ChildFirst™ Virginia - June 17-21, 2019 

Training Date: June 17-21, 2019, Virginia Highlands Community College

Application Due Date:  Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Overview: ChildFirst™ Virginia is an intensive five day course in which students learn the necessary skills to conduct a forensic interview of a suspected child abuse victim. This interactive course combines lectures and demonstrations supplemented with homework assignments and a written examination at the end of the course. Participants also must conduct a 30-minute interview of a professional actor playing the role of a sexually abused child after which the interviewer is critiqued by a professional forensic interviewer and a group of fellow students.

Requirements:

(1) You must work in a job in which you conduct forensic interviews of suspected child abuse victims or you defend forensic interviews in court. These professionals are law enforcement officers, DSS caseworkers, CAC Staff and prosecutors. 

(2) It is beneficial to apply for the course as a multidisciplinary team.  At a minimum, a team must include a prosecutor, a law enforcement investigator, and a child protection services worker. If you have any questions about who should be on a team, contact CACVA at 276-644-3371.

(3) You must commit to completing all homework assignments and attending every session. Anyone who misses a session, does not complete homework, or fails the examination will not be awarded a certificate of course completion.

How to Apply:

If you are applying as a member of a multidisciplinary team, please complete the application fully making sure to select 'TEAM member' in the appropriate section and listing the names of other team members who will be applying.  EACH TEAM MEMBER MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION. If you are applying as an individual, please complete the application fully selecting 'Individual' on the application.  DO NOT forget to submit separately your reason for applying - this is explained in the application.  

The training is limited to 40 participants.  After the application deadline (Wednesday, January 11, 2019) a selection committee will determine who will attend, who will be placed on a wait list and who will be required to apply again in the future.  You will be notified as to this decision by  April 26.  You will also be provided information regarding group lodging opportunity, payment of registration fee ($400), pre-course reading, and agenda.  Participants are responsible for their own lodging and meal expenses.

VDSS provides scholarship opportunities on a reimburseable basis for qualified DSS employees.  All expenses (INCLUDING TUITION) will need to be paid by the agency or individual and then will be reimbursed through VDSS upon successful completion of the course.  Further information will be provided upon selection of attendees.  

Apply by clicking the "Register Now" button below.  BE SURE to click the "Register" button upon completion of your application in order to submit and receive confirmation.

Applications due by April 17, 2019

 

Register Now! 

 
Funding for this training program is supported by Children's Justice Act Grant No. G-1301VADJA1, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children, Youth and Families.  Points of view or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services.  This grant is administered by the  Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.