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Trauma can affect children mentally and physically, even when they haven’t been physically hurt themselves. The session focuses on conducting interviews that consider the child’s emotional state and working closely with investigators for a thorough and compassionate approach. This training is recommended for forensic interviewers at any level who wish to increase their ability to obtain the most complete and accurate information from a child witness. More information and registration.

The National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) Forensic Interviewing of Children training is an internationally recognized, research-informed and practice-informed intensive training. Participants will learn necessary skills to conduct a competent investigative interview of a child using the NCAC Child Forensic Interview (CFI) Structure. Participants will also be introduced to the evidence-based literature that supports the NCAC CFI Structure. This 4-day, interactive training is facilitated by practicing forensic interviewers who are well-versed in the current literature. The training includes lectures, skill-building activities, guided discussions, reflections, and an interview practicum in a supportive environment with assessment and feedback provided by experienced interviewers. More information and registration.

Children referred for interviews due to concerns of exploitation/trafficking can present multiple challenges. Often there are serious concerns but the child has made no disclosure. It can be difficult to effectively assess the concerns. When the child decides to discuss their experiences, the interviewer may struggle to prioritize the information gathered due to the volume of victimization details disclosed. This course will teach participants to effectively prepare for the high-risk/trafficking interview, engage with the reluctant youth, assess the concerns, and explore necessary topics related to trafficking/exploitation. Who should attend: This training is recommended for forensic interviewers who have developed some comfort and flexibility with the continuum of questioning strategies as well as the phases of a forensic interview. Information and registration here.

The forensic interview (FI) of a child is an essential component of any investigation, with an emphasis given to providing a timely initial response and the provision of information and support throughout the process. Attention has historically been paid to minimizing the number of times a child is questioned, especially avoiding duplicative interviews. Forensic interviewers, as well as law enforcement and child protection investigators, recognize the shortcomings of a “one and done” approach in interviewing a subset of children. Reasons might be child-specific (shyness in a new situation, communication challenges, fatigue, reluctance to talk about difficult topics) or case-related (multiple episodes of abuse or multiple forms of victimization, etc.). Research is informative as to the types of cases that are most appropriate for more than one interview session and gives guidance as to how to proceed. We will explore a decision-making process for selecting appropriate cases and case planning and adaptations. This training is most helpful for interviewers who have developed basic FI skills and are comfortable with conducting single-session forensic interviews of child witnesses. Interviewers should have already completed a nationally recognized forensic interviewer training and conducted at least 50 forensic interviews. Information and registration here.

Children with neurodivergent disorders such as ASD are at an increased risk of child maltreatment. This population presents challenges for forensic interviewers as there is great variability in functioning including unique memory and cognitive processes, linguistic style, understanding and expression of emotions, and forming connections with others. Many of these children can provide information about their experiences if the interviewer is able to adapt questioning approaches and interview strategies to meet the needs of this child. Preparation and flexibility are key. While providing a review of possible domains of impact on functioning, this training will focus on tips for information gathering, preparation with the investigative partners to set reasonable expectations, and adaptations to questioning strategies and interview phases. Information and registration here.

The National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) Forensic Interviewing of Children training is an internationally recognized, research-informed and practice-informed intensive training. Participants will learn necessary skills to conduct a competent investigative interview of a child using the NCAC Child Forensic Interview (CFI) Structure. Participants will also be introduced to the evidence-based literature that supports the NCAC CFI Structure.The training includes lectures, skill-building activities, guided discussions, reflections, and an interview practicum in a supportive environment with assessment and feedback provided by experienced interviewers.This training is a four-day commitment. Participants are expected to complete six-hours of pre-work consisting of selected readings and interactive recorded exercises to be done at their own pace prior to the first official day of training.This training has been updated to meet the 2023 National Children's Alliance Standards for Accredited Children’s Advocacy Centers. More information and registration here.

This course is an introduction to a supervision model for forensic interviewers beginning with a review of basic principles of supervision and offering strategies for developing an effective supervision process which can be tailored to the resources of the child advocacy center and community. This training is recommended for experienced forensic interviewers and executive directors interested in introducing an effective supervision model for forensic interviewers. Chapter representatives interested in establishing a regional or statewide supervision program are also welcome. Information and registration here.

The National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) Forensic Interviewing of Children training is an internationally recognized, research-informed and practice-informed intensive training. Participants will learn necessary skills to conduct a competent investigative interview of a child using the NCAC Child Forensic Interview (CFI) Structure. Participants will also be introduced to the evidence-based literature that supports the NCAC CFI Structure. The training includes lectures, skill-building activities, guided discussions, reflections, and an interview practicum in a supportive environment with assessment and feedback provided by experienced interviewers.This training is a four-day commitment. Participants are expected to complete six-hours of pre-work consisting of selected readings and interactive recorded exercises to be done at their own pace prior to the first official day of training. This training has been updated to meet the 2023 National Children's Alliance Standards for Accredited Children’s Advocacy Centers. More information and registration here.