Trauma-informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Zero Abuse Project has a selection of 90-minute topics suited for prosecutors and other MDT members. 

Two-day training institutes for child abuse prosecutors on opening statements, closing arguments, preparing children for court, cross-examination of defendants and defense witnesses, and advanced topics selected by the host sites.

Zero Abuse Project will work with regional Children’s Advocacy Centers to offer a Prosecutor Institute in each of the four census regions. 

The ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol brings the field into the classroom, enhancing the education of front-line child abuse professionals. This course is designed for investigative teams of law enforcement officers, social workers, prosecutors, child protection attorneys and forensic interviewers.

Students receive training on the ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol which includes child development, memory and suggestibility, testifying in court, legal issues and preparing children for court. This training incorporates lecture and discussion, review of electronically recorded interviews, skill-building exercises and an interview practicum.

• Forensic Interviewer at Trial
  This 3-day course offers hands-on training for teams of prosecutors and forensic interviewers. Participants engage in mock trials and workshops that cover the latest research on forensic interviewing, expert testimony, and cross-examination techniques.
  
  
• Crime Scene to Trial
  

  This 3-day course trains MDTs to effectively respond to child maltreatment cases involving different types of abuse. Through a combination of workshops and practical exercises, participants learn how to process a crime scene, conduct interviews, apply for search warrants, and make decisions on charges.
  
  

• Experiential Trial Advocacy Course
  In this training course, prosecutors will practice presenting a trial from jury selection to closing arguments, with subject matter experts providing lectures and support. Participants will learn how to use multi-media and technology to create engaging and compelling trials, with emphasis on the use of exhibits, evidence, and demonstrative aids in the experiential portions.
  
  
• DNA on Trial: From Collection to Conviction
  This new two-day course focuses on the use of DNA evidence in complex cases and provides prosecutors with the tools they need to understand the science behind the crime lab. With workshops taught by experienced trial attorneys and forensic science experts, the course also includes an experiential component simulating common issues in evidence collection and training on how to present DNA evidence in court.
  
  
• A Reasonable Degree of Prosecution Certainty: Expert Witness at Trial
  This two-day course explores how to effectively use expert witnesses in child abuse cases to help juries understand the behaviors and trauma experienced by child victims. Attendees will learn about the different types of experts and strategies for presenting their testimony, and will have the opportunity to practice crafting and delivering direct examinations with feedback from subject matter experts.
  

• On-Demand Education
  Zero Abuse Project is about to launch an on-demand learning platform for prosecutors that includes a wide range of courses and microlearning content designed to enhance their skills and effectiveness in the courtroom. This platform offers valuable resources from leading experts in the field, covering everything from best practices for interacting with victims to cross-examination techniques and more. Whether you’re a seasoned prosecutor or just starting out, our on-demand training provides an exceptional opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and advance your career on your own time. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new platform and get ready to take your skills to the next level with Zero Abuse Project! 
• Simulation Training
  Zero Abuse Project will be launching an interactive training simulation platform for prosecutors, offering a comprehensive opportunity to learn and practice the entire timeline of a child abuse prosecution. The platform enables prosecutors to make crucial decisions at different stages, receive real-time feedback on their choices, and enhance their trial skills in realistic scenarios. Additionally, the platform provides best practices for interactions with abuse investigations, and offers full courses and microlearning videos for optimal skill development. This cutting-edge resource is an exciting advancement for the field and a powerful tool for supporting prosecutors in their crucial work of seeking justice for victims of child abuse.

The Abusive Head Trauma and Child Death Conference, hosted by Zero Abuse Project, is a multi-day event featuring subject matter experts from across the child protection field who will cover crucial topics such as medical research, investigation techniques, and a multidisciplinary approach. Attendees will also learn about preparation and direct examination of state and defense experts, pre-trial litigation strategies, and professional well-being. The conference will offer both lecture-based training and scenario-based exercises to facilitate an engaging learning experience. Dates are yet to be announced, so interested parties should check back for updates. This conference is a must-attend for anyone committed to advancing their knowledge in the critical areas of abusive head trauma and child death.