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 

Quote: 

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