You can use the filters on the to browse the full scope of training Zero Abuse Project is able to offer for your organization. Most trainings are available for organizations to book on a fee-for-service basis.
If you are an individual seeking training, please visit our Events & Training Calendar to view and register for upcoming trainings hosted by Zero Abuse Project. Unfortunately, Zero Abuse Project cannot book an individual’s request for training.
The field of forensic interviewing is forever changing and to conduct best practice in the field, research must be considered. The most recent research will be discussed, and the lecture will provide concrete suggestions for the field. Topics to be covered include faux invitation research, pairing questions, and narrative practice.
Forensic Entomology is a field ripe with potential in homicide investigations. In this webinar, we will cover the history of the field, applications for deployment, and the scientific methods (traditional and innovative) being used to shed light on criminal matters.
It is incumbent on teams and interviewers to prepare our forensic interview process to meet the needs of the child sitting before us in the interview room. This training will discuss issues of accessibility in the forensic interview process with regard to language facilitation and the use of interpreters in the forensic interview.
This training discusses the purposeful integration of courthouse facility dogs in the forensic interview process. Topics covered include an explanation of the role of courthouse facility dogs, the appropriate use of facility dogs and considerations and potential challenges surrounding the intersection of courthouse facility dogs and the forensic interview process.
ChildFirst® is the forensic interview training program of Zero Abuse Project. Students receive training on the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol, child development, memory and suggestibility, testifying in court, legal issues and preparing children for court. This training incorporates lecture and discussion, review of electronically recorded interviews, skill-building exercises and an interview practicum. ChildFirst® is an intensive five-day course in which
This presentation will discuss the emerging issues in the field of forensic interviewing including, follow-up interviews, child abuse and the pandemic, professional development, manipulation and grooming, diagrams, discuss new research, best practice and provide opportunity for open forum of questions from forensic interviewers and investigators.
This day-long training contains considerations for how multidisciplinary teams can evaluate when and how evidentiary material could or should be introduced into a forensic interview. Topics covered include historical perspectives, types of evidence, a framework for team discussion and practical guidance on the use of external evidence in the forensic interview.
This lecture will provide students an understanding of the principles of language when interviewing children. Students will learn concrete solutions for interviewing young children.
The training provides both lecture and group discussion. Participants will learn how to overcome difficult situations during forensic interviews and handle those tough questions. Upon entering the workshop, participants will have a chance to write down difficult situations they have encountered, and the presenter and participants will work to find solutions and practical tools that can be used in the
The Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACES) indicates to us that 66% of children experiencing one adverse childhood experience will be experiencing at least one other. Recognizing the prevalence of polyvictimization, this training will better prepare forensic interviewers to appropriately respond to disclosures of multiple forms of maltreatment in the forensic interview and screen for forms of maltreatment not previously disclosed.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES) indicates that 66% of children experiencing one adverse childhood experience are experiencing at least one other. Recognizing the prevalence of polyvictimization, this training will better prepare forensic interviewers to appropriately respond to disclosures of multiple forms of maltreatment in the forensic interview and screen for forms of maltreatment not previously disclosed.
Professionals charged with interviewing children for alleged abuse are likely to encounter children with developmental disabilities or other special needs. In this presentation, rates of victimization of children with special needs are provided, factors that increase risk of abuse for children with disabilities are discussed, children’s abilities to recount information are described, and strategies for the interview process are covered.
There is an increased public awareness around the prevalence, impact, and salience of sex trafficking, human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. When allegations of trafficking and exploitation are made known to law enforcement and social services, the forensic interview process can be an effective tool for gathering victim statements and assessing what has occurred. This training will discuss the specifics
Testifying in court is a process that can cause anxiety, even for the most seasoned professional. Understanding how to discuss the forensic interview protocol, our multidisciplinary team processes and the research that supports them is a critical skill. This training will discuss commonly broached topics in the court process, how to practically prepare for court, how to defend practice in
This training aims to increase the understanding of potential multidisciplinary team considerations when assessing children’s statements for investigative and court purposes. Topics covered include corroborating or refuting children’s statements through medical evidence, behavioral and psychological indicators, evaluating disclosure patterns, perpetrator behavior and increasing the reliability and validity of children’s statements through advanced forensic interviewing techniques.
