Preparing Children for Court
This workshop examines research on common fears children have about testifying and discusses best practices for addressing these fears before, during and after the courtroom testimony.
Training Catalog
Welcome to the Zero Abuse Project Training Catalog!
You can use the filters on the to browse the full scope of training Zero Abuse Project is able to offer for your organization. Please note that the On Demand filter can be used to quickly identify our trainings that have been pre-recorded and are available to watch. Most other trainings are available for organizations to book on a fee-for-service basis.
Through our Trauma-informed Prosecutor Project, we are able to offer a select menu of trainings for Prosecutors and other MDT members at no cost. Please select the Trauma-informed Prosecutor Project filter to view these trainings.
If you are an individual seeking training, please visit our Events & Training Calendar to view and register for upcoming trainings hosted by Zero Abuse Project. Unfortunately, Zero Abuse Project cannot book an individual’s request for training.
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The Dynamics of Child Abuse
Each child who has experienced maltreatment goes through their own process of disclosure, and experiences intersecting dynamics and barriers to making a disclosure. There are many misconceptions about how and when children disclose based on adult norms and realities; it’s important that child maltreatment professionals understand the dynamics of child abuse so they can take a holistic approach in educating teams, juries, and
Child Death Investigations: An Overview for the MDT
Child Death Investigations can be complex and emotionally taxing cases for a multidisciplinary team. This presentation will focus on the benefits of an MDT-based approach to address common issues and challenges that arise in the investigation of deaths of the most vulnerable victims. Factual data will be referenced regarding the reduction in undetermined manner of death (or SIDS) findings with the
Preparing Children for our Process: Finding the Balance Between Saying Too Much, but Not Saying Enough
Effectively preparing children and families for our forensic interview process can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the forensic interview, but teams often worry about how and when to engage families and non-offending caregivers prior to the interview and in what way. This training provides guidance on how to prepare children and families for our process including the difference between minimal
Where the Boys Are: Investigating and Prosecuting Cases of CSA When the Victim is Male
Most sexually abused boys will never make an outcry during childhood and, even if abuse is discovered, investigators and prosecutors will face barriers that impede their ability to protect these children. This workshop explores the research on the sexual abuse of boys and offers concrete suggestions for conducting forensic interviews with these children, investigating crimes against boys, and presenting these
Utilizing Physical and Digital Evidence to Corroborate Difficult Cases
Corroborative evidence can often be the deciding factor on whether or not a case moves forward for charging. Many cases of abuse and assault often appear to only have the victim and suspect as the “witnesses”. This presentation will explore ways that police and prosecutors can look beyond those two witnesses and identify ways to present compelling, corroborating evidence. Using traditional
Know Before You Go: Effective Patrol Officer Response to Vulnerable Victim Cases
The first contact in an investigation can have a significant impact on the case as a whole. Law enforcement and child protection workers, who are often the first responders, need to be armed with the knowledge to competently and effectively begin the case. Prosecutors need to work in cooperation with their MDT partners in order to communicate the elements of
Is This My Job? Ethical Issues for Prosecutors in Sensitive Victim Cases
This presentation will address the issues experienced by every prosecutor who handles cases with sensitive victims, traumatized families and emotional witnesses. Ethical questions may arise when boundary lines are blurred due to the expectations many victims and families have for prosecutors to provide support in multiple roles. Recognizing applicable rules of professional responsibility for prosecutors and their interactions with families
The Least of These: Implementing Child Protection Policies, Personal Safety Education, and other Reforms to Keep Safe the Children God has Entrusted to our Churches & Schools
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. More than one out of four children will be beaten to the point of injury and 13% will witness their mother beaten. One out of ten will be denied food, clothing, shelter, medical
Tech-Facilitated Crimes and the Forensic Interview
This workshop will explore the effective use of the forensic interview process when responding to technology facilitated crimes against children. In addition to building awareness about the current state of the technological landscape, this workshop will address misconceptions about the nature and prevalence of technology-facilitated child abuse. This workshop will equip forensic interviewers and investigative MDTs with tools, skills and
The Use of Interpreters in the Forensic Interview: A Training for Interpreters
Promoting the effective communication between forensic interviewers and the presenting child is a critical part of the forensic interview process. Facilitating this effective communication sometimes requires the use of an interpreter in the forensic interview. This workshop, intended for interpreters, will offer a foundational knowledge of CACs, MDTs and forensic interview process. It will also familiarize interpreters with tools and
Considering Grooming and Manipulation in the Forensic Interview
Grooming behaviors are estimated to be present in nearly half of all child sexual abuse cases. It is important for child abuse professionals to recognize manipulative patterns and behaviors that offenders employ to groom their victims for compliance with abuse and non-disclosure, so interventions can be made as early as possible. This training will provide professionals with information on what
Understanding Child Abuse and the CAC and MDT Response
This course provides an overview of the dynamics of child abuse as well as the systems that respond to child abuse and maltreatment.
