BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Minnesota Children's Alliance - ECPv6.17.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Minnesota Children's Alliance X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Minnesota Children's Alliance REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20280312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20281105T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261109T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261109T113000 DTSTAMP:20260324T154638Z CREATED:20260323T192746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T154638Z UID:10001531-1794218400-1794223800@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Reading the Room: The Importance of Understanding Body Language in Forensic Interviews DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nIn this webinar\, participants will learn about the importance of being able to recognize body language cues in forensic interviews and to what extent they happen subconsciously. We will discuss how body language cues may be dependent on a child’s age\, culture\, and experiences. Paticipants will learn neutral interview statements that can be made when seeing certain body language cues with different age groups. Lastly\, we disscuss subconscious interviewer body language and the possible implications this body language could have on the child being interviewed. Throughout the training\, we will discuss case examples looking at prominent body language cues. \nRegister Through First Witness URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-reading-the-room-the-importance-of-understanding-body-language-in-forensic-interviews/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261109T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261109T153000 DTSTAMP:20260625T203600Z CREATED:20260625T203600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T203600Z UID:10001635-1794218400-1794238200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:APSAC 1st Annual Forensic Nursing Summit DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nForensic Nurses Week honors the critical role forensic nurses play in caring for patients affected by violence\, abuse\, and trauma. APSAC’s First Annual Forensic Nursing Summit extends the celebration with a day of learning\, collaboration\, and practical strategies for pediatric forensic nursing professionals. \nRegister Through APSAC URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/apsac-1st-annual-forensic-nursing-summit/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Medical,Online Webinar END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261110 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261111 DTSTAMP:20260625T202655Z CREATED:20260625T202655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T202655Z UID:10001633-1794268800-1794355199@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:ZAP Follow-up Forensic Interviews DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\n\n\nAdvanced training on conducting legally sound\, child-centered follow-up interviews—structured strategies that avoid duplicative questioning. \n\n\n\n\nThis one-day advanced training prepares forensic interviewers to conduct developmentally sensitive\, legally sound follow-up interviews with children in abuse investigations. Participants begin with a historical overview of how concerns about “multiple interviews” shaped past practice\, followed by a review of current research and professional guidance supporting individualized\, case-informed decisions about when additional interviews are appropriate. \nDrawing on contemporary literature and field standards\, the training clarifies the purpose of follow-up interviews\, how they differ from duplicative questioning\, and how they can enhance accuracy and completeness when conducted properly. Attendees will learn structured strategies for planning\, documenting\, and conducting follow-up sessions using non-leading\, child-centered methods that build on prior information without increasing suggestibility risk. \n\n\nRegister through ZAP URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/zap-follow-up-forensic-interviews/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Online Webinar END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261110 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261111 DTSTAMP:20260324T162849Z CREATED:20260323T191521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T162849Z UID:10001524-1794268800-1794355199@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:NCAC Interviewing Children on the Autism Spectrum DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nChildren with neurodivergent 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 their experiences if the interviewer is able to adapt questioning approaches and interview strategies to meet the needs of this child. Preparation and flexibility are key. While providing a review of possible domains of impact on functioning\, this training will focus on tips for information gathering\, preparation with the investigative partners to set reasonable expectations\, and adaptations to questioning strategies and interview phases. \nThis training is recommended for forensic interviewers who have developed some comfort and flexibility with the continuum of questioning strategies and the phases of a forensic interview. \nRegister through NCAC\nRegister by Tuesday\, October 27\, 2026 URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/ncac-interviewing-children-on-the-autism-spectrum-5/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T110000 DTSTAMP:20260728T203429Z CREATED:20260728T203429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T203429Z UID:10001670-1794301200-1794308400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:Propel Nonprofits | Assessing Financial Health of Your Nonprofit Organization DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nIn a constantly shifting nonprofit landscape\, financial stability is on the forefront of everyone’s mind. Join Propel Nonprofits for a workshop designed to help nonprofit leaders assess their organization’s financial health. \nThis session will guide you through 10 key indicators of financial health\, blending both financial metrics and leadership practices that contribute to long-term sustainability. Participants will learn how to: \n\nAnalyze financial trends and ratios to understand your organization’s fiscal trajectory\nUse cash flow projections and operating reserves to plan for uncertainty\nReview budget-to-actual reports to make informed decisions\nEngage your board and finance committee in meaningful financial oversight\nAlign your strategic plan and succession planning with financial realities\n\nWhether you’re a seasoned executive director\, a board member\, or new to a nonprofit finance role\, this workshop offers tools\, examples\, and templates to help you move from financial uncertainty to financial strategy. \nLearning Objectives\n\nA framework for evaluating your nonprofit’s financial health\nTools to communicate financial information clearly and confidently\nInsights into building resilient\, mission-aligned financial strategy\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nExecutive Directors\nFinance Staff\nBoard Members (especially Treasurers)\n\nRegister Through Propel Nonprofits URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/propel-nonprofits-assessing-financial-health-of-your-nonprofit-organization-4/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Children's Advocacy Centers ORGANIZER;CN="Propel Nonprofits":MAILTO:info@propelnonprofits.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T110000 DTSTAMP:20260819T145742Z CREATED:20260819T145742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T145742Z UID:10001698-1794301200-1794308400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:Propel Nonprofits Assessing the Financial Health of Your Nonprofit Organization DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nIn a constantly shifting nonprofit landscape\, financial stability is on the forefront of everyone’s mind. Join Propel Nonprofits for a workshop designed to help nonprofit leaders assess their organization’s financial health. \nThis session will guide you through 10 key indicators of financial health\, blending both financial metrics and leadership practices that contribute to long-term sustainability. You’ll learn how to: \n\nAnalyze financial trends and ratios to understand your organization’s fiscal trajectory\nUse cash flow projections and operating reserves to plan for uncertainty\nReview budget-to-actual reports to make informed decisions\nEngage your board and finance committee in meaningful financial oversight\nAlign your strategic plan and succession planning with financial realities\n\nWhether you’re a seasoned executive director\, a board member\, or new to a nonprofit finance role\, this workshop offers tools\, examples\, and templates to help you move from financial uncertainty to financial strategy. \nLearning Objectives\n\nA framework for evaluating your nonprofit’s financial health\nTools to communicate financial information clearly and confidently\nInsights to building a resilient\, mission-aligned financial strategy\n\nThis workshop will have closed captioning available through the online service Otter.ai.com. \nRegister Through Propel Nonprofits URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/propel-nonprofits-assessing-the-financial-health-of-your-nonprofit-organization/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Children's Advocacy Centers,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="Propel Nonprofits":MAILTO:info@propelnonprofits.