Protecting children from child abuse and maltreatment requires that everyone understand how to recognize, respond and report any form of maltreatment a child may experience. FIRST response is often the single most important step in effectively responding and reporting maltreatment. FIRST will give you and your community the tools necessary to better protect kids. The training combines both lecture and
After learning about Adverse Child Experiences (The ACE Study), most professionals want the next steps. Creating trauma informed space and training staff to respond to behaviors linked to trauma will strengthen relationships. Throughout the justice system, from disclosure to verdict, it can be triggering, traumatizing and re- traumatizing for victims and families. This session will share steps to improve the
Experiences in childhood matter. Numerous research studies have shown how childhood stress and trauma can impact adult health. The Ace Study is the largest study investigating the health and social effects of negative childhood experiences. Now that we have the research, what can we do about it? The cycle of violence, generational poverty and abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, incarceration, perpetration
Experiences matter. Childhood stress and traumatic events may have long lasting impact. Fortunately, the research shows that resilience, self-regulation and healthy relationships have the power to insulate children against adversity and help them to better handle life’s ups and downs. As a parent, teacher or community member, learn ways to support the children in your life and create a population
This is not the end. Once the court makes the decision of Guilty or Not Guilty, the journey of healing for the victim continues. Regardless of the ruling of the court, the victim may experience a wide range of emotions from relief to guilt and from calm to fear. Safety planning should remain a priority. Restitution and/or victim compensation needs
You are remarkable, exceptional and amazing! You are a supporter, a believer, and a champion! Do you agree?As advocates we spend our days, and sometimes evenings, caring for and empowering others. Sometimes we forget to do the same for ourselves. Advocacy work is chosen out of compassion, empathy, experience or a belief in a cause. This is not easy work.
Teaching consent is more than talking about sex. From “just say no” to “affirmative consent” we have begun the conversation but have left out the youngest population. Young children can learn about giving and receiving permission to touch, hug or kiss another person and permission to use or play with another’s toys. By teaching them about body boundaries, they can
The first few years are critical in brain development as well as establishing safe, secure and nurturing relationships. This training can be used or supplemented to learn early child development with the goal of supporting parents and caregivers. Stressors in the home are risk factors for child abuse and maltreatment. Professionals will increase their knowledge of development in order to
“Safer at Home” unfortunately does not describe the circumstances for all children and youth. As we work to navigate this new world of Covid-19, we find that our children may be at heightened risk not of illness but of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Physical isolation puts limits on who our children and youth are connecting to in-person while opening up
The amount of stress that everyone is feeling in a time where we have little answers can lead to feelings of overwhelm and help/hopelessness – not just for our clients, but also ourselves. This is truly a time to take care of ourselves before assisting others. This webinar will provide some tools for all ages and stages.
Protecting children from child abuse and maltreatment requires that everyone understand how to recognize, respond and report any form of maltreatment a child may experience. FIRST response is often the single most important step in effectively responding and reporting maltreatment.
FIRST will give you and your community the tools necessary to better protect kids. The training combines both lecture and practicum, giving participants the tools and practical skills to better communicate with a child during the initial outcry of maltreatment.
The FIRST process teaches three critical components:
1. How to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and maltreatment
2. How to listen and respond to a child’s needs
3. How to effectively and accurately report any form of maltreatment to authorities
Your FIRST Response to Child Maltreatment training teaches participants how to listen to children who have experienced maltreatment and gather the correct information needed in a way that puts the child’s needs FIRST.
This training is also available as a Train-the-Trainer model with a licensing agreement to teach the material in your own community. Offerred as a 90 minute overview or a 3-hour comprehensive basic course.
Despite what TV shows and true crime podcasts suggest, DNA evidence is not a “miracle solution” that can solve every crime or prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on its own. It must be considered within the context of the entire case. In this presentation, we will explore how the defense may use DNA evidence to support its narrative, including strategies involving DNA transfer to explain away incriminating findings. Attendees will also have the opportunity to think through case-specific defenses and consider how other forms of evidence can help contextualize DNA results.
