S2E6: Building Resilience: Empowering forensic interviewers for sustainable success
Release Date: 08/01/2023
The SRCAC Exchange
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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Medical Sciences Episode Description: In this episode, we explore how Children’s Advocacy Centers are evolving beyond outdated professional norms that often lead to burnout and martyrdom.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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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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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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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...
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Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 4: Unleashing Potential: Exploring cutting-edge programming for forensic interviewer skill enhancement In a world where forensic interviewers are yearning to enhance their skills, building innovative programs is necessary. These programs equip forensic interviewers with the tools they need to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of their work. In this episode, we are featuring two remarkable guests who have revolutionized the landscape of forensic interviewing in their states. Join us as we dive into a captivating discussion with these...
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Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 3: Strength in Unity: The crucial role of MDT and forensic interviewer alignment Oftentimes a case is referred to the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) without formal structure or policies in place to support the alignment between the multidisciplinary team (MDT) investigators and the forensic interview. How the forensic interviewer and MDT investigators collaborate is imperative to ensure a positive experience for the child and family. In this episode, we will discuss how your CAC can achieve alignment from the forensic interview...
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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...
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Season 2: Forensic Interviewer Growth Continuum Episode 1: Building Strong Foundations: The importance of onboarding forensic interviewers Forensic Interviewing has advanced drastically since its development in the 1980s and continues to evolve every day. We recognize that effective onboarding for forensic interviewers is more than just a checklist - it's a transformative process that shapes the trajectory of forensic interviewers' careers. In this episode, we explore the impact of having a comprehensive and thoughtful onboarding process, so that organizations and professionals can establish a...
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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 supervisors can be champions of retention, creating environments that prioritize well-being and equip forensic interviewers with the tools to cultivate their resilience.
Show Notes:
Step into the complex world of forensic interviewing in this insightful conversation between Christina Rouse and Lisa Conradi, Executive Director of the Chadwick Center. In this episode, they discuss the challenging roles forensic interviewers play in child abuse investigations, providing healing and support to victims while acting as witnesses for significant legal proceedings. This demanding role comes with both physical and emotional burdens, but the interviewers’ resilience and deep-seated concern for the well-being of children and families keep them going.
We’ll also explore the profound personal impact on these forensic interviewers. From personal life intrusions and heightened safety awareness to emotional exhaustion, the demanding nature of their work leaves deep imprints. However, through organizational support, open conversations, self-care, and finding fulfillment in their vital work, they navigate these hurdles. This conversation also highlights leadership strategies, support mechanisms, and useful resources for addressing secondary traumatic stress among interviewers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the child welfare system, trauma-informed care, and the resilience of those working on the frontlines. Hit the subscribe button now!
Host:
Christina Rouse, MSW
Guest:
Lisa Conradi, Psy.D.
Quote:
“Resilience represents a constellation of characteristics that protect individuals from the potential negative effects of stressors.” – Ivan Robertson