Class Descriptions

Forensic Interviewing

SW772

Credits:	1
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older Adults
Children & Families	Elective (Host)

Course Description

This is an advanced methods mini-course focused on forensic interviewing of children. The mini-course is particularly relevant to interviewing children alleged to have been sexually abused, but also relevant to gathering information from children about a spectrum of traumatic maltreatment experiences. This mini-course will provide a critical review of the research evidence that is relied upon in forensic interviewing of children, and will provide information about best practice. The course takes child-centered, social justice, and culturally responsive approaches that is inclusive of the child’s needs, developmental stage, and level of cognitive – emotional functioning, throughout the forensic interview process. Documenting the child’s disclosure about the specifics of the allegations will also be discussed.

Objectives

Upon completion of the mini-course, students will be able to:
● Understand and be able to critically evaluate research related to forensic interviewing.
● Be knowledgeable about the spectrum of interview protocols, structures, and guidelines.
● Be able to identify and employ appropriate questioning strategies in conducting a forensic interview,
● Be knowledgeable about when to employ media in forensic interviews and the controversies related to media.
● Be able to decide when to conduct an extended forensic assessment.

Design

This course will make use of lectures, demonstrations, discussion, role plays, and media such as videotaped interviews with children.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.