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261116 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261120 DTSTAMP:20260323T191839Z CREATED:20260323T191839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T191839Z UID:10001526-1794787200-1795132799@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:NCAC Forensic Interviewing of Children Training DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe 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 CFI Structure. This 4-day\, interactive training is facilitated by practicing forensic interviewers who are well-versed in the current literature. The training includes lectures\, skill-building activities\, guided discussions\, reflections\, and an interview practicum in a supportive environment with assessment and feedback provided by experienced interviewers. \nRegister through NCAC\nRegister by Monday\, November 2\, 2026. URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/ncac-forensic-interviewing-of-children-training-21/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T120000 DTSTAMP:20260728T203535Z CREATED:20260728T203535Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T203535Z UID:10001671-1794906000-1794916800@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:Propel Nonprofits | Fundamentals of Nonprofit Board Governance DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nBoard members will participate in board meetings and other engagements with more confidence and more knowledge about your role after attending this workshop.  You will learn typical board responsibilities and explore the nuances of board authority and relationships. Participants will receive Propel’s Nonprofit Board Governance workbook\, which includes the Fiduciary Duties of Directors of Charitable Organizations.  While this training is open to all\, it is designed for those new to serving on a board or those who are contemplating joining a board. \nThis workshop will have closed captioning available through the online service Otter.ai.com. \nRegister Through Propel Nonprofits URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/propel-nonprofits-fundamentals-of-nonprofit-board-governance-7/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="Propel Nonprofits":MAILTO:info@propelnonprofits.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261117T120000 DTSTAMP:20260819T145928Z CREATED:20260819T145928Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T145928Z UID:10001699-1794906000-1794916800@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:Propel Nonprofits Fundamentals of Nonprofit Board Governance DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nBoard members will participate in board meetings and other engagements with more confidence and more knowledge about your role after attending this workshop.  You will learn typical board responsibilities and explore the nuances of board authority and relationships. Participants will receive Propel’s Nonprofit Board Governance workbook\, which includes the Fiduciary Duties of Directors of Charitable Organizations.  While this training is open to all\, it is designed for those new to serving on a board or those who are contemplating joining a board. \nThis workshop will have closed captioning available through the online service Otter.ai.com. \nRegister Through Propel Nonprofits URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/propel-nonprofits-fundamentals-of-nonprofit-board-governance-8/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Children's Advocacy Centers,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="Propel Nonprofits":MAILTO:info@propelnonprofits.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T120000 DTSTAMP:20261023T143254Z CREATED:20261014T195442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T143254Z UID:10001706-1794992400-1795003200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:Identifying Child Abuse Injuries for the MDT DESCRIPTION:Overview\nDr. Mark Hudson\, a Board-Certified Child Abuse Pediatrician\, will be training on signs and indicators of abuse to look for when investigating child abuse. The training will provide an overview of skin\, bone\, and head injuries that are most concerning for physical abuse\, including basic anatomy and psychiatry. Additionally\, he will discuss the importance of considering a child’s developmental abilities and review literature related to short falls in children. The target audiences for this training include non-medical professionals who have frequent contact with children or participate in child abuse investigations\, evaluations\, or legal proceedings related to maltreatment concerns. \nLearning Objectives\n\nIncrease awareness of medical evaluations and findings associated with child maltreatment\, specifically physical abuse\nProvide an overview of skin\, bone\, head injuries of physical abuse\nDiscuss considerations of child’s developmental abilities\nReview related literature\n\nPresenter Bio\nDr. Mark Hudson received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota and completed a Pediatrics residency at the University of Minnesota. Following residency\, he completed a Child Abuse Fellowship and is Board Certified in Child Abuse Pediatrics. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Ray Helfer Society. He’s also the Medical Director of Midwest Children’s Resource Center\, a medically based Child Advocacy Center at Children’s Minnesota. He is the Executive Director of the Midwest Regional Child Advocacy Center. \n  \n\n\n \n Registrant InformationName*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email*\n \n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n Organization*Professional Role*AdvocateCommunity MemberDirectorForensic InterviewerMedical ProviderMental Health ProviderParentStatewide CoalitionTeacher or School RepresentativeYouth Serving OrganizationAnother rolePlease select the role that most closely aligns with your daily work.Another RolePlease specify your professional role.Address \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe \n \n \n \n Register URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/identiying-child-abuse-injuries-mdt/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Medical,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Medical-for-Nonmedical-Training-Imaghe.png ORGANIZER;CN="Minnesota Children's Alliance":MAILTO:info@minnesotachildrensalliance.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261118T160000 DTSTAMP:20260625T203154Z CREATED:20260625T203154Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T203154Z UID:10001634-1795014000-1795017600@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:APSAC | Mandated Reporting or Supporting: Are Any States Getting the Mandatory Reporting Training Right? DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nAs part of the New York Foundling & APSAC Webinar Series on Controversial Topics\, this live\, interactive webinar will explore the current landscape of mandatory reporting training across different states and evaluate approaches to mandated reporting versus supporting. \nRegister Through APSAC URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/apsac-mandated-reporting-or-supporting-are-any-states-getting-the-mandatory-reporting-training-right/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Online Webinar END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T130000 DTSTAMP:20260324T165918Z CREATED:20260108T185524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T165918Z UID:10001452-1795089600-1795093200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:APSAC Prevention Series DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe APSAC Prevention Series returns in 2026 will be held on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This is a monthly opportunity to learn from leading experts in child maltreatment prevention and child well-being offered to expand your toolkit with the strategies and resources needed to implement effective prevention practices and improve outcomes for children and families. \nTraining Topics\nPillars of Support: Integrating Prevention Aftercare in Child Welfare\nThursday\, January 15\, 2026 \nScrolling\, Streaming\, and Sexual Decision-Making: How Media Impacts Youth and Adolescents\nThursday\, February 19\, 2026 \nEvaluation Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Policies in the United States: Lessons Learned\nThursday\, March 19\, 2026 \nHope in Action: Science-Driven Strategies to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse\nThursday\, April 16\, 2026 \nHandle with Care\nThursday\, July 16\, 2026 \nPreventing Child Abuse Through Connection and Support: Lessons from WhatsOK\nThursday\, August 20\, 2026 \nChild Abuse Prevention for Clergy & Faith Leaders\nThursday\, September 17\, 2026 \nDon’t Throw Away the Candy Wrapper\nThursday\, October 15\, 2026 \nLong-Term Health Care Savings of Preventing Child Maltreatment\nThursday\, November 19\, 2026 \nPreventing Sibling Aggression and Abuse\nThursday\, December 17\, 2026 \nRegister Through APSAC\nMember Registration: Free\nNon-Member Registration: $149 URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/apsac-prevention-series-2/2026-11-19/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Special