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.
Discuss examples of federal/state laws and policies that support coordinated responses to child sex trafficking, focusing on how legislation can promote prevention, protection, partnerships, and justice for survivors. Attendees will gain knowledge and training on comprehensive, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches to effectively support minors who have experienced trafficking, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and respect. We will explore multidisciplinary collaboration among government agencies, community services, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create a unified and effective response prioritizing minors’ safety, recovery, and empowerment.
In preparation for meeting with victims, forensic interviewers routinely assess for any potential barriers that might impact what happens during the interview. A potential barrier that is often overlooked is consideration for where that victim might be in the disclosure process and what implications that could have during the forensic interview. Participants in this training will gain an increased understanding of the various stages of the disclosure process and learn strategies to engage with victims in a productive and meaningful way at the various stages of the disclosure process.
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.
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.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.