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training is offered to adults in youth-serving agencies\, churches\, sports leagues\, and beyond. Participants learn how to recognize\, respond to\, and report child abuse. \nThis is mandated reporter training and beyond\, covering: \n\ndynamics of child abuse\,\nhow to respond to a child in a trauma-informed way\,\nred flags of child abuse\,\nchild resilience\,\nSafe and Strong Child© body safety curriculum\,\nand more.\n\nThis training meets the mandated reporter training requirements listed in Minnesota State Statutes (260E.065). \nRegister at First Witness\nScholarships\nFirst Witness is dedicated to providing Safe & Strong Communities to organizations and agencies that need it\, and for cost to not be a barrier. Scholarships of up to 50% registration are available to all organizations\, regardless of location or group size\, and on an honor system. \nPlease select the scholarship option when registering to take advantage of this opportunity. Please contact Madeline at mkvale@firstwitness.org with any questions about registration or scholarships.
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-safe-strong-communities-7/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Online Webinar,Special Events,Statute,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250714
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250719
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250411T194053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T194053Z
UID:10001142-1752451200-1752883199@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Training
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol brings the field into the classroom\, enhancing the education of front-line child abuse response professionals. This training is designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers\, social workers\, prosecutors\, child protection attorneys\, and forensic interviewers. \nStudents receive training on the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol\, which includes 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. \nThe ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol is an NCA-approved forensic interview protocol for accreditation. \nThis training will be held in-person at the First Witness Capstan Training Center in Duluth\, MN. \nScholarships 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 payment options\, choose “I am applying for a Minnesota Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHS) Scholarship.” Recipients are responsible for any other costs of attending this training\, including travel\, lodging\, and meals. Scholarships are 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. \nRegister Through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-childfirst-forensic-interview-training-19/
LOCATION:First Witness\, 1402 E 2nd Street\, Duluth\, MN\, 55805\, United States
CATEGORIES:Accreditation,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Online Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250710T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250710T113000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250411T194309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T194309Z
UID:10001144-1752141600-1752147000@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nAs Health and Human Service Professionals\, we are aware of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the lasting effects that they can have on a developing child. However\, what is not discussed as much is the power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and the resilience that can emerge through traumatic events experienced. This presentation explains the Child Advocacy Center approach and how we can promote PCEs through connection\, acknowledgment\, and support. By encouraging PCEs we can create a more connected community\, and strengthen our response to child abuse and neglect. \nRegister through First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-the-power-of-positive-childhood-experiences-2/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Investigation,Medical,Mental Health,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T113000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250221T214933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T214933Z
UID:10001111-1750932000-1750937400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness | Recantation: Why Does It Happen and What Do We Do?
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis presentation will discuss the dynamics behind recantations of child abuse disclosures\, both in forensic interviews and outside of forensic interviews. This session will review frequently asked questions about recantation\, such as “why does recantation happen?”\, “can we avoid recantation?” “how do we minimize the likelihood of recantation”\, and “what do we do now?”. Participants will leave with an understanding of recantation and child abuse dynamics\, follow-up recantation forensic interviews\, and next steps for investigative team members in child abuse cases that involve full and partial recantations/retractions of children’s statements. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-recantation-why-does-it-happen-and-what-do-we-do-2/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250612
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250614
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250221T214816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T214816Z
UID:10001110-1749686400-1749859199@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Safe and Strong Child© Train the Presenter
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nSafe and Strong Child© Train the Presenter prepares Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) and other organization to present a child abuse prevention and body safety curriculum within their communities. Safe and Strong Child© is recognized by the National Children’s Alliance as an approved prevention curriculum for CAC accreditation. \nSafe and Strong Child© body safety curriculum is grounded in evidence-based practices for preventing child abuse. It features age-appropriate classroom lessons delivered through engaging methods such as storytelling\, role play\, and song\, all within a supportive and non-threatening environment. The curriculum also includes presentations and valuable resources and guidance for teachers and caregivers to further bolster child safety. \nIn the Safe and Strong Child© Train the Presenter course\, participants will learn how to: \n\nDeliver the Safe and Strong Child© program to students\, school staff\, and caregivers\nEffectively use Safe and Strong Child© materials\nCoordinate a comprehensive community prevention education program\nHandle various classroom scenarios\n\nPlease note\, this course is designed to prepare participants to present Safe and Strong Child® directly but does not prepare participants to train others on curriculum presentation. \nParticipants will receive electronic copies of the Safe and Strong Child© curriculum\, presentation aids\, and coordination documentation. For organizations eager to launch their Safe and Strong Child© program\, a physical Safe and Strong Child® Kit is available for purchase as an add-on during registration. \nRegister for Safe and Strong Child© Train the Presenter\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-safe-and-strong-child-train-the-presenter-2/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Body Safety,Children's Advocacy Centers