Events,Technology END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261203T170000 DTSTAMP:20260819T151916Z CREATED:20260819T151916Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T151916Z UID:10001700-1796220000-1796317200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:NCJTC Advanced Peer Review for Child Sex Trafficking Cases DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThis intensive three-hour advanced course provides a focused environment for experienced forensic interviewers to refine and strengthen their practice in child sex trafficking cases. Through expert-led peer review\, participants will critically analyze the structure\, clarity\, and defensibility of their forensic interviews\, identify areas for improvement\, and implement best practices to enhance the quality and integrity of their work. Emphasis is placed on trauma-informed interviewing techniques\, legally sound documentation\, and effective communication of complex case details to multidisciplinary partners and within judicial proceedings. Participants will leave with strengthened skills to ensure interviews are developmentally appropriate\, victim-centered\, and defensible in court. \nLearning Objectives \n\nPresent case evidence succinctly and accurately for constructive\, expert level peer evaluation\nIdentify strengths\, weaknesses\, and potential legal vulnerabilities in evidence organization and presentation strategies\nApply trauma informed principles in the handling and explanation of sensitive investigative findings\nStrengthen courtroom readiness and multidisciplinary communication by incorporation professional feedback in to real-world practice\nEnhance analytical and critical reasoning skills through review of peer presentations and facilitated discussion\nApply course techniques effectively within your professional role\n\nRegister through NCJTC\nRegister by Monday\, October 26\, 2026 \n  \n  URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/ncjtc-advanced-peer-review-for-child-sex-trafficking-cases/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="National Criminal Justice Training Center Fox Valley Technical College":MAILTO:info@ncjtc.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261203T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261203T140000 DTSTAMP:20260819T152313Z CREATED:20260819T152313Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T152313Z UID:10001702-1796299200-1796306400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:MACMH Helping Children Grieve DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe audience will discover the most effective strategies to support children during painful losses of all kinds.  Looking at how we adults are the role models and how we can teach children to process loss and why it is a life-changing skill. \nRegister Through MACMH URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/macmh-helping-children-grieve/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health":MAILTO:info@macmh.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261207 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261212 DTSTAMP:20260324T142828Z CREATED:20260323T192341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T142828Z UID:10001529-1796601600-1797033599@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:ZAP ChildFirst® National Forensic Interview Training DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nChildFirst® is an intensive five-day course in which students learn the necessary skills to conduct a competent\, investigative interview of a child abuse victim using the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol. \nChildFirst® is an interactive course which combines lectures with demonstrations and hands-on experience. ChildFirst® is a flexible model and takes a holistic approach and explores for all forms of maltreatment. Students will conduct a 30 minute interview with an actor/actress playing the role of an abused child and will be critiqued on their performance and take a written exam. \nChildFirst® is the ideal course for investigators\, child protection workers\, forensic interviewers\, and prosecutors working within a multidisciplinary team seeking to enhance their ability to speak to children. \nRegister through ZAP URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/zap-childfirst-national-forensic-interview-training-2/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261207 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261211 DTSTAMP:20260323T192211Z CREATED:20260323T192211Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T192211Z UID:10001528-1796601600-1796947199@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:NCAC Forensic Interviewing of Children Training DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe 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 CFI Structure. This 4-day\, interactive training is facilitated by practicing forensic interviewers who are well-versed in the current literature. The training includes lectures\, skill-building activities\, guided discussions\, reflections\, and an interview practicum in a supportive environment with assessment and feedback provided by experienced interviewers. \nRegister through NCAC\nRegister by Thursday\, November 26\, 2026. URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/ncac-forensic-interviewing-of-children-training-22/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261210 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261212 DTSTAMP:20260819T152038Z CREATED:20260819T152038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T152038Z UID:10001701-1796860800-1797033599@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:NCJTC Verbal De-Escalation and Conflict Resolution DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nAvoid potential conflict both professionally and personally by learning to organize your thinking and respond calmly. Consider the approaches you can take to prevent and respond to verbal conflict. This course will explore the communication process\, conflict prevention\, and help you understand why conflicts occur. Instruction will also cover certain circumstances in which verbal de-escalation techniques may not be appropriate\, and provide techniques to resolve such conflicts. Join us to learn how de-escalation techniques and communication skills can potentially defuse tense situations and lead to more successful outcomes. This training does not cover physical intervention techniques. \nLearning Objectives \n\nLeverage verbal and nonverbal approaches to improve service outcomes\nConsider and apply techniques when facing those who are emotionally charged or suffering from some form of crisis\nDemonstrate active listening skills to be best communicate and empathize with those in conflict\n\nRegister Through NCJTC\nRegister by Friday\, November 6\, 2026 URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/ncjtc-verbal-de-escalation-and-conflict-resolution-8/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Forensic Interview,Investigation,Medical,Mental Health,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="National Criminal Justice Training Center Fox Valley Technical College":MAILTO:info@ncjtc.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T113000 DTSTAMP:20260323T192613Z CREATED:20260323T192613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T192613Z UID:10001530-1796896800-1796902200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Effective Case Tracking Processes for CACs and MDTs DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe National Children’s Alliance requires that all accredited CACs collect and document specific case information and investigative outcomes to inform ongoing continuous quality improvement\, and for the betterment of cross-MDT communication. This training describes how CACs and MDTs can develop and maintain effective case tracking processes\, tracking essential information from the day of the interview through final potential criminal convictions. This training will review what case-tracking best practices are for Child Advocacy Centers and their MDTs\, and different options to achieve those best practices as a cohesive team. \nRegister Through First Witness URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-effective-case-tracking-processes-for-cacs-and-mdts/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261217T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261217T130000 DTSTAMP:20260324T165918Z CREATED:20260108T185524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T165918Z UID:10001542-1797508800-1797512400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:APSAC Prevention Series DESCRIPTION:Training Overview\nThe APSAC Prevention Series returns in 2026 will be held on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This is a monthly opportunity to learn from leading experts in child maltreatment prevention and child well-being offered to expand your toolkit with the strategies and resources needed to implement effective prevention practices and improve outcomes for children and families. \nTraining Topics\nPillars of Support: Integrating Prevention Aftercare in Child Welfare\nThursday\, January 15\, 2026 \nScrolling\, Streaming\, and Sexual Decision-Making: How Media Impacts Youth and Adolescents\nThursday\, February 19\, 2026 \nEvaluation Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Policies in the United States: Lessons Learned\nThursday\, March 19\, 2026 \nHope in Action: