S2E7: Unlocking the Secrets: A Q&A on developing forensic interviewers

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 Q&A with the National Children’s Advocacy Center’s Director of Forensic Interview Training and Services, Linda Cordisco Steele, and explore the strategies and approaches used to develop skilled forensic interviewers, whose work can make a profound difference in the lives of children and families.

Episode Transcript

Show Notes:

Prepare yourself for an insightful deep dive on this episode, as Christina Rouse has an engaging conversation with Linda Cordisco Steele, the Director of Forensic Interview Training and Services at the National Children’s Advocacy Center.  These experts draw from their wealth of experience to shed light on the vital role of continuous skill development, mentorship, and support for new forensic interviewers. They stress the importance of initial observation before formal training, consistent practice post-training, and the necessity of continual development skills. Christina and Linda distinguish between administrative and skills-based supervision, emphasizing the need for a safe a supportive environment for interviewers to reflect on their experiences and build resilience when their administrative supervisors lack the same forensic interviewing experience.  

Our discussion goes beyond training, touching on the multidisciplinary collaboration and peer review in the development and support of interviewers, and they suggest a comprehensive approach involving facilitated discussions, feedback, and ongoing training.  Christina and Linda delve into the challenge of balancing interviewer development with high service demands, offering creative solutions for those with limited resources. The conversation closes with a call to action for those with limited resources to explore innovative solutions for interviewer support, reinforcing the idea that the development of interviewers is a continuous, lifelong learning process.  Tune in to uncover the fascinating, complex world of forensic interviewing, and gain a newfound appreciation for this crucial profession. Hit the subscribe button now!  

Host: 

Christina Rouse​, MSW​ 

Guest: 

Linda Cordisco Steele, M.Ed., LPC

Links: 

Contact Host: 

• Christina Rouse 

Linda Cordisco Steele, M.Ed., LPC 

The SRCAC Exchange 

SRCAC Facebook 

SRCAC LinkedIn 

National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) Mentoring and Consultation Groups for Child Forensic Interviewers 

NCAC’s Consultation Group for Supervisors of Forensic Interviewers Continuing Education 

National Children