Child Forensic Interviewing-Advanced Techniques Training Course

Child Forensic Interviewing-Advanced Techniques Training Course

Introduction

Child forensic interviewing is a critical skillset that requires specialized training, advanced psychological understanding, and trauma-informed methodologies. TChild Forensic Interviewing-Advanced Techniques Training Course is designed to equip professionals with evidence-based tools, interview protocols, and practical strategies to effectively engage with child victims and witnesses in legal and investigative contexts. Utilizing real-world case studies, this course enhances participants’ skills in detecting deception, avoiding suggestibility, and maintaining child welfare and legal integrity.

With the rise in child exploitation, abuse cases, and digital crimes, advanced interviewing methods are more vital than ever. This training aligns with globally accepted standards including the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) protocol, cognitive interviewing models, and trauma-responsive approaches. Participants will leave this course with an elevated skill set and the confidence to conduct legally sound, ethically responsible child forensic interviews.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the NICHD protocol for forensic interviewing of children.
2. Apply trauma-informed interview strategies in abuse and neglect cases.
3. Distinguish between developmentally appropriate questioning techniques.
4. Analyze child memory and suggestibility during forensic interviews.
5. Utilize digital evidence in child exploitation interviews.
6. Conduct cross-cultural forensic interviews with cultural competence.
7. Apply multi-disciplinary team (MDT) collaboration principles.
8. Detect verbal and non-verbal deception cues in child interviews.
9. Structure age-appropriate interview plans using best practices.
10. Evaluate recantation and delayed disclosure in abuse cases.
11. Address false allegations and interviewer bias effectively.
12. Integrate courtroom testimony preparation into forensic practice.
13. Use forensic technology tools to support child interview analysis.

Target Audiences

1. Child Protective Services Investigators
2. Law Enforcement Officers
3. Prosecutors and Legal Advocates
4. Clinical Psychologists
5. Social Workers
6. School Counselors and Mental Health Professionals
7. Forensic Interviewers
8. Pediatric Medical Professionals

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Advanced Forensic Interviewing

• Review of basic forensic interview principles
• Introduction to advanced cognitive interviewing
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Rapport-building with traumatized children
• Avoiding leading and suggestive questions
• Case Study: Interview breakdown of a child in a custody dispute

Module 2: Child Development and Interview Adaptation

• Cognitive and emotional development stages
• Language development and interview readiness
• Adjusting techniques by age group
• Understanding child behavior in stressful settings
• Framing questions within developmental capabilities
• Case Study: Interview of a non-verbal 5-year-old

Module 3: Trauma-Informed Interview Techniques

• Psychological effects of trauma on memory
• Grounding techniques during interviews
• Reducing re-traumatization
• Identifying trauma indicators
• Adapting questioning to trauma responses
• Case Study: Interview with a sexual abuse survivor

Module 4: The NICHD and Other Interview Protocols

• History and structure of NICHD protocol
• Step-by-step guide to implementation
• Comparing protocols (APSAC, RATAC)
• Role of open-ended questions
• Legal admissibility of protocol adherence
• Case Study: NICHD-based interview in a daycare abuse case

Module 5: Detecting Deception and Suggestibility

• Verbal and non-verbal deception cues
• Evaluating inconsistent statements
• Suggestibility and interviewer influence
• Neutral questioning strategies
• Factors influencing false disclosures
• Case Study: Coached testimony in a divorce case

Module 6: Interviewing Nonverbal and Special Needs Children

• Communication methods (AAC devices, PECS)
• Engaging interpreters and specialists
• Legal guidelines for interviewing nonverbal children
• Building rapport through alternative communication
• Creating a safe environment
• Case Study: Interview with a child on the autism spectrum

Module 7: Digital Evidence and Online Exploitation Cases

• Role of digital forensics in interviews
• Preparing children to discuss online abuse
• Legal issues around digital communication
• Interviewing regarding sextortion, grooming
• Understanding digital trauma
• Case Study: Interview of a teen in a cyber-abuse case

Module 8: Memory, Recall, and Cognitive Interviewing

• Memory retrieval strategies
• Timeline and context cueing
• Enhancing detail through visualization
• Avoiding memory contamination
• Differentiating fantasy from truth
• Case Study: Delayed recall in a historical abuse case

Module 9: Interviewing Techniques for Physical Abuse

• Understanding injury disclosure patterns
• Fear-based silence and disclosure delay
• Interpreting body language and emotional cues
• Framing questions around safety
• Collaborating with medical examiners
• Case Study: Interview after ER intake with injuries

Module 10: Interviewing Children in Domestic Violence Contexts

• Co-victimization and fear dynamics
• Protective caregiver involvement
• Avoiding re-traumatization from recalling violence
• Questioning strategies for indirect witnesses
• Identifying learned helplessness
• Case Study: Child’s statement during protective services visit

Module 11: Interviewer Bias and Ethical Practice

• Maintaining neutrality
• Recognizing personal bias
• Cultural, gender, and belief-based biases
• Ethics in leading and repeated interviews
• Legal repercussions of bias
• Case Study: Alleged bias in an interviewer’s conduct

Module 12: Cultural Competence in Forensic Interviews

• Cross-cultural sensitivity training
• Avoiding ethnocentric assumptions
• Use of translators/interpreters
• Cultural trauma considerations
• Building culturally responsive rapport
• Case Study: Interview of a refugee child from a war zone

Module 13: Managing Recantation and Delayed Disclosure

• Understanding reasons for recantation
• Rebuilding trust in follow-up interviews
• Maintaining legal integrity in evolving testimony
• Preparing investigators and legal teams
• Working with caregivers during recantation
• Case Study: Recantation during pre-trial interview

Module 14: Preparing Children for Courtroom Testimony

• Desensitizing courtroom settings
• Mock testimony practice
• Addressing anxiety and fear of confrontation
• Role-playing strategies
• Legal support during trials
• Case Study: Child testimony in high-profile abuse case

Module 15: Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Roles of MDT members (CPS, law enforcement, advocates)
• Sharing case information effectively
• Ensuring consistency and protection
• Minimizing child interview duplication
• Case tracking and review protocols
• Case Study: MDT collaboration in serial abuse investigation

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures with subject matter experts
• Video-based demonstration of interview techniques
• Case study analysis and group discussion
• Role-playing sessions with expert feedback
• Live simulations and interview labs
• Knowledge assessments and practical assignments

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.