About this archived opportunity

Background InformationThe initial minimal facts-finding field interview of the child sexual abuse victim is essential for law enforcement (LE) and Child Protective Services (CPS) for safety planning, potential prosecution, and for service referrals. It puts the abuse/sexual act in context, can provide timeframes necessary for medical evaluation and evidence collection, and identifies other parties/witnesses. Effective forensically-sound interviews are imperative to the overall success of the investigation. Programmatic DescriptionThe purpose of VQ Program is to educate first responders on how to properly conduct a forensically-sound, trauma-informed victim interview during an initial child sexual abuse investigation to ensure successful prosecution. This will be accomplished through the creation of three training videos: a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified video for law enforcement (LE); a video specific to Child Protective Service (CPS) personnel, and one for the broader category of first responder mandated reporters. These training videos are to be made available statewide.