Sydney McDonald
More Than One Interview: When, Why and How
Virtual TrainingForensic interviewers and multi-disciplinary partners recognize the shortcomings of strict adherence to a “one and done” interview approach. Research provides some clarification of reasons why a child may need more than one interview and limited recommendations for implementation, leaving forensic interviewers and their investigative partners with little clarity about how to apply this information to…
Supervision of Child Forensic Interviewers
National Children's Advocacy Center Training Facility 210 Pratt Avenue NE, Training Building, Huntsville, AL, United StatesAs many child advocacy centers (CAC) employ child forensic interview specialists or choose to develop a small group of investigator interviewers, there is a growing need for a set plan for building skills and increasing the competency and resilience of their forensic interviewers. Supervision, a long-standing tradition in medicine and mental health, is an established…
Forensic Interviewing of Children Training
Virtual TrainingThe 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…
Forensic Interviewing of Children Training
National Children's Advocacy Center Training Facility 210 Pratt Avenue NE, Training Building, Huntsville, AL, United StatesThe 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…
Interviewing Children Who Witnessed Violence
Virtual TrainingChildren may witness situational or chronic violence in several ways including domestic violence in the home, living in a violent neighborhood, and/or witnessing an assault or murder of another person. Even when a child is not physically harmed, witnessing incidents of violence takes a toll on their body, heart, and mind. Memories may be fragmented,…
Interviewing Children with Problematic Sexual Behaviors
Virtual TrainingChildren exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors may be referred for a forensic interview. CAC forensic interviewers whose mission is to interview children about potential maltreatment they have experienced and not as offenders find themselves balancing their mandate with the goals of investigators and concerned parents. This training will provide information to help forensic interviewers distinguish normative…
Forensic Interviews of Preschool Child Witnesses
Virtual TrainingForensic interviews of preschool children are challenging, calling for knowledge of early childhood developmental abilities and limitations, as well as strategies for developing rapport and maintaining engagement with a preschool witness. A nuanced ability to adapt questioning approaches and the interview protocol to the temperament and linguistic ability of each child is necessary. This training…
Preparation and Adaptations for Interviewing Children with Mental Health Needs
Virtual TrainingChildren referred for a forensic interview during an investigation of maltreatment may also present with either a diagnosis or concerns about their mental health including but not limited to PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety, and sleep disorder. They may also present with concerning behavioral indicators such as a history of self-harm, suicide ideation or prior attempts,…