In the United States, hundreds of children have died and thousands more have endured pain or illness that could have been prevented with basic medical care. This workshop addresses instances in which medical care is withheld on the basis of religious belief. The workshop explores the basis for these beliefs and the possibility of working within myriad cultures to nonetheless treat the child. The workshop also explores when, over the objection of a parent, the government can intervene to provide necessary medical care to a child.
Although there is a large body of research finding medical and mental health risks associated with corporal punishment, most parents continue to hit their children as a means of discipline. In many instances, the practice is justified based on religious teachings. Using a case history, this presentation discusses the basis for these teaching and offers concrete, culturally sensitive approaches for moving parents away from corporal punishment and toward more effective means of discipline.
All alleged child victims should be entitled to a multidisciplinary (MDT) process and forensic interview that is aligned with best practice, research-based, and developmentally and culturally appropriate. Some youth served by the MDT may be currently or historically impacted by or involved in the criminal justice system, which will shape what they need from the process. This training will look at considerations for serving justice impacted youth, including currently or formerly incarcerated youth, and/or youth concurrently or previously accused of crimes or misconduct.
What every parent fears: an alert from their children’s school, notifying them of some event like an active shooter. Schools train, drill, and have alerts for active shooters, fires, and other disasters; however, when it comes to addressing in-school sexual assaults – particularly those committed by students – most schools find themselves with no plan. This leads to problems for investigators, prosecutors and school officials as they try to achieve justice for survivors and keep the school environment safe. This presentation will focus on building strong cases when a sexual assault occurs in a school environment, with a focus on evidence collection, obtaining digital evidence and navigating school policies. Attendees will be encouraged to think about specialized legal proceedings like waiver hearings (trying juveniles as adults). Finally, we will discuss unique trial issues, including witness intimidation, working with reluctant witnesses, and overcoming juror biases.
Most sexually abused boys will never make an outcry during childhood and, even if abuse is discovered, investigators and prosecutors will face barriers that impede their ability to protect these children. This workshop explores the research on the sexual abuse of boys and offers concrete suggestions for conducting forensic interviews with these children, investigating crimes against boys, and presenting these cases to a jury.
Students will receive an overview of the literature concerning the emotional abuse of a child and will receive concrete suggestions for investigating these cases and for proving an allegation of emotional abuse in either a civil child protection or a criminal case.
When most people hear the word “rape”, they still think of the stranger rapist with the gun, despite the progress of the “Me Too” Movement and some highly publicized non-stranger sexual abuse cases. Prosecutors, police, and advocates are far more likely to encounter cases in which the survivor and the offender have some pre-existing relationship. This presentation will focus attendees on how to build strong non-stranger sexual assault cases that have jury appeal, that offer victim protections and support, and that counter defenses commonly raised in non-stranger cases.
The tragedy of youth sexually abusing other children is frequently encountered by prosecutors and forensic interviewers, yet it poses significant and persistent challenges. This workshop provides pertinent strategies and research for the effective, appropriate intervention and prosecution of juvenile offenders.
Many defense attorneys attempt to deflect juror attention away from a child’s allegations of abuse by attacking the manner in which the child was interviewed. The implicit or explicit claim is that the interviewer purposefully or unwittingly planted the allegation of abuse in the child’s mind. Fearful of the anticipated attack on the investigative interview, some prosecutors decline to file charges in cases involving only eyewitness testimony of a young child. In this workshop students will learn how to successfully defend the investigative interview.
It is a powerful responsibility to ensure that children, youth, and vulnerable adults are able to thrive within a faith community. The importance of creating and maintaining safe places for ALL members, especially those unable to protect themselves, must be considered with great care. This session provides specific policies and practices to address while detailing why faith communities must be prepared to handle the problem of child sexual abuse.
Many maltreated children are spiritually impacted by abuse and require a coordination of medical, mental health, and spiritual care. This slightly shortened presentation suitable as a keynote examines this research and explores creative reforms for bringing faith and child protection communities together to protect children and address their needs. The workshop also explores how MDTs can recognize and respond to spiritual injuries before, during and after the forensic interview.
