What is Expanded Interviewing?

 

Established upon current research, a single comprehensive forensic interview does not meet the needs for all children. This expanded forensic interview training addresses the needs and best interest of the child victim. Based on the nationally recognized ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol, this training provides a defensible process for conducting interviews with children who may not disclose in a traditional single-session forensic interview due to trauma, development, special needs, other complicating issues including poly victimization

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This training discusses the expanded forensic interview process as well as research supporting the extended, non-duplicative interviews with child victims and witnesses. ChildFirst® EX includes not only lecture but practice for participants in conducting an expanded forensic interview through:

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• Practice interviews

• Review of expanded interviews

• Development of standardized protocols for utilizing the Expanded Interview

• Peer review of the expanded process

• Presentation of legally defensible, research-based forensic interviewing

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Expanded Forensic Interviewing introduces a model for a multi-session forensic interview of a child who is potentially a victim or witness of child abuse or other violent behaviors. An Expanded Forensic Interview (EFI) is appropriate for children where the results of a single interview are inconclusive or where there are serious concerns about the child's ability to participate in a single-session interview. Such children that might be considered for an EFI are a child with developmental delays or cognitive disabilities, and the extremely traumatized child. Cultural considerations may also indicate a need for an EFI, rather than a single-session interview.

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Who can apply? 

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Any law enforcement individual who has successfully completed the 5-day Forensic Interview Training course is eligible to apply to the Expanded Program. (Proof of completion will be required upon acceptance.)

 

Applicants must have had opportunities to use the Forensic Interviewing techniques in their day-to-day work environment and will be asked to share experiences where a multi-session interview could have been implemented. Participants should be prepared to discuss their cases during this training.