Learn how to objectively investigate child death cases, particularly when the cause and manner of death is unexplained. Examine investigative mindset from initial call-out to case resolution and learn how to gain an understanding of what happens with a victim-centered approach, exploring the emotional trauma of the non-offending caregiver. Discuss possible causes of death and best practices and tips including various investigative steps for evidence collection, witness and suspect interviews. This basic course offers law enforcement, CPS, and other child death investigators up-to-date practices for the investigation of child deaths.
This 12-hour course includes a 2-hour self-paced training orientation, 8 hours of live instruction and up to 2 hours coaching/open office hours. Gain awareness about drug-endangered children and understand the opportunities to identify children at risk. Learn how to implement the DEC approach, uniting multiple agencies and disciplines around the common goal of improving outcomes for drug endangered children. Discuss the risks to children growing up in households where opioids, stimulants, marijuana or other drugs are misused. Discover the intersection between drug endangered children and human trafficking.
Child Sex Trafficking (CST) is a crime that is hidden yet in plain sight. First responders are often the first system members to make contact with a CST victim. A CST victim has been heavily groomed for system contact, is fearful of their trafficker, and often not forthcoming about their exploitive situation. Deconstruct the crime of CST and identify common scenarios in which you may come in contact with a CST victim. Discover victim-centered contact practices you can implement which are specific to CST victims. Recognize how to secure vital evidence which may only be available during your initial contact with the victim. Practice group exercises and develop contact and response plans to common scenarios you may encounter.
Learn basic techniques and strategies to enhance the likelihood of obtaining information from possible victims of child sex trafficking. Compare and contrast typical child sexual abuse cases with child sex trafficking (CST) cases and address the different points of entry into the criminal justice and welfare system for CST victims. Understand various disciplines' roles and responsibilities and how they can contribute to a positive outcome of the CST case. Examine question strategy, interview dynamics, language use, and interview suggestions. Discuss the business model of child sex trafficking as it relates to a variety of crimes, including the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Explore the challenges involved with no body homicide investigations. Most start as missing persons cases; the suspect’s head start coupled with the absence of the victim’s body leaves gaping holes in the investigation. Join us to hear from experienced instructors as they provide the framework and tools to build a prosecutable circumstantial case—regardless of the age of the case—from proving the victim is dead using established practices such as victimology, interviews, documents/records/digital footprint to search strategies and best practices in documentation. This training will also provide established prosecution strategies that maximize the likelihood of success. During instruction, there will be an opportunity to share your case as a class participation case study exercise.
Develop the ability to assess the behavioral elements of a child's disappearance in relation to abductor profiles. Analyze the typical traits, motivations, and behaviors of non-familial child abductors. By applying general knowledge of these behavioral patterns along with circumstances of the abduction, better direct your investigations towards the likely suspect profile. This method is designed to construct a profile of an unknown offender and, in cases with suspects, to focus the investigation on the most likely offender.
Examine the importance of multidisciplinary team (MDT) case coordination and evidence corroboration in the investigation of child abuse cases. Various members of the Multidisciplinary Team, such as law enforcement, child protective services, and forensic interviewers may gather different or differing information. Learn how to evaluate evidentiary findings through crime scene images, interviews and case studies. Understand multidisciplinary team members' roles and responsibilities for protecting child victims and prosecuting offenders. Focus on offenders’ use of technology, including the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in grooming and manipulation. Discuss a variety of technology that can be used by investigators.
Learn the best approach with children who are alleged victims of child abuse in the initial phases of a case, after a concern has been identified. Develop the basic skills and techniques necessary to engage a child in such a way as to minimize suggestibility but still provide support, beyond what is taught in a First Responder Training. Review best practices in identification of a concern and learn to engage these children in a way that maximizes positive case outcomes and minimizes potential behaviors that can hurt cases.
This introductory course provides participants with practical verbal de-escalation techniques to diffuse conflicts and reduce the potential for violence. Participants will gain the skills needed to recognize the factors that contribute to anger and violence in the workplace, identify behaviors and warning signs of anger and conflict, and recognize individuals in crisis. The course emphasizes the importance of safety considerations during de-escalation and provides verbal and non-verbal communication techniques essential for effective conflict resolution. Participants will leave this training equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively de-escalate conflicts, maintain safety, and foster a more harmonious workplace.
Join other child-serving professionals to create a plan of action for preventing child sexual abuse of youth in your care. Learn the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse, mandated reporter and stakeholder responsibilities. Identify strengths and weaknesses of current prevention practices, and develop an action plan, using the Strategic Prevention Dashboard, for your organization. This course is open to all members of child serving organizations such as preschool, after-school care, summer camps, church groups, athletic associations or others responsible for the care of minors.