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250605T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250605T133000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250221T214717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T214717Z
UID:10001109-1749124800-1749130200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Safe & Strong Communities
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training is offered to adults in youth-serving agencies\, churches\, sports leagues\, and beyond. Participants learn how to recognize\, respond to\, and report child abuse. \nThis is mandated reporter training and beyond\, covering: \n\ndynamics of child abuse\,\nhow to respond to a child in a trauma-informed way\,\nred flags of child abuse\,\nchild resilience\,\nSafe and Strong Child© body safety curriculum\,\nand more.\n\nThis training meets the mandated reporter training requirements listed in Minnesota State Statutes (260E.065). \nRegister at First Witness\nScholarships\nFirst Witness is dedicated to providing Safe & Strong Communities to organizations and agencies that need it\, and for cost to not be a barrier. Scholarships of up to 50% registration are available to all organizations\, regardless of location or group size\, and on an honor system. \nPlease select the scholarship option when registering to take advantage of this opportunity. Please contact Madeline at mkvale@firstwitness.org with any questions about registration or scholarships.
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-safe-strong-communities-6/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Online Webinar,Special Events,Statute,Trauma-Informed Practice
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250529T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250529T113000
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250121T225904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250121T225904Z
UID:10001081-1748512800-1748518200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Poverty vs. Child Neglect
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nIn 2022\, child neglect was the number one reason children entered the foster care system\, at 62%. As advocates\, social workers\, mandated reporters\, and supports for children\, we must have the tools in our toolbox to differentiate child neglect from a child experiencing poverty. This training will discuss the statistical context of the impact systems can have on families experiencing poverty\, legal differences between poverty and child neglect\, strategies to differentiate child neglect and poverty\, as well as how we can offer additional support to families experiencing poverty. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-poverty-vs-child-neglect/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Medical,Mental Health,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250521
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250524
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250121T225608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250121T225608Z
UID:10001080-1747785600-1748044799@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness ChildFirst® Expanded Forensic Interview (ChildFirst®  EX)
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nBased on the nationally-recognized ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol\, this 2.5-day training provides a purposeful and legally defensible process for conducting expanded forensic interviews with children who may not succeed in a standard\, single interview due to trauma\, developmental\, special needs or other complicating issues\, including polyvictimization. This training is designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers\, social workers\, prosecutors\, child protection attorney\, and forensic interviewers who have completed a nationally recognized basic child forensic interview training.  \nThis training will teach the expanded interview process as well as research supporting multiple\, non-duplicative interviews with child victims and witnesses.  \nTo be eligible for the training\, participants must have completed a nationally recognized basic child forensic interview training (ChildFirst\, Corner House\, etc.)  \nRegister via First Witness
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-childfirst-expanded-forensic-interview-childfirst-ex-5/
LOCATION:First Witness\, 1402 E 2nd Street\, Duluth\, MN\, 55805\, United States
CATEGORIES:Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250513
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250516
DTSTAMP:20260423T015547
CREATED:20250121T225352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250121T225352Z
UID:10001077-1747094400-1747353599@minnesotachildrensalliance.org
SUMMARY:First Witness Training for Advocates Working with a CAC
DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis training meets all essential training components in the 2023 National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Standard of Victim Advocacy and has been approved by the NCA. \nFirst Witness Child Advocacy Center’s advocacy program bridges the gap between individual advocacy with one victim and system-based advocacy that creates change for many victims. This contrasts with more restrictive advocacy models that are based on delivering services identified by practitioners and systems rather than victims. \nThrough hands-on practice\, participants will learn how to put advocacy principles into action\, including: \n\nExamining advocacy principles through the lens of their organization\nChanging organizations and systems\, and\nCreating programs and interventions that meet victims’ needs.\n\nParticipants will practice skills for effective crisis intervention and advocacy\, problem solving\, and decision making around the toughest issues in advocacy work. \nRegister Through First Witness\n 
URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-training-for-advocates-working-with-a-cac-13/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers
ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR