Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum

Episode 2: Unveiling the NCAC Pathways Model: Building deeper understanding of forensic interviewer training

Forensic interviewers have a responsibility to stay up to date with best practices to guarantee that they are providing the best forensic interview possible. They can do this by participating in relevant and ongoing training. This spans from their first core training to advanced, specialized topics and everything in-between.  In this episode, we will explore the National Children’s Advocacy Center new PATHWAYS approach to developing forensic interviewers, answering; What is PATHWAYS, how will it shift mindset in the field about training, and share some key takeaways for supervisors of forensic interviewers.  

Episode Transcript

Show Notes:

In today’s insightful episode, we’re joined by Christina Rouse and a distinguished team of trainers from the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) - Andra Chamberlin, Kim Madden, and Linda Cordisco Steele. The NCAC has an esteemed history, training over 200,000 child abuse professionals since 1985, and they are now developing a revolutionary approach to forensic interviewer training.  Recognizing a need to bridge the gap between basic and advanced interviewing skills, they’re introducing a new training model called “Pathways.”  This model aims to improve integration of basic skills, preparing interviewers for more complex, topic-specific situations, and caters to different learning styles and levels of experience.  

In their discussion, Andra, Kim, and Linda underline three critical skills for effective interviewing: the skillful use of a continuum of questions, providing social support, and exercising critical thinking.  These skills are key in eliciting narrative responses from children, supporting their unique needs, and guiding the direction of the interview.  But Pathways doesn’t stop there; it also tackles challenges faced by both new and experienced interviewers, emphasizing skill development, case-specific training, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.  Andra  previews their upcoming ‘Beyond the Basics’ curriculum, Kim explores the vital role of collaboration within investigative teams, and Linda stresses the importance of supportive supervision for the professional growth and wellbeing of interviewers. Stay tuned for an illuminating conversation about the future of this vital profession. Hit the subscribe button now!   

 

Host: 

Christina Rouse 

Guests: 

Andra Chamberlin, MA 

Kim Madden, MEd, LCMHC 

Linda Cordisco Steele, MEd, LPC 

Project Manager: 

Lauren Tanner, MSEd 

 

Quote: 

“It is just not possible to “re-wire” our brains and change long-standing habits through one-week of instruction and a short episode of practice.”-Linda Cordisco Steele Blog 

 

Links: 

Contact Host: 

• Christina Rouse 

Connect with the NCAC Trainers: 

• Andra Chamberlin, MA 

• Kim Madden, MEd, LCMHC 

• Linda Cordisco Steele, MEd, LPC 

 

The SRCAC Exchange 

SRCAC Facebook 

SRCAC LinkedIn 

National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) 

Child Forensic Interview Training:  A Bibliography 

Michael Lamb research forensically appropriate social support 

• “Difficulties translating research on forensic interview practices to practitioners: Finding water, leading horses, but can we get them to drink?” 

“The Talent Code; Talent isn’t born; it’s grown” by Daniel Coyle 

What is NCAC’s Pathways Model? 

What’s up with the changes in Advanced Forensic Interview Training? 

National Children’s Advocacy Center Trainings: 

• Forensic Interviewing of Children 

• Beyond Basic Forensic Interviewing Training Courses for 2023: 

Pathways for developing effective forensic interviewing skills 

Sign up for emails regarding NCAC trainings 

Handbook on Questioning Children:  A Linguistic Perspective 

 

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