Forensic Interview Training Registration
First Witness accepts scholarship applications from Minnesota agencies for Forensic Interview Training. Funding for the training is provided by the Minnesota Department of Human Services using state funds and federal funds provided through a Children's Justice Act Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Agencies apply directly to First Witness for these tuition–only scholarships. Agencies are responsible for paying any expenses (i.e. meals, mileage and lodging) that are incurred while attending the training.
This training is designed for child protection workers, tribal social service workers, law enforcement officers and county attorneys who have primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse cases. First Witness encourages applications from multidisciplinary teams that include at least one representative from County/Tribal Social Services, Law Enforcement and the County Attorney's Office.
For further information about the training courses, scholarship eligibility or a scholarship application, please contact training@firstwitness.org.
Those who are not awarded a scholarship or individuals residing outside of Minnesota are welcome to attend First Witness training courses. The course fee is $850 for Forensic Interview Training Part 1 and $725 for Forensic Interview Training Part 2. Registration may be transferred to another individual for the course dates selected. The tuition fee is refundable up to 45 days prior to the training date. No refunds will be given after that time. Please contact training@firstwitness.org for further assistance.
Training Courses
Forensic Interview Training Part 1 – 4 day course
Location: First Witness – Duluth, MN
Dates: September 26 – 29, 2011
October 17 – 20, 2011
February 20 – 23, 2012
March 12 – 15, 2012
April 16 – 19, 2012
May 14 – 17, 2012
Description: The course teaches a credible, reliable and non–traumatic forensic interview protocol for children and vulnerable adults who allege sexual abuse. The training consists of lecture, discussion, review of First Witness video interviews, skill building exercises and interview practice. Attendance is mandatory for the entire course.
Forensic Interview Training Part 2 – 2 day course
Location: First Witness – Duluth, MN
Dates: April 26 – 27, 2012
Description: This course is for child protection workers, tribal social workers, law enforcement officers and county attorneys who have completed a recognized, basic forensic interviewing course. The training consists of review, discussion and critique of video interviews, discussion of advanced forensic interviewing issues and courtroom strategies from the perspective of both the prosecution and the defense. Participants are required to bring a copy of a forensic interview they have conducted. The interview case cannot be ongoing, it must have a disposition.
Prerequisite: Completion of a recognized basic interviewing course such as First Witness Forensic Interview Training Part 1 or CornerHouse Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Interview Training.
Forensic Interview Training Part 1 – 3 day course
Location: On–site at agency location
Dates: To be determined
Description: This training is the basic Forensic Interview course for child protection workers, tribal social service workers, law enforcement officers and county attorneys who have the primary responsibility for investigating or prosecuting child sexual abuse cases. The minimum number of participants for this training is 8 and the maximum number is 25.
The agency hosting the training is responsible for arranging a site (and paying the rental fee, if applicable), notifying participants and providing refreshments. First Witness will provide the trainer and training materials at the location selected by the host agency.