Science-Driven Strategies to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse\nThursday\, April 16\, 2026 \nHandle with Care\nThursday\, July 16\, 2026 \nPreventing Child Abuse Through Connection and Support: Lessons from WhatsOK\nThursday\, August 20\, 2026 \nChild Abuse Prevention for Clergy & Faith Leaders\nThursday\, September 17\, 2026 \nDon’t Throw Away the Candy Wrapper\nThursday\, October 15\, 2026 \nLong-Term Health Care Savings of Preventing Child Maltreatment\nThursday\, November 19\, 2026 \nPreventing Sibling Aggression and Abuse\nThursday\, December 17\, 2026 \nRegister Through APSAC\nMember Registration: Free\nNon-Member Registration: $149 URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/apsac-prevention-series-2/2026-12-17/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Advocacy,Children's Advocacy Centers,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar,Special Events,Technology END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270111 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270116 DTSTAMP:20261105T181507Z CREATED:20261105T181507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261105T181507Z UID:10001732-1799625600-1800057599@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Training for Advocates Working with a CAC© DESCRIPTION:Overview\nAn investigation of alleged child abuse and potential legal proceedings can be stressful for families. An advocate can provide much-needed support\, information\, and resources for families and non-offending caregivers. \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. \nRegister via First Witness URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-training-for-advocates-working-with-a-cac-20/ 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:20270112T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270112T153000 DTSTAMP:20261103T214309Z CREATED:20261103T214131Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T214309Z UID:10001713-1799762400-1799767800@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Forensic Interviewer Skill Building Beginner Cohort DESCRIPTION:Overview\nCalling all forensic interviewers! Join our Forensic Interviewer Skill Building Cohort\, where interviewers who have already completed a Nationally Accredited Forensic Interview Training can build upon the foundations of forensic interviewing and grow their skills through six 90-minute sessions over six months. \nLearn alongside a cohort of peers and get in-depth presentations from our nationally recognized trainers and forensic interviewers. Throughout the six-month cohort\, participants will discuss the APSAC Forensic Interviewing of Children Practice Guidelines while exploring six foundational topics essential to forensic interviewing. Sessions will focus on maintaining neutrality and recognizing interviewer suggestibility\, incorporating cultural humility into forensic interviews\, navigating interview planning and multidisciplinary team dynamics\, understanding memory\, trauma\, and child development\, strengthening approaches to interviewing adolescents and teens\, and building confidence in defending your forensic interview when testifying in court. \nEach session will combine research and best practices with facilitated discussion\, peer learning\, and opportunities for self-reflection. Before each monthly session\, participants will receive information about the upcoming topic so they can reflect on their practice and come prepared with questions\, challenges\, and case scenarios relevant to the discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other forensic interviewers\, work through real-world challenges together\, and build connections with peers in the field. Throughout the cohort\, participants will strengthen their confidence and ability to make intentional\, developmentally appropriate\, research-informed\, and defensible interviewing decisions. \nRegister via First Witness\nSchedule\nSession 1: Foundations of Neutrality and Interviewer Suggestibility\nJanuary 12\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nExplain the role of interviewer neutrality in promoting accurate\, reliable\, and defensible forensic interviews.\nIdentify sources of bias that may influence interview planning\, question formulation\, and interpretation of children’s statements.\nApply strategies to recognize and minimize suggestibility through both verbal and nonverbal communication.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDifferentiate between the interviewer being supportive and being suggestive during the interview process.\nRecognize how referral information and MDT discussions can influence interviewer bias.\nIdentify examples of suggestive and leading behaviors within interviews.\nReflect on personal experiences\, assumptions\, and professional perspectives that may influence interviewing practices.\n\nSession 2: Cultural Humility in Forensic Interviewing\nFebruary 9\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the role of cultural humility in building rapport and supporting effective forensic interviews.\nIdentify cultural\, religious\, and identity-related factors that may influence a child’s disclosure process or create barriers to a child’s disclosure.\nApply strategies that promote curiosity\, respect\, and flexibility while maintaining neutrality during forensic interviews.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDifferentiate cultural humility from cultural competence and recognize the importance of lifelong learning in cultural humility.\nIdentify common cultural and community norms that may influence communication\, authority relationships\, and disclosure.\nDiscuss blocks barriers that LGBTQ+ youth may experience when participating in forensic interviews.\nRecognize the influence of religious beliefs and family expectations on children’s willingness to disclose abuse.\nReflect on personal assumptions/bias and identify strategies to minimize their impact on interviewing children who may be from that background or identity.\n\nSession 3: Interview Planning and MDT Dynamics\nMarch 9\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nEvaluate pre-interview information in a manner that supports interview planning while minimizing bias.\nApply strategies for maintaining professional independence when collaborating with multidisciplinary team members.\nBuild confidence in responding to requests or pressures from MDT members that conflict with forensic interviewing best practices.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nIdentify the purpose of and the pros/limitations of pre-interview information.\nDifferentiate between information that assists with interview planning and information that may increase bias within the interview.\nDiscuss effective communication strategies for declining requests to ask children questions that are not developmentally appropriate or consistent with forensic interviewing best practices.\nRecognize the forensic interviewer’s responsibility for the structure and quality of the interview and that they are the ones who ultimately must defend the interview in the court.\nReflect on ways to advocate for best practice while maintaining positive multidisciplinary relationships.\n\nSession 4: Memory\, Trauma\, and Child Development\nApril 13\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe how developmental factors influence children’s ability to encode\, store\, and retrieve memories.\nDifferentiate between various types of memory (episodic vs. script) and explain their relevance to forensic interviewing.\nApply knowledge of memory development and trauma to formulate developmentally appropriate interviewing strategies and expectations.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDistinguish between episodic memory and script memory in children’s narratives.\nDescribe how age\, cognitive ability\, language development\, culture\, and repeated experiences influence recall.\nDiscuss current research regarding trauma and memory without relying on common myths or assumptions.\nRecognize how cultural experiences and life context may influence memory organization and storytelling.\nIdentify ways interviewers can support recall through open-ended\, developmentally appropriate questioning.\n\nSession 5: Interviewing Adolescents/Teens\nMay 11\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe developmental characteristics that distinguish adolescent forensic interviews from interviews with younger children.\nApply rapport-building strategies that promote engagement with teens while maintaining neutrality and professional boundaries.\nRecognize and respond to common challenges encountered when interviewing adolescents involved in high-risk or exploitation-related situations.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nIdentify developmental factors that influence adolescent communication and decision-making.\nDiscuss common reasons adolescents may minimize\, delay\, or resist disclosure.\nExplore strategies for discussing high-risk behaviors without introducing shame or judgment during the interview.\nRecognize the impact of exploitation\, coercion\, and grooming on adolescent disclosure.\nReflect on interviewer attitudes and assumptions that may influence interactions with adolescents.\n\nSession 6: Defending Your Own Interview\nJune 8\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the forensic interviewer’s role as a Lay Witness and explain the importance of remaining within the scope of that role.