A Very Particular Set of Skills: Investigating Human Trafficking
Moving cases from the investigation stage to prosecution is particularly difficult in the context of human trafficking, and successful human trafficking investigations require a unique approach. This workshop addresses potential avenues of corroboration, technology-facilitated human trafficking, proactive strategies, and investigative resources.
Anatomical Dolls and Diagrams: Understanding the Research and Putting into Practice
The training provides multidisciplinary team members an understanding of the research and proper use to assist with investigation and prosecution when forensic interviews include the use of interviewing aids of anatomical dolls and diagrams. While the practice of using anatomical dolls and diagrams is sometimes seen as contentious in the field of forensic interviewing, research shows the appropriate use of
Pursuing Justice: A Survivor and a Psychologist Journey from Forensic Interview to Trial and Beyond
Reviewing a child sexual assault case from 2004-2006, this unique presentation taught by a child sexual abuse survivor and a forensic psychologist walks you hand and hand from forensic interview to trial. You will learn how to avoid common pitfalls to prevent re-traumatization of the survivor and how to support a survivor despite what happens in the process in a
Don’t Believe Your Lying Eyes: Introducing Visual Evidence in the Courtroom
Recent high profile cases have highlighted challenges–predictable and less so–to the introduction of visual evidence in court. Taught by a forensic examiner and former prosecutor, this presentation will discuss practical approaches to the introduction of visual evidence in the courtroom with an emphasis on accuracy, admissibility and impact for the jury.
The Death of Emily Hampshire: A Multi-Disciplinary Teams’ Battle for Justice and the Community Struggle to Understand a Mother’s Actions
Emily Hampshire celebrated her 14th birthday on October 22, 2018. On November 3, 2018 Emily was dead. The investigation into her death revealed a complicated medical history of Type 1 Diabetes that was deliberately concealed from family, friends, and teachers by Emily’s mother, Amber Hampshire. The actions of Amber Hampshire that directly led to the death of Emily caused disbelief and
When the Suspect is a Child: MDT Response to Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors
The tragedy of youth sexually abusing other children is frequently encountered by prosecutors and forensic interviewers, yet it poses significant and persistent challenges. This workshop provides pertinent strategies and research for the effective, appropriate intervention and prosecution of juvenile offenders.
A Trauma-Informed Courtroom
In this workshop, attendees will receive an overview of the research on trauma and how it impacts children as well as the research on the impact of testifying in court as a child. Applying this research, students will learn trauma-informed strategies for reducing the anxiety of children and taking their testimony in a manner that is developmentally appropriate.
How Prosecutors, Investigators, and MDTs Can Implement Trauma-informed Responses and Care
Numerous research studies have shown that childhood stress and trauma can impact adult health. This presentation will increase your knowledge of trauma and provide suggestions for responding to children, families, community partners and multidisciplinary team members in a trauma informed manner. Available as a 90-minute or 3-hour presentation.
Introduction to ACEs: What Investigators, Prosecutors, and MDTS Need to Know
Experiences in childhood matter. Numerous research studies have shown that childhood stress and trauma can impact adult health. The ACE Study is the largest study investigating the health and social effects of negative childhood experiences. Now that we have the research, what can we do about it?
Essentials of Trauma-Informed Care
Numerous research studies have shown how childhood stress and trauma can impact adult health. This presentation will increase your knowledge of trauma and provide ways to work with children, families and communities to reduce the impact of trauma. Available as a 90-minute or 3-hour presentation.
From Surviving to Thriving: Victim Empowerment
This presentation will discuss ways to engage survivors in your work or agency. Creating a variety of opportunities for survivors to “speak and tell” is vital for engagement. In addition to traditional support groups, demonstrating the potential of healing and hope through stories can lead to empowerment through finding their voice. Other methods of connection and support can occur in
