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.
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.
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.
Improve multidisciplinary team (MDT) responses to child sex trafficking cases. Gather information about improving or establishing a formal MDT in your community. Identify gaps and develop short and long- term response plans with the help of subject matter experts. To attend this training, you must be part of a multidisciplinary team and your team members must attend with you, from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 10. Each team member should register individually. To make your team easily identifiable, all team members should use the same name for their team leader during the registration process. If you need assistance in building your team, please contact our office at the number/email below.
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.
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.
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 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).
This is an advanced course. Please make sure you meet the prerequisites before registering. Develop the skills and techniques to conduct developmentally appropriate forensic interviews with victims of child sex trafficking. Learn the differences between interviewing children in child abuse cases and interviewing child sex trafficking victims. Review victim-centered interview methodology with special emphasis given to understanding the factors contributing to child sex trafficking victimization and the impact on development and effects of trauma. Learn to gather information regarding the use of technology in the child sex trafficking business model and the multitude of crimes that traffickers commit, including the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