\nArticulate the rationale behind interview decisions using research-informed and developmentally appropriate principles.\nIdentify strategies for responding to common cross-examination topics while maintaining professionalism and objectivity.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nRecognize the importance of documenting interview decisions and accommodations.\nExplain the purpose behind question selection\, pacing\, and interview structure.\nDiscuss how to defend the use of accommodations such as drawings\, diagrams\, and dolls when appropriate.\nIdentify common defense challenges and formulate responses grounded in best practice.\nReflect on the importance of remaining neutral and avoiding opinions regarding credibility or truthfulness. URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-forensic-interviewer-skill-building-beginner-cohort/2027-01-12/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270120T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270120T103000 DTSTAMP:20261102T190215Z CREATED:20261021T201854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261102T190215Z UID:10001707-1800435600-1800441000@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Minimal Facts Interviewing DESCRIPTION:Overview\nResponding to a child’s disclosure is one of the most integral components of a child maltreatment investigation. As adults who work with children or who may encounter children in any capacity\, it’s important to know how to effectively respond and react to a child’s disclosure to ensure the course of a potential investigation is left unhindered. Minimal Facts Interviewing will provide participants with the skills necessary to identify and respond appropriately to a child or adolescent’s initial disclosure. This method of communicating is applicable to children of all ages who report any form of suspected maltreatment\, including but not limited to physical abuse\, sexual abuse\, neglect\, and witnessing violence. \nLearning Objectives\n\nRecognize red flags and other signs of potential child maltreatment.\nUnderstand how and what information to gather from a child reporting maltreatment.\nUnderstand the importance of expectations of you as a mandated reporter\, including\nreporting and cross-reporting suspected child maltreatment.\n\nPresenter Bio\nMegan Prouty is the Forensics and Training Program Manager and a Senior Forensic Interviewer at First Witness Child Advocacy Center\, where she conducts forensic interviews with children\, adolescents\, and vulnerable adults and helps strengthen First Witness’s training program. Megan has a bachelor’s in social work with a minor in psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. \nHer work and training focus on research-based forensic interviewing\, child development and memory\, trauma-informed practice\, multidisciplinary teams\, and translating research into practical strategies professionals can apply in the field. Megan has conducted more than 200 forensic interviews using the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol\, monitored hundreds more\, completed advanced training in forensic interviewing and child development\, and provides expert testimony on forensic interviewing practices and advanced topics. She is passionate about creating engaging\, interactive learning environments that combine current research with real-world experience\, equipping professionals with practical skills and greater confidence in their work. \n\n \n Registrant InformationName*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email*\n \n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n Organization*Professional Role*AdvocateCommunity MemberDirectorForensic InterviewerMedical ProviderMental Health ProviderParentStatewide CoalitionTeacher or School RepresentativeYouth Serving OrganizationAnother rolePlease select the role that most closely aligns with your daily work.Another RolePlease specify your professional role.Address \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Country\n AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe \n \n \n When you click register\, you will be redirected to PayPal to complete payment. \n\nTo checkout as a guest\, click the "Pay with a debit or credit card" button beneath the "Next" button. At the end of the payment form turn off the "Create my PayPal account" toggle if you do not wish to create an account. \n Register URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-minimal-facts-interviewing/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Investigation,Multidisciplinary teams ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Minimal-Facts-FW-Training-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270121T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270121T113000 DTSTAMP:20261103T220955Z CREATED:20261103T220955Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T220955Z UID:10001727-1800525600-1800531000@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | It’s a Spectrum: Forensically Interviewing Children with Autism DESCRIPTION:Overview\nIn recent years\, there has been more awareness surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder; however\, this awareness has also brought about some harmful stereotypes and biases. This webinar will look at the basics of what Autism is\, what symptoms are seen in children\, and how it has progressed through history as a diagnosis. We will discuss how nuances play a role in how we prep for and conduct forensic interviews with autistic children including topics of communication\, question types\, memory\, and suggestibility. Lastly\, we will discuss considerations for law enforcement\, social workers\, and attorneys as part of a multidisciplinary team investigating these cases. \nRegister via First Witness URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-its-a-spectrum-forensically-interviewing-children-with-autism/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270124 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270129 DTSTAMP:20261103T224210Z CREATED:20261103T224210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T224210Z UID:10001731-1800748800-1801180799@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:42nd Annual Chadwick Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment DESCRIPTION:The Power of Connection: Building stronger families together\nThe purpose of the San Diego Child and Maltreatment Conference is to create an opportunity for collaboration and multidisciplinary interactions across the workforce to develop and enhance their professional skills and knowledge in the prevention\, recognition\, assessment\, investigation\, and treatment of all forms of child and family maltreatment using best practices. \nOverview\nThe Chadwick Child Maltreatment Conference has always been about bringing people together to share knowledge and strengthen our collective mission. In 2027\, we’re excited to take that commitment further by hosting the conference fully online—creating new opportunities for flexibility\, accessibility\, and connection. \nTo better serve our community during a time of financial and logistical challenges\, this virtual format will allow more professionals from across the country and around the world to join the conversation\, enriching our sessions with diverse perspectives and experiences. You’ll still find the expert-led content\, interactive discussions\, and collaborative spirit you value\, with even more voices at the table. \nWhile this is a temporary shift as we redesign the conference for the future\, we believe this expanded reach will strengthen our shared work. We look forward to welcoming you online in 2027 and to returning to in-person gatherings when the time is right. \nRegister via Chadwick Center for Children and Families URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/42nd-annual-chadwick-conference-on-child-and-family-maltreatment/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270209T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270209T153000 DTSTAMP:20261103T214309Z CREATED:20261103T214131Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T214309Z UID:10001714-1802181600-1802187000@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Forensic Interviewer Skill Building Beginner Cohort DESCRIPTION:Overview\nCalling all forensic interviewers! Join our Forensic Interviewer Skill Building Cohort\, where interviewers who have already completed a Nationally Accredited Forensic Interview Training can build upon the foundations of forensic interviewing and grow their skills through six 90-minute sessions over six months. \nLearn alongside a cohort of peers and get in-depth presentations from our nationally recognized trainers and forensic interviewers. Throughout the six-month cohort\, participants will discuss the APSAC Forensic Interviewing of Children Practice Guidelines while exploring six foundational topics essential to forensic interviewing. Sessions will focus on maintaining neutrality and recognizing interviewer suggestibility\, incorporating cultural humility into forensic interviews\, navigating interview planning and multidisciplinary team dynamics\, understanding memory\, trauma\, and child development\, strengthening approaches to interviewing adolescents and teens\, and building confidence in defending your forensic interview when testifying in court. \nEach session will combine research and best practices with facilitated discussion\, peer learning\, and opportunities for self-reflection. Before each monthly session\, participants will receive information about the upcoming topic so they can reflect on their practice and come prepared with questions\, challenges\, and case scenarios relevant to the discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other forensic interviewers\, work through real-world challenges together\, and build connections with peers in the field. Throughout the cohort\, participants will strengthen their confidence and ability to make intentional\, developmentally appropriate\, research-informed\, and defensible interviewing decisions. \nRegister via First Witness\nSchedule\nSession 1: Foundations of Neutrality and Interviewer Suggestibility\nJanuary 12\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nExplain the role of interviewer neutrality in promoting accurate\, reliable\, and defensible forensic interviews.