The Trauma-informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP) aims to increase the effectiveness of the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases through providing state-of-the-art training, offering comprehensive technical assistance, and developing free publications addressing issues in the field.
Training
- State and Local Training
Zero Abuse Project has a selection of 90-minute topics suited for prosecutors and other MDT members. - Prosecutor Institutes
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. - Forensic Interviewing Training
- Experiential Training Courses
National Conferences
- Abusive Head Trauma and Child Death Conference hosted by Zero Abuse Project
During this multi-day conference, multidisciplinary subject matter experts from the field will address topics such as medical findings and literature, investigation techniques, improved multidisciplinary approach, preparation and direct examination of the state’s experts, preparation and cross-examination of defense experts, pre-trial litigation, and topics around professional well-being. Zero Abuse will incorporate best practices in adult learning by supplementing lecture-based training modalities with scenario-based, experiential exercises. Dates are still to be determined – check back here for updates. - We are pleased to provide training under TiPP at other national conferences:
Technical Assistance
Prosecutors and investigators may request free technical assistance with their child abuse cases including, customized cross-examinations of the defendant or defense expert, personalized tips for preparing children for court, building direct examinations, and more.
Publications
Review both practical and scholarly articles that address the needs of frontline child abuse professionals in our Publications Directory.
Interactive, On-Demand Training Platform
Coming soon!
Testimonials
"I cannot say enough excellent things about my experience with the instructors and groups in the Crime Scene all day session! These people had excellent presentations, personalities, the whole package!! The interactive hands on crime scene investigation with our groups was so well prepared and it was quite obvious that everyone in the room was satisfied with what these leaders brought to us to experience. Their dynamics together were great and the presentation is most definitely something they should continue to take on the road!! Job WELL DONE!!"
Workshop Attendee
Florida Krimes Against Kids Conference
"I took away a lot of great ideas from not only the instructors, but also from my fellow participants. This was one of the most beneficial parts of the training to get ideas from others currently practicing…You don't always get to surround yourself in a training of this type with prosecutors who have as much experience specifically in child abuse cases as those that did at this training and to also have the time to listen to feedback and converse about ideas.”
Attendee
Experiential Trial Advocacy Course
"I have been a prosecutor for 8 years and gone to many trial techniques classes and workshops. This was the best opening and closing statement workshop I have ever attended!"
Workshop Attendee
Dallas Crimes Against Children Conference
"Excellent balance of topics for new and experienced attorneys. The role exercise was helpful. Although folks may be hesitant to volunteer it is great for feedback and learning. Presenters were entertaining and knowledgeable. Lastly, continued topics on technology are helpful for prosecutors in rural counties."
Attendee
Stopping Technology-Facilitated Abuse of Rural Kids (STARK)
"I feel much more prepared to address attacks by defense experts and future cases. I also feel more confident about what I need to be addressing in front of the jury and how to help my investigators do a better job."
Attendee
Forensic Interviewer at Trial
"Thank you so much. The time, information, and experience you have shared with me - for free - is invaluable. Also, I do not in any way think it is hyperbole to state that the affect your organization has is literally changing the world and making it better for the most innocent and vulnerable demographic."
Technical Assistance
"We have received positive anecdotal feedback from many participants in the training saying they found it extremely valuable. For example, an elected DA is using information and techniques he learned about investigation of child abuse cases to train his local detectives. This DA was so impressed with the investigative lessons he learned that he is using it to train all the detectives, not just those involved with child abuse investigations. Specifically, he was impressed with the instruction concerning follow up and seeking corroborating information.
Overall, our feedback from the attendees was extremely positive."
Host Agency
Prosecutor Institute
"I learned more in three days than I did in three years."
Attendee
Crime Scene to Trial
Every bit of the material this week was so helpful, and I can legitimately see myself using so much of the material in my every day job. I loved how much everything was backed with research. A lot of this I already knew, but it was refreshing and encouraging to see so much research back it all up. The ChildFirst binder is such an exciting resource to use in the future for motions, arguments, and questions for witnesses. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this training. It was invaluable.
Attendee
ChildFirst® National Training
Instructors
Publications
COMING SOON! Getting Forensic Interviews Admitted: 11 Strategies for Child Abuse Prosecutors
This publication is a practical companion to our treatise on Child Statement and Forensic Interview Admissibility. The publication synthesizes case law, state statutes, and...
COMING SOON! Duel of the Fates: 22 Cross-Examination Techniques for Child Abuse Prosecutors
This new publication explores the nuanced techniques necessary for cross-examination in child abuse cases. The guide provides 22 techniques split into four categories ranging...
All the Pieces Matter: Evaluating Digital Forensic Expert Witnesses
As court cases increasingly involve the use of digital evidence, the demand for experts who can evaluate how that evidence was collected and analyzed—and...
Not Another Bite at the Apple: Individualizing the Forensic Interview Process to Meet the Child’s Needs
This new publication from Zero Abuse Project discusses best practice and different modalities for conducting forensic interviews. We can no longer only consider...
The Use of Trial Exhibits in Cases of Child Abuse
Trial exhibits can tell a story, compare and contrast, persuade, and help jurors reach judgments. This paper is how trial lawyers can show...
When the Smoke Clears: Cross-Examining the Defense Expert’s Attack on a Forensic Interview
The article provides practical tips for cross examining a defense expert called to critique the quality of a forensic interview. The importance of using...
Interviewing Lucas: A Case on Polyvictimization
"Interviewing Lucas" is a case-study on polyvictimization that examines the importance of screening for all forms of maltreatment during child forensic interviews and highlights...
Where the Boys Are: Investigating & Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse When the Victim is Male
This article explores the research on the sexual abuse of boys and offers concrete suggestions for conducting forensic interviews with these children, investigating crimes...
Exigency and Encrypted Cloud Accounts (Part 2)
This article provides 7 advanced strategies for prosecutors, as well as guidance for dealing with cloud providers and other stakeholders. Zero Abuse Project developed...
Exigency and Encrypted Cloud Accounts (Part 1)
This article provides 8 introductory considerations for prosecutors, and addresses the complexity and challenges faced when working cases involving remotely stored and encrypted data....


the support you need
Technical Assistance
Prosecutors, law enforcement, forensic interviewers and MDT members may request free technical assistance with their child abuse cases including:
- customized cross-examinations of the defendant or defense expert
- developing themes for closing arguments
- tips for preparing children for court
- building direct examinations
- collaborative investigative approaches
- forensic interview consultations
- testifying in court
coming soon
Interactive, On-Demand Training
Zero Abuse Project will be launching an interactive training simulation platform, enabling prosecutors to:
- walk through the entire timeline of a child abuse prosecution
- make decisions at different stages of the prosecution
- learn best practices for prosecutorial intersections with abuse investigations
- practice trial skills in realistic scenarios
- receive automated, real-time feedback to these choices and their effects on both victim interactions and case outcome.


Trauma-informed Prosecutor Project
Success Stories
- <Success stories from previous grant>
- <Re-awarded grant>


Need Assistance?
Our team is here to support you in your child abuse investigation or prosecution. Contact us today to schedule training or request technical assistance.