For years our child abuse investigative team tried to find a defensible interviewing technique specifically targeting children who had allegedly been abused. It seemed to me that we fumbled around in the dark. Our methods continually changed. Sometimes we audio taped, sometimes we videotaped. At one time we were encouraged to use anatomical dolls and then we were asked not to use them–same with anatomical drawings. I realized that behind the scenes the prosecutor was constantly changing the protocol because he was reacting to state and national court decisions. Every time evidence was thrown out or an appeal was won due to a poorly conducted investigative interview, he felt it necessary to change our methods. However, on the frontline it felt more like we were in limbo and the lack of consistency in handling the cases reflected in our morale as well as our courtroom testimonies.
Although we sometimes believed we were in water over our heads and no one was throwing us a lifeline, interest in the issue of conducting forensic interviews with children has grown substantially over the last 10 to 15 years.
According to the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), the justice system has recognized the need for professionals with highly specialized interviewing skills. However, until recently there was no comprehensive national approach to training teams and individuals in conducting forensic interviews with children.
In 1998, American Prosecutors Research Institute's (APRI) National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse met the challenge to develop a high quality forensic interviewing course across the country and launchedFinding Words, Interviewing Children and Preparing for Court.The course was developed in collaboration with CornerHouse, an Interagency Child Abuse Evaluation and Training Center located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Finding Words interviewing techniques were so well received that the APRI propelled an initiative they call Half a Nation by 2010. The goal of the project is to establish state-operated Finding Words programs in half the states by 2010. As of December 2007, courses have been established in 19 states.
Finding Words is a unique five-day course because it was designed by and for the frontline child abuse professional. The course is offered to multidisciplinary teams that typically consist of prosecutors, law enforcement officers, child protection workers and forensic interviewers. The goal is to train these professionals to work together throughout the investigation, from receipt of the initial report to the interview of the child, and to prosecution when appropriate.
Morgan County Deputy Prosecutor Karey Banfield said, "I think the team approach is very beneficial. Everyone on the team has different training, abilities and perspectives. The combination of those traits gives the team the resources it needs to be more efficient in the interview, less burdensome on the victim and overall provides a more effective investigation."
In the June 2003 issue of the APRI's Special Topics Series (see link below), the Finding Words concept is explained. "We believe forensic interviewers should use an interview protocol that takes into account pertinent research and is defensible in court." While several acceptable protocols are available, Finding Words uses CornerHouse's RATAC protocol.
RATAC is a mnemonic device. Each letter stands for a different stage of the protocol: Rapport, Anatomy Identification, Touch Inquiry, Abuse Scenario and Closure. If a student can remember the word "RATAC," the student can remember the entire protocol. Each component of the protocol takes into account a child's age and developmental functioning as well as other variables. RATAC cannot be learned by simply reading an article or attending a workshop. The protocol must be taught in a course that includes intense hands-on training.
The training is a powerful experience. Martinsville Police Officer Brian Chambers said, "I hated the class while I was attending it because it was so unlike most other police training courses (no range time, low-speed/low-impact, not very exciting material). However, after having completed the training I now realize its concept and effectiveness. It is difficult for many officers, myself included, to take the time and effort to "think outside of the box" in order to gain case related information and to consider the victim at the same time. We are commonly programmed to get case related facts, jail the perpetrator, type/file the probable cause and then move to the next call."
Banfield, who recently attended a Finding Words course said, "I think the training is invaluable and feel that every prosecutor should be required to take the course because they will all have to deal with a child witness/victim at some point in their career.
To find Finding Words courses scheduled in your area, contