This three-day, skill-based workshop focuses on utilizing a protocol for interviewing latency-age children regarding allegations of child abuse. This training will provide workers with a step-by-step framework to guide the process of gathering evidence, while keeping in mind the child’s state of anxiety and the desire to avoid re-traumatizing the child. Participants will explore various tools and techniques to help enhance the delicate balance between the child’s comfort level and the worker’s need for information. In addition to learning these techniques, participants will be given the opportunity to practice interviewing skills through a video-taped interview with a professional actor and receive various levels of feedback.

Caseworkers and police officers.

Computer Based Training; Using Colorado Trails for Child Welfare (more information on these trainings can be found at www.cocwtraining.com); Core I; Core II; Prerequisites do not apply to police officers.

• Gather specific information through specialized interviewing strategies.
• Employ directive play interviewing skills.
• Improve credibility when giving court testimony related to casework findings.