Training Topics
Child Forensic Interview Training for California
| Cost: | Free to CA residents |
| Length: | 8-12 hours of at-home prerequisite, plus |
| 4 days of in-person training | |
| CECs: | Available for a fee |
Description
The Child Forensic Interview Training for California (CFIT) is an introductory course intended for new child forensic interview specialists. This course introduces child forensic interviewing within the context of multidisciplinary team investigations, interviewer and team responsibilities, interview models and techniques, child development of language and cognition as it applies to interviewing, disclosure dynamics, childhood trauma as it relates to interviewing, and special topics including interviewing small children, adolescents, children with special needs, and cultural competency. Experiential exercises and role-play activities are interwoven throughout the training. Video of actual interviews are shown throughout the training. Completion of this course does not certify you to conduct child forensic interviews. Consult your County CAC/MDT for local requirements.
FAQs
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What changes have been made to the content and the format?
CIR’s Child Abuse Training and Technical Assistance Centers work in partnership with many of California’s top forensic interviewing experts to update and revise the CFIT Curriculum on a consistent basis. This document provides an overview of frequently asked questions related to these changes (as of May 4, 2023).
The in-person CFIT training is 4 days. The CFIT will be offered at least twice per year in both Northern and Southern California (4 CFITS total).
The CFIT features the revised “10 Step” from Tom Lyon, JD, Ph.D of the USC Gould School of Law and an updated recording of “Getting More with Less.”
The training modules have been updated, and diversity and equity considerations are now implemented throughout the training rather than appearing as a separate module.The training revision features four new modules: Cognitive Development, Memory/Recollection Processing, Trauma and Dynamics of Disclosure, and Interview Barriers and Special Considerations.
More time has also been added for participants to practice interviewing, with other participants in class and with a child they know as a homework assignment. The training also includes videos from two adult survivors of child sexual abuse discussing their experiences during the investigative process.
Additionally, the prerequisites have been updated and all modules are planned for 50 minutes to comply with POST.
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Who is eligible for CFIT training?
CFIT is offered to people currently conducting forensic interviews through a multi-disciplinary center or team as part of their jobs. Because of limited space, we often have to limit the training to two participants per county, at least initially.
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Is the CFIT approved by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)?
Yes, the training is POST approved.
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Does the revised training meet the National Children's Alliance (NCA) standards?
The training has been approved by NCA as meeting the Forensic Interview Standard related to training. The total course hours (37.5) exceed the minimum NCA standard of 32.
Interviewers attending this training should maintain their certificate demonstrating completion. When a CAC participates in the NCA accreditation process, it will be required to submit documentation for each interviewer conducting forensic interviews at their CAC.
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What is the application process for CFIT?
CIR is not able to “save spaces” for CFIT.
Applicants must complete and submit the CFIT application form, which is emailed to all CAC contacts when a training date is identified. Applications will be reviewed and submitted to the applicant's CAC or MDT for approval within one week of submission. Once an applicant receives approval, they will have access to the online prerequisite materials.
Upon completion of the prerequisite work, participants will be added to CIR’s list of those eligible to attend the 4-day in-person portion of the training. Participants are not given a spot in the in-person training until they have completed the prerequisites.
Participation will be limited to two per county until all the counties have had the chance to apply.
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What certificates will participants receive after the training?
Upon completion of the 4-day in-person training, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance and, if applicable, POST or CEC credit.
Regional Peer Reviews for Child Forensic Interviewers
| Cost: | Free as funding allows |
| Length: | 4 to 6 hours |
Eligibility
Currently practicing Child Forensic Interviewers working in the 10-Step Model.
Description
Join other professionals conducting forensic interviews. Observe the Ten Step Interview process, provide constructive critique, discuss current articles and topics, and share perspectives.
Quarterly Peer Review is designed to meet criteria set by National Children’s Alliance. For more information, contact Kris Murphey at kris.murphey@cirinc.org.
One-Day In-Person Training Topics
| Cost: | Free as funding allows |
| Length: | 1 Day |
| CEUs: | Available for MFTs and LCSWs |
CATTA offers new face-to-face training topics every year based on the results of our annual needs assessment. Please see our Upcoming Trainings page for more information.