\nIdentify sources of bias that may influence interview planning\, question formulation\, and interpretation of children’s statements.\nApply strategies to recognize and minimize suggestibility through both verbal and nonverbal communication.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDifferentiate between the interviewer being supportive and being suggestive during the interview process.\nRecognize how referral information and MDT discussions can influence interviewer bias.\nIdentify examples of suggestive and leading behaviors within interviews.\nReflect on personal experiences\, assumptions\, and professional perspectives that may influence interviewing practices.\n\nSession 2: Cultural Humility in Forensic Interviewing\nFebruary 9\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the role of cultural humility in building rapport and supporting effective forensic interviews.\nIdentify cultural\, religious\, and identity-related factors that may influence a child’s disclosure process or create barriers to a child’s disclosure.\nApply strategies that promote curiosity\, respect\, and flexibility while maintaining neutrality during forensic interviews.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDifferentiate cultural humility from cultural competence and recognize the importance of lifelong learning in cultural humility.\nIdentify common cultural and community norms that may influence communication\, authority relationships\, and disclosure.\nDiscuss blocks barriers that LGBTQ+ youth may experience when participating in forensic interviews.\nRecognize the influence of religious beliefs and family expectations on children’s willingness to disclose abuse.\nReflect on personal assumptions/bias and identify strategies to minimize their impact on interviewing children who may be from that background or identity.\n\nSession 3: Interview Planning and MDT Dynamics\nMarch 9\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nEvaluate pre-interview information in a manner that supports interview planning while minimizing bias.\nApply strategies for maintaining professional independence when collaborating with multidisciplinary team members.\nBuild confidence in responding to requests or pressures from MDT members that conflict with forensic interviewing best practices.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nIdentify the purpose of and the pros/limitations of pre-interview information.\nDifferentiate between information that assists with interview planning and information that may increase bias within the interview.\nDiscuss effective communication strategies for declining requests to ask children questions that are not developmentally appropriate or consistent with forensic interviewing best practices.\nRecognize the forensic interviewer’s responsibility for the structure and quality of the interview and that they are the ones who ultimately must defend the interview in the court.\nReflect on ways to advocate for best practice while maintaining positive multidisciplinary relationships.\n\nSession 4: Memory\, Trauma\, and Child Development\nApril 13\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe how developmental factors influence children’s ability to encode\, store\, and retrieve memories.\nDifferentiate between various types of memory (episodic vs. script) and explain their relevance to forensic interviewing.\nApply knowledge of memory development and trauma to formulate developmentally appropriate interviewing strategies and expectations.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDistinguish between episodic memory and script memory in children’s narratives.\nDescribe how age\, cognitive ability\, language development\, culture\, and repeated experiences influence recall.\nDiscuss current research regarding trauma and memory without relying on common myths or assumptions.\nRecognize how cultural experiences and life context may influence memory organization and storytelling.\nIdentify ways interviewers can support recall through open-ended\, developmentally appropriate questioning.\n\nSession 5: Interviewing Adolescents/Teens\nMay 11\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe developmental characteristics that distinguish adolescent forensic interviews from interviews with younger children.\nApply rapport-building strategies that promote engagement with teens while maintaining neutrality and professional boundaries.\nRecognize and respond to common challenges encountered when interviewing adolescents involved in high-risk or exploitation-related situations.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nIdentify developmental factors that influence adolescent communication and decision-making.\nDiscuss common reasons adolescents may minimize\, delay\, or resist disclosure.\nExplore strategies for discussing high-risk behaviors without introducing shame or judgment during the interview.\nRecognize the impact of exploitation\, coercion\, and grooming on adolescent disclosure.\nReflect on interviewer attitudes and assumptions that may influence interactions with adolescents.\n\nSession 6: Defending Your Own Interview\nJune 8\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the forensic interviewer’s role as a Lay Witness and explain the importance of remaining within the scope of that role.\nArticulate the rationale behind interview decisions using research-informed and developmentally appropriate principles.\nIdentify strategies for responding to common cross-examination topics while maintaining professionalism and objectivity.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nRecognize the importance of documenting interview decisions and accommodations.\nExplain the purpose behind question selection\, pacing\, and interview structure.\nDiscuss how to defend the use of accommodations such as drawings\, diagrams\, and dolls when appropriate.\nIdentify common defense challenges and formulate responses grounded in best practice.\nReflect on the importance of remaining neutral and avoiding opinions regarding credibility or truthfulness. URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-forensic-interviewer-skill-building-beginner-cohort/2027-02-09/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270216T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270216T113000 DTSTAMP:20261105T191451Z CREATED:20261105T191451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261105T191451Z UID:10001738-1802772000-1802777400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Centering Empathy In Your Work: A Strengths-Based Approach To Working With Parents & Caregivers DESCRIPTION:Overview\nThis session highlights the importance of leading with empathy and understanding when working with caregivers whose families are now a part of systems. We will be taking a closer look at how professionals can use a strength-based approach to successfully assist families who are navigating a disclosure of child maltreatment. Attendees will learn how to understand their biases\, as well as other common barriers to empathy\, when working with caregivers of different backgrounds\, cultures\, and experiences. Lastly\, we will explore different techniques that can be used to mitigate bias and break past the identified barriers\, so that we can successfully lead with empathy in our work. \nRegister via First Witness URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-centering-empathy-in-your-work-a-strengths-based-approach-to-working-with-parents-caregivers/ 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:20270223T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270223T160000 DTSTAMP:20261104T171753Z CREATED:20261103T202430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261104T171753Z UID:10001709-1803387600-1803398400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | MDTs within CACs: A toolkit for facilitators and coordinators DESCRIPTION:Overview\nMulti-disciplinary teams (MDTs) in conjunction with child advocacy centers (CACs) serve as a vital piece of child abuse investigations; however\, in order to maintain a well-functioning MDT\, facilitators and coordinators must have a strong toolkit that allows them to steer the team in the right direction. In this workshop\, you will learn how to: create an MDT\, get buy-in\, create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)\, meet the requirements within the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) standards\, facilitate and coordinate effectively\, build a strong team\, utilize effective resolution skills to counteract conflicts\, and understand how to facilitate a culture of self-care and