MultiSession Forensic Interviews:
When Kids Can't Just Sit Still, Speak Clearly, and Tell Everything They Know

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Ideally, every child we interview regarding allegations of abuse will sit still, speak clearly, provide detailed information in a sequential manner; and this will be accomplished within one succinct interaction. However, in the real world there may be occasions when the traditional model of a single, one-session forensic interview does not fit a particular child's needs. This includes children who are young, who require use of an interpreter, or who have developmental disabilities or other special needs. In such situations, an extended process may be beneficial in maximizing the child's ability to tell of his or her experience. The CornerHouse MultiSession Interview, a single forensic interview separated into multiple sessions, is designed to address these needs while retaining the forensic integrity of the interview.

This training will review the current literature on multi-session interviews and differentiate this process from redundant or duplicative interviewing, which are generally not in a child's best interests. This training will teach investigative professionals the CornerHouse Protocol for a forensically defensible multi-session interview process. Considerations for multi-disciplinary teams regarding incorporation of such a process into their practice will also be addressed. Students will have an opportunity to practice new skills and techniques, receive feedback and ask questions in a small learning environment.

Download tentative agenda here.

Prerequisites

1) Completion of one of the following basic interviewing courses:

• CornerHouse Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Interview Training or On-Site Forensic Interview Training
• ChildFirst™/Finding Words™
• First Witness™

2) Completion of a minimum of fifteen (15) interviews using the CornerHouse Forensic Interview Protocol: RATAC® (this prerequisite waived for prosecutors)

For more information about hosting a training at your site, contact Sandy Heitkamp at or 612-813-8310.

“I highly recommend this training to others. Well worth the time and money. All staff members were great and explained everything very well.”

— Training Participant

“Exceptional. All speakers were awesome. Very beneficial!”

— Training Participant