Recognizing and Responding to Grooming Behaviors in School Settings

Conference Theme: School Empowerment

Session Description

Grooming behaviors are a common component in many cases of child sexual abuse and often occur in environments where adults have ongoing access to children—such as schools. Educators and school staff are in a unique position to observe subtle shifts in student behavior and interactions that may signal grooming. This training is designed to equip school personnel with a clear understanding of what grooming is, how to recognize manipulative behaviors across its stages, and how to respond appropriately and effectively.

Participants will explore real-world examples of grooming in educational settings, examine the psychological tactics used by offenders to gain a child’s trust and silence, and learn how to distinguish between appropriate and potentially harmful adult-student interactions. The course will also cover reporting requirements, and offer practical strategies for communicating concerns and supporting students.

Session Objectives

Participants will

1. Increase educators’ understanding of the stages and behavioral patterns involved in sexual grooming, particularly as they may appear in school environments.
2. Identify and challenge common myths and misconceptions about grooming that may hinder early detection or response.
3. Strengthen participants’ confidence and competence in recognizing red flags, documenting concerns, and responding in accordance with school policies and mandatory reporting laws.
4. Provide educators with tools and language to appropriately support students who may be experiencing manipulation or grooming, while maintaining professional boundaries and trauma-informed practices.

Presenters

Rita Farrell, Zero Abuse Project

Senior Director of Zero Abuse Project, Rita Farrell oversees the Expanding Child Abuse Prevention Program (ECAP), JWRC, and the national and international ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Training Program.

Rita has been in the field of child abuse prevention and investigations for more than 30 years. Rita provides training and technical assistance for child protection professionals, expert testimony, and has authored many publications specific to the field of forensic interviewing.   Rita is a certified law enforcement instructor.

Caitie Dahl, Zero Abuse Project

Caitie Dahl is a Forensic Interview Specialist and Trainer at Zero Abuse Project, where she develops training materials and publications on forensic interviews, best practices in child abuse investigations, child abuse dynamics, and support for special populations. Committed to enhancing the professional response to child maltreatment, Caitie creates educational resources that empower practitioners to better assist children and families during the investigative process.

Previously, Caitie served as a Forensic Interviewer, Forensic Program Coordinator, Trainer, and Multidisciplinary Team Facilitator at First Witness Child Advocacy Center in Duluth, Minnesota. Her experience has deepened her understanding of trauma-informed practices, and she is dedicated to providing victims of abuse with a safe, legally defensible environment to share their experiences.