sustainability. URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-mdts-within-cacs-a-toolkit-for-facilitators-and-coordinators/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Children's Advocacy Centers,Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270309T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270309T153000 DTSTAMP:20261103T214309Z CREATED:20261103T214131Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T214309Z UID:10001715-1804600800-1804606200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Forensic Interviewer Skill Building Beginner Cohort DESCRIPTION:Overview\nCalling all forensic interviewers! Join our Forensic Interviewer Skill Building Cohort\, where interviewers who have already completed a Nationally Accredited Forensic Interview Training can build upon the foundations of forensic interviewing and grow their skills through six 90-minute sessions over six months. \nLearn alongside a cohort of peers and get in-depth presentations from our nationally recognized trainers and forensic interviewers. Throughout the six-month cohort\, participants will discuss the APSAC Forensic Interviewing of Children Practice Guidelines while exploring six foundational topics essential to forensic interviewing. Sessions will focus on maintaining neutrality and recognizing interviewer suggestibility\, incorporating cultural humility into forensic interviews\, navigating interview planning and multidisciplinary team dynamics\, understanding memory\, trauma\, and child development\, strengthening approaches to interviewing adolescents and teens\, and building confidence in defending your forensic interview when testifying in court. \nEach session will combine research and best practices with facilitated discussion\, peer learning\, and opportunities for self-reflection. Before each monthly session\, participants will receive information about the upcoming topic so they can reflect on their practice and come prepared with questions\, challenges\, and case scenarios relevant to the discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other forensic interviewers\, work through real-world challenges together\, and build connections with peers in the field. Throughout the cohort\, participants will strengthen their confidence and ability to make intentional\, developmentally appropriate\, research-informed\, and defensible interviewing decisions. \nRegister via First Witness\nSchedule\nSession 1: Foundations of Neutrality and Interviewer Suggestibility\nJanuary 12\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nExplain the role of interviewer neutrality in promoting accurate\, reliable\, and defensible forensic interviews.\nIdentify sources of bias that may influence interview planning\, question formulation\, and interpretation of children’s statements.\nApply strategies to recognize and minimize suggestibility through both verbal and nonverbal communication.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDifferentiate between the interviewer being supportive and being suggestive during the interview process.\nRecognize how referral information and MDT discussions can influence interviewer bias.\nIdentify examples of suggestive and leading behaviors within interviews.\nReflect on personal experiences\, assumptions\, and professional perspectives that may influence interviewing practices.\n\nSession 2: Cultural Humility in Forensic Interviewing\nFebruary 9\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the role of cultural humility in building rapport and supporting effective forensic interviews.\nIdentify cultural\, religious\, and identity-related factors that may influence a child’s disclosure process or create barriers to a child’s disclosure.\nApply strategies that promote curiosity\, respect\, and flexibility while maintaining neutrality during forensic interviews.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDifferentiate cultural humility from cultural competence and recognize the importance of lifelong learning in cultural humility.\nIdentify common cultural and community norms that may influence communication\, authority relationships\, and disclosure.\nDiscuss blocks barriers that LGBTQ+ youth may experience when participating in forensic interviews.\nRecognize the influence of religious beliefs and family expectations on children’s willingness to disclose abuse.\nReflect on personal assumptions/bias and identify strategies to minimize their impact on interviewing children who may be from that background or identity.\n\nSession 3: Interview Planning and MDT Dynamics\nMarch 9\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nEvaluate pre-interview information in a manner that supports interview planning while minimizing bias.\nApply strategies for maintaining professional independence when collaborating with multidisciplinary team members.\nBuild confidence in responding to requests or pressures from MDT members that conflict with forensic interviewing best practices.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nIdentify the purpose of and the pros/limitations of pre-interview information.\nDifferentiate between information that assists with interview planning and information that may increase bias within the interview.\nDiscuss effective communication strategies for declining requests to ask children questions that are not developmentally appropriate or consistent with forensic interviewing best practices.\nRecognize the forensic interviewer’s responsibility for the structure and quality of the interview and that they are the ones who ultimately must defend the interview in the court.\nReflect on ways to advocate for best practice while maintaining positive multidisciplinary relationships.\n\nSession 4: Memory\, Trauma\, and Child Development\nApril 13\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe how developmental factors influence children’s ability to encode\, store\, and retrieve memories.\nDifferentiate between various types of memory (episodic vs. script) and explain their relevance to forensic interviewing.\nApply knowledge of memory development and trauma to formulate developmentally appropriate interviewing strategies and expectations.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDistinguish between episodic memory and script memory in children’s narratives.\nDescribe how age\, cognitive ability\, language development\, culture\, and repeated experiences influence recall.\nDiscuss current research regarding trauma and memory without relying on common myths or assumptions.\nRecognize how cultural experiences and life context may influence memory organization and storytelling.\nIdentify ways interviewers can support recall through open-ended\, developmentally appropriate questioning.\n\nSession 5: Interviewing Adolescents/Teens\nMay 11\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe developmental characteristics that distinguish adolescent forensic interviews from interviews with younger children.\nApply rapport-building strategies that promote engagement with teens while maintaining neutrality and professional boundaries.\nRecognize and respond to common challenges encountered when interviewing adolescents involved in high-risk or exploitation-related situations.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nIdentify developmental factors that influence adolescent communication and decision-making.\nDiscuss common reasons adolescents may minimize\, delay\, or resist disclosure.\nExplore strategies for discussing high-risk behaviors without introducing shame or judgment during the interview.\nRecognize the impact of exploitation\, coercion\, and grooming on adolescent disclosure.\nReflect on interviewer attitudes and assumptions that may influence interactions with adolescents.\n\nSession 6: Defending Your Own Interview\nJune 8\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the forensic interviewer’s role as a Lay Witness and explain the importance of remaining within the scope of that role.\nArticulate the rationale behind interview decisions using research-informed and developmentally appropriate principles.\nIdentify strategies for responding to common cross-examination topics while maintaining professionalism and objectivity.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nRecognize the importance of documenting interview decisions and accommodations.\nExplain the purpose behind question selection\, pacing\, and interview structure.\nDiscuss how to defend the use of accommodations such as drawings\, diagrams\, and dolls when appropriate.\nIdentify common defense challenges and formulate responses grounded in best practice.