There is corroborating evidence in every case of child abuse, including cases of sexual abuse. Using actual vignettes, the presenter helps attendees see corroborating evidence that is almost always present but often missed. Working as team, students will learn to tear apart a child’s statement and find the corroborating physical evidence in cases of child sexual abuse.
In this workshop, students will learn the importance of effective strategies and themes for opening statements and closing arguments in child abuse cases. Students will learn a theme for presenting their case. They will learn specific arguments to persuade a jury that a child is telling the truth. They will learn to debunk common defenses in child abuse cases.
This training will give youth workers, faith leaders, teachers, and caregivers tools to support them in having conversations with young people about pornography.
The work we do matters. The way we treat our colleagues and clients matter. Using humor, story-telling, and anecdotes from the field, this session will remind listeners why self care is crucial and how we can learn and be inspired by others.
As the world becomes more digitally connected, offenders can now commit multiple, virtual sexual assaults without ever leaving their homes. Sextortion – the use of coercion to compel a victim to engage in some form of sexual conduct – has been steadily increasing over the years, and now may involve international actors and financial components. This presentation will focus attendees on factors to consider when working with the victims traumatized by these offenses, including victim interviewing and evidence gathering, protecting victims during the court process, and addressing victim needs for physical safety and their mental health.
Self-care should be an individual priority, but it cannot be achieved without support from your professional and personal communities. True self-care requires support and resources from leadership. This workshop provides an overview of the research on the vicarious trauma of working with families impacted by trauma. There will be opportunities to self-assess how your professional community is helping in prevention of burnout and concrete opportunities for growth.
Corroborative evidence can often be the deciding factor on whether or not a case moves forward for charging. Many cases of abuse and assault often appear to only have the victim and suspect as the “witnesses”. This presentation will explore ways that police and prosecutors can look beyond those two witnesses and identify ways to present compelling, corroborating evidence. Using traditional methods of physical evidence and advancing ideas in technology, attendees will be encouraged to think outside the box.
Domestic violence and stalking investigations can become a tedious task for any investigator. To conduct a successful investigation, digital evidence recovery is essential to aid in the corroboration of the victim’s statement. The offender may impose physical injury, but they will also routinely harass, threaten, and inflict psychological trauma upon their victims while committing crimes in person or during online interactions. Investigators must equip themselves with the latest tools and techniques available to obtain solid evidence for the prosecution’s case against these offenders. This course will provide examples of how to locate digital evidence through using search warrants to establish a pattern of behavior, which can corroborate the victim’s statement. An emphasis will also be placed on the best legal practices for digital evidence recovery, storage, and presentation for prosecution.
In this moving and hopeful address, students will learn the five obstacles that prevent us from ending child abuse and will learn about sweeping changes now taking place in our child protection system that will enable us to significantly reduce and perhaps eliminate child abuse over the course of the next three generations. The keynote is based on a scholarly work that was published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, and in the Hamline Journal of Public Law and Policy, Fall 2006.
An understanding of the forensic interviewing process is essential for supervisors in order to assist in the growth of their interviewers and to gain familiarity with the required peer review and mentoring processes. This advanced workshop includes a history and overview of the ChildFirst® Forensic Interviewing Protocol and discusses best practices in the field, new research, and the process for annual updates. Concrete suggestions regarding strengths and challenges in the field will be provided, as well as an opportunity for questions in group forum format. (Available as a full day or a half day to include only the Supervising Forensic Interviewers content)
This training explains how trauma affects youth brain functioning, especially in high-stress situations, and provides officers with strategies to interpret trauma-related behavior and reduce harm.
In this workshop, attendees will receive an overview of the impact of trauma on children with a special focus on how sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other forms of trauma impact boys. Research suggests boys who have endured trauma are more reluctant to disclose abuse and, when they do, less likely to receive services. In light of these dynamics, the workshop offers suggestions for improved medical and mental health services for boys, as well as suggestions for forensic interviewers and investigators responding to cases of abuse or neglect involving boys.
Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the elimination of child sexual abuse. Our programs are designed to provide training and education to professionals and students, and to help transform institutions to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.
