Due to the strong response to this training, we've partnered to hold a second session for those who're unable to register for the first session held in July 2021.

Minnesota Children’s Alliance (the Alliance) is excited to host Extended Forensic Interviews: Practical skills for multiple session care, with Rita Farrell, Forensic Interview and Director of ChildFirst® for Zero Abuse Project, and Julie Stauffer, LICSW, Forensic Interviewing Manager with CornerHouse, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., via Zoom HealthCare.

Based on the nationally recognized ChildFirst® Forensic Interview and CornerHouse Forensic Interview Protocol™ models, this one-day training will give an overview of conducting multiple-session forensic interviews when a child may not succeed in a standard, single-session interview due to trauma, development, special needs, or other complicating factors, including poly-victimization. This advanced training will discuss the multi-session and expanded interview processes; provide practical information for conducting follow-up interviews; and offer real-world examples as well as research supporting multiple-session, non-duplicative interviews with child victims and witnesses. Note that this training will include information and practical skills to prepare participants to appropriately conduct a follow-up forensic interview; however, this workshop is not intended to replace the more comprehensive training recommended before conducting other types of multiple-session forensic interviews.

Learning Objectives:

Through lecture, discussion, and practice activities, participants will:

1. Learn what a multiple-session forensic interview is, identify and differentiate various types of multiple-session interviews, and be introduced to the MultiSession Forensic Interview and Expanded Forensic Interview - two possible models of conducting a defensible, multiple-session forensic interview

2. Discuss the research that supports conducting a non-duplicative, multiple-session forensic interview.

3. Consider criteria for determining appropriate situations to use a multiple-session interview process with an individual child and examine how to incorporate a multiple-session process into current practice.

Training Details

Rita serves as the Director of ChildFirst® for Zero Abuse Project. Rita manages the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Training Program, ChildFirst® Arkansas state program, and development of advanced training courses and programs for forensic interviewers. Rita is a certified law enforcement instructor and provides training and technical assistance for child protection professionals. Rita currently conducts forensic interviews and has interviewed more than 2,500 children. She serves as an expert witness on child sexual abuse, authored many peer-reviewed articles specific to forensic interviewing, and continues to champion the cause of child advocacy and the field of forensic interviewing. Rita graduated from Ball State University with a degree in secondary education and was the founding executive director of Chaucie’s Place, a Child Advocacy Center in Hamilton County, Indiana.

Julie is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s and Bachelors’s Degree in Social Work. Julie is the Forensic Interviewing Manager at CornerHouse, where she supervises CornerHouse’s team of forensic interviewers and manages the forensic interview program. Additionally in her roles as a Forensic Interviewer and Trainer, Julie conducts forensic interviews with children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults regarding allegations of abuse or witnessing of violence; provides training for professionals in basic and advanced forensic interviewing skills and regarding other related topics, conducting training on a local, national, and international level; testifies as an expert witness; has authored and co-authored published articles regarding forensic interviewing; serves as a moderator for a national, online peer review process; participates in local and national task forces and committees; and engages in ongoing updating and development of the CornerHouse Forensic Interview Protocol™ and other practices. Julie joined the CornerHouse staff in 2006.

Continuing Education Credits: POST and Social Work credits will be available.

Registration - $30.00

We are excited to bring this training to you at a low cost. The Alliance believes trauma-informed care throughout the interview process is essential to helping children heal. We continue to offer the highest quality training, with nationally renowned speakers, virtually.