\nReflect on the importance of remaining neutral and avoiding opinions regarding credibility or truthfulness. URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-forensic-interviewer-skill-building-beginner-cohort/2027-03-09/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270323T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270323T113000 DTSTAMP:20261105T191702Z CREATED:20261105T191702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261105T191702Z UID:10001739-1805796000-1805801400@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Pornography and Youth: Understanding and Responding to Current and Changing Trends DESCRIPTION:Overview\nWith a national increase in access to the internet and AI\, teens and adults now have more exposure to violent and harmful pornography. This increase in access not only creates harm to youth but is\, at times\, used in child sexual abuse as a method of manipulation and further abuse. As professionals\, it is important to communicate effectively with youth and caregivers about the internet and its relationship to personal safety. This session will discuss the impact of porn/AI on youth\, the role of porn/AI usage in the process of victim manipulation and grooming\, and harm reduction for youth access to porn/AI. \nRegister via First Witness URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-pornography-and-youth-understanding-and-responding-to-current-and-changing-trends/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Multidisciplinary teams,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270413T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270413T153000 DTSTAMP:20261103T214309Z CREATED:20261103T214131Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T214309Z UID:10001716-1807624800-1807630200@minnesotachildrensalliance.org SUMMARY:First Witness | Forensic Interviewer Skill Building Beginner Cohort DESCRIPTION:Overview\nCalling all forensic interviewers! Join our Forensic Interviewer Skill Building Cohort\, where interviewers who have already completed a Nationally Accredited Forensic Interview Training can build upon the foundations of forensic interviewing and grow their skills through six 90-minute sessions over six months. \nLearn alongside a cohort of peers and get in-depth presentations from our nationally recognized trainers and forensic interviewers. Throughout the six-month cohort\, participants will discuss the APSAC Forensic Interviewing of Children Practice Guidelines while exploring six foundational topics essential to forensic interviewing. Sessions will focus on maintaining neutrality and recognizing interviewer suggestibility\, incorporating cultural humility into forensic interviews\, navigating interview planning and multidisciplinary team dynamics\, understanding memory\, trauma\, and child development\, strengthening approaches to interviewing adolescents and teens\, and building confidence in defending your forensic interview when testifying in court. \nEach session will combine research and best practices with facilitated discussion\, peer learning\, and opportunities for self-reflection. Before each monthly session\, participants will receive information about the upcoming topic so they can reflect on their practice and come prepared with questions\, challenges\, and case scenarios relevant to the discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other forensic interviewers\, work through real-world challenges together\, and build connections with peers in the field. Throughout the cohort\, participants will strengthen their confidence and ability to make intentional\, developmentally appropriate\, research-informed\, and defensible interviewing decisions. \nRegister via First Witness\nSchedule\nSession 1: Foundations of Neutrality and Interviewer Suggestibility\nJanuary 12\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nExplain the role of interviewer neutrality in promoting accurate\, reliable\, and defensible forensic interviews.\nIdentify sources of bias that may influence interview planning\, question formulation\, and interpretation of children’s statements.\nApply strategies to recognize and minimize suggestibility through both verbal and nonverbal communication.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDifferentiate between the interviewer being supportive and being suggestive during the interview process.\nRecognize how referral information and MDT discussions can influence interviewer bias.\nIdentify examples of suggestive and leading behaviors within interviews.\nReflect on personal experiences\, assumptions\, and professional perspectives that may influence interviewing practices.\n\nSession 2: Cultural Humility in Forensic Interviewing\nFebruary 9\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the role of cultural humility in building rapport and supporting effective forensic interviews.\nIdentify cultural\, religious\, and identity-related factors that may influence a child’s disclosure process or create barriers to a child’s disclosure.\nApply strategies that promote curiosity\, respect\, and flexibility while maintaining neutrality during forensic interviews.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDifferentiate cultural humility from cultural competence and recognize the importance of lifelong learning in cultural humility.\nIdentify common cultural and community norms that may influence communication\, authority relationships\, and disclosure.\nDiscuss blocks barriers that LGBTQ+ youth may experience when participating in forensic interviews.\nRecognize the influence of religious beliefs and family expectations on children’s willingness to disclose abuse.\nReflect on personal assumptions/bias and identify strategies to minimize their impact on interviewing children who may be from that background or identity.\n\nSession 3: Interview Planning and MDT Dynamics\nMarch 9\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nEvaluate pre-interview information in a manner that supports interview planning while minimizing bias.\nApply strategies for maintaining professional independence when collaborating with multidisciplinary team members.\nBuild confidence in responding to requests or pressures from MDT members that conflict with forensic interviewing best practices.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nIdentify the purpose of and the pros/limitations of pre-interview information.\nDifferentiate between information that assists with interview planning and information that may increase bias within the interview.\nDiscuss effective communication strategies for declining requests to ask children questions that are not developmentally appropriate or consistent with forensic interviewing best practices.\nRecognize the forensic interviewer’s responsibility for the structure and quality of the interview and that they are the ones who ultimately must defend the interview in the court.\nReflect on ways to advocate for best practice while maintaining positive multidisciplinary relationships.\n\nSession 4: Memory\, Trauma\, and Child Development\nApril 13\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe how developmental factors influence children’s ability to encode\, store\, and retrieve memories.\nDifferentiate between various types of memory (episodic vs. script) and explain their relevance to forensic interviewing.\nApply knowledge of memory development and trauma to formulate developmentally appropriate interviewing strategies and expectations.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nDistinguish between episodic memory and script memory in children’s narratives.\nDescribe how age\, cognitive ability\, language development\, culture\, and repeated experiences influence recall.\nDiscuss current research regarding trauma and memory without relying on common myths or assumptions.\nRecognize how cultural experiences and life context may influence memory organization and storytelling.\nIdentify ways interviewers can support recall through open-ended\, developmentally appropriate questioning.\n\nSession 5: Interviewing Adolescents/Teens\nMay 11\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe developmental characteristics that distinguish adolescent forensic interviews from interviews with younger children.\nApply rapport-building strategies that promote engagement with teens while maintaining neutrality and professional boundaries.\nRecognize and respond to common challenges encountered when interviewing adolescents involved in high-risk or exploitation-related situations.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nIdentify developmental factors that influence adolescent communication and decision-making.\nDiscuss common reasons adolescents may minimize\, delay\, or resist disclosure.\nExplore strategies for discussing high-risk behaviors without introducing shame or judgment during the interview.\nRecognize the impact of exploitation\, coercion\, and grooming on adolescent disclosure.\nReflect on interviewer attitudes and assumptions that may influence interactions with adolescents.\n\nSession 6: Defending Your Own Interview\nJune 8\, 2027 – 2:00pm-3:30pm Central Time \nLearning Objectives:\nBy the end of this session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe the forensic interviewer’s role as a Lay Witness and explain the importance of remaining within the scope of that role.\nArticulate the rationale behind interview decisions using research-informed and developmentally appropriate principles.\nIdentify strategies for responding to common cross-examination topics while maintaining professionalism and objectivity.\n\nGoal of Discussion:\n\nRecognize the importance of documenting interview decisions and accommodations.\nExplain the purpose behind question selection\, pacing\, and interview structure.\nDiscuss how to defend the use of accommodations such as drawings\, diagrams\, and dolls when appropriate.\nIdentify common defense challenges and formulate responses grounded in best practice.\nReflect on the importance of remaining neutral and avoiding opinions regarding credibility or truthfulness. URL:https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/first-witness-forensic-interviewer-skill-building-beginner-cohort/2027-04-13/ LOCATION:Online Webinar CATEGORIES:Forensic Interview,Online Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="First Witness":MAILTO:Info@firstwitness.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR