This is a 4 day (32 hour) multidisciplinary online course for WA State law enforcement investigators, prosecutors, and specialized child interviewers. The training is co-sponsored by the WA State CJTC and the Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence. There are 30 hours of classroom and self-study with 2 hours of pre-course work.

The focus is on improving investigative skills in child sexual abuse and physical abuse cases, with emphasis on the forensic interview with the child in suspected sexual and physical abuse cases for law enforcement, prosecutors, and DCYF, FAR, and CPS investigators.

Each applicant will:

• Receive information on current research-based child forensic interview techniques.
• Understand the structure and components of forensic interviews that have been proven by research to be most effective in eliciting reliable information.
• Practice interview skills by interviewing actors using suspected child abuse scenarios.
• Learn the importance of cultural influences on the investigative interview.
• Be aware of considerations for effective interviews of victims with special needs.
• Learn to defend interviews in court.
• Receive information about resources available to reinforce skills and keep updated about future developments in best practices

This course is mandated for persons responsible for investigating child sexual abuse in law enforcement, prosecution, and child protective services per RCW 43.101.224.