Workshop on forensic interviewing of children

The Sudbury Regional Hospital - Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Treatment (DVSAT) Program will host a two-day workshop on forensic interviewing of children June 9-10 at Bryston's on the Park in Copper Cliff.

The workshop will explore practical modules for police and allied health professionals to enhance their skills in forensic interviewing.

It will be led by Catherine McLennan, the supervisor for the Palomar Pomerado Forensic Health Child Abuse Program in California. She has been a child interview specialist for 21 years and in that capacity has interviewed in excess of 2,000 children.

She serves as an expert witness in child sexual abuse cases and has trained police and allied health workers internationally.
 
“Catherine McLennan offers extensive experience in advanced interviewing skills,” said Nancy Horan, the DVSAT program co-ordinator, in a release. “These skills are critical in the goal of attaining truthful information and evidence when dealing with children who may have suffered abuse.”

Forensic interviewing is important because most perpetrators of children deny the abuse and most acts of maltreatment are not witnessed, the victim’s statement is critical evidence in child abuse cases.

Yet developmental issues, such as children’s varying abilities to recall events, use of language, as well as the trauma they may have experienced, complicate efforts to obtain information about the abuse. The forensic interview is designed to overcome these obstacles.

The workshop will bring together regional community professionals who provide care to child victims of abuse offering an opportunity to share expertise and gain knowledge.