S2E2: Unveiling the NCAC Pathways Model: Building deeper understanding of forensic interviewer training
Release Date: 08/01/2023
S3E7: Narrating Joy: Unveiling a CE-CERT tool
The SRCAC Exchange
S3E7: Narrating Joy: Unveiling a CE-CERT tool Imagine if your career satisfaction and well-being depended on the narrative you create about your work. In this episode, we delve into the Components for Enhancing Career Experience and Reducing Trauma (CE-CERT) approach, focusing on the domain of conscious narrative and its crucial role in sustaining professionals in the child abuse field. Dr. Brian Miller, the developer of the CE-CERT model, and Karen Hangartner, Director of Professional Services with the National Children’s Advocacy Center, share their insights on how this concept is...
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S3E6: Staying Power: A case study of exceptional CAC staff retention
The SRCAC Exchange
Why do some professionals remain committed to children's advocacy despite the many challenges? In this episode, we explore the experiences of three long-serving Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) professionals who have navigated decades in this demanding field. Kay Phillips, Jennifer Gamble, and Robert Scott Steele share their stories, offering valuable insights into what drives their long-term dedication to child advocacy. Whether you’re facing struggles yourself or simply curious about the heart behind CAC work, this episode will remind you of the powerful impact of...
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S3E5: Unlocking Potential: Where and how future CAC professionals are emerging
The SRCAC Exchange
How can Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Chapters cultivate the next generation of talent in the field? In this episode, we explore Mississippi's pioneering state-wide initiative that unlocks new potential for future professionals. Joining me are Karla Steckler Tye, CEO of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, and Didi Ellis, CEO and founder of Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center. Together, they share insights from their combined 25 years of experience, highlighting innovative programming and the transformative CAST program. We also hear from Addison Alexander, a CAST graduate, as...
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S3E4: Bridging Bonds: The inseparable connection of CACs and MDTs
The SRCAC Exchange
Imagine doing some of the most emotionally challenging work in the world, with a team by your side, offering constant, sometimes invisible support. In this episode, we explore the vital relationship between Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) staff and their multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners—teams that don’t just work together but lean on each other in unseen ways. Joined by Lydia Crivens, Christine Woods, and Johnny Vallejo, we discuss how collaboration, shared values, and everyday acts of appreciation help sustain these teams through the most difficult cases. Discover why strong...
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S3E3: Balancing Act: Coping, healing, and the art of gallows humor
The SRCAC Exchange
Episode Description: In this episode, we explore a topic often left unspoken but widely experienced—how child abuse professionals use dark humor to cope with the emotional weight of their work. Joined by neurohumorist Karyn Buxman, an expert in the therapeutic power of laughter, we discuss how humor serves as a lifeline in challenging environments. Discover the fine line between humor as a coping mechanism and when it might become harmful. Guest: Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE Neurohumorist Speaker Hall of Fame ...
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S3E2: Spaces that Thrive: A director's approach to staff wellness in CACs
The SRCAC Exchange
Episode Description: What makes some professionals thrive while others struggle, even with strong leadership? In this episode, we explore the key factors that contribute to a positive and healthy workplace in the child advocacy field. Joined by Paige Piper, Executive Director of BraveBE Child Advocacy Center, and Lori Wells Brown, CEO of Lotus Children's Advocacy Center, we discuss how both organizational culture and physical environments shape well-being and resilience in CAC professionals. Discover the strategies that foster a thriving and engaged workforce. ...
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S3E1: From Sacrifice to Sustainability: Transforming the culture of CACs
The SRCAC Exchange
Episode 1: From Sacrifice to Sustainability: Transforming the culture of CACs Guest: Sufna John, PhD Associate Professor, Co-Director of the Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST) program University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Episode Description: In this episode, we explore how Children’s Advocacy Centers are evolving beyond outdated professional norms that often lead to burnout and martyrdom. Dr. Sufna John, a licensed psychologist and expert in trauma-informed care, joins us to share her insights on...
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S2E7: Unlocking the Secrets: A Q&A on developing forensic interviewers
The SRCAC Exchange
Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 1: Unlocking the Secrets: A Q&A on developing forensic interviewers Forensic interviewers play a crucial role in gathering information from victims, especially when it involves vulnerable populations like children. But what does it take to become a skilled forensic interviewer? How do we develop their expertise and ensure their techniques adhere to the highest professional standards? Forensic interviewing requires a unique blend of skills, empathy, and the ability to work with the multidisciplinary team. In this episode, we offer a...
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S2E6: Building Resilience: Empowering forensic interviewers for sustainable success
The SRCAC Exchange
Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 6: Building Resilience: Empowering forensic interviewers for sustainable success As forensic interviewers bear witness to the harrowing narratives of children who have experienced trauma, these stories can have profound effects on the well-being of interviewers. The cumulative toll of this work can contribute to many facets of secondary traumatic stress. In this episode, we will explore the impact of this work on forensic interviewers and shed light on the crucial role supervisors play in supporting their well-being. Discover how...
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S2E5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewing
The SRCAC Exchange
Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 5: Nurturing Growth: Mentorship and supervision in forensic interviewing In the realm of forensic interviewing, mentorship and supervision are not mere luxuries—they are indispensable pillars of growth and development. A mentor’s steady guidance and a supervisor’s watchful eye can make all the difference in developing interviewers. In this episode, we will discuss the possibilities of what mentorship and supervision can look like at your CAC. Through check-ins, constructive feedback, opportunities for self-reflection, and continuous...
info_outlineSeason 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.
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:
National Children’s Advocacy Center Trainings:
Handbook on Questioning Children: A Linguistic Perspective
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