Gather up-to-date information for the investigation and prosecution of all types of child abuse cases utilizing a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. Learn about medical evidence, interviewing child victims/witnesses and adult suspects/witnesses, along with legal issues involved in the investigation and prosecution of child physical and sexual abuse cases. Discuss trends in offenders’ use of technology, the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and sextortion. Learn law enforcement investigative techniques that capitalize on new technology.
Sextortion using technology is an increasing trend seen by law enforcement. Sextortion refers to the crime where someone employs an abuse of power, usually a threat to expose explicit images, in order to coerce a person to do something. This 1-day training will identify the methods and tactics used by offenders, and describe why youth are vulnerable to these tactics. The training will explain the long-term impact of these crimes on victims, offer a victim-centered response, and provide information on reporting these crimes to law enforcement, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the electronic service provider(s). This course will conclude with identifying effective Sextortion prevention messages for youth, parents and educators.
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.
Examine the importance of multidisciplinary team (MDT) case coordination and evidence corroboration in the investigation of child abuse cases. Various members of the Multi-Disciplinary 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.
Discuss why juveniles runaway and dangers that apply to youth during this time-frame. Explore strategies for interrupting chronic runaway behavior, while providing a tool to help assess and document runaway reasons, behaviors, and intervention options. Consider trauma that can occur during these runaway events and approaching youth during traumatic events.
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.
Learn how to utilize the evidence to support the proper conclusion in cases involving the death of a child. Discuss possible causes of death and gain best practices and tips including various investigative steps for first responders to evidence collection, witness and suspect interviews, and medical examination, and legal issues for prosecution. Assumptions about the cause and manner of this death must be avoided, and this training will focus on utilizing the evidence to support the proper conclusion. New and experienced law enforcement, CPS, prosecutors and other child serving professionals will learn up-to-date practices and tips for the investigation of unexplained child deaths.
Explore how different types of evidence can be used in forensic interviews of children in abuse, witnessing violence and exploitation cases. Learn how to present different types of evidence in the context of a child-centered, trauma-informed, and legally defendable forensic interview approach. Discuss the implications of presenting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Practice techniques and develop skills to present different types of evidence in child forensic interviews.
Explore investigative strategies that address the relationship between child sexual abuse and child sexual abuse materials (child pornography) to supplement an investigation and corroborate victim statements. Gather new tools and resources for the most comprehensive case outcomes.
Examine the common medical and social myths and misconceptions that undermine the investigation and adjudication of child sexual abuse cases. Materials discussed will include the medical/legal definitions or "child", the evolving definition of "rape", and the different between statutory requirements for "consent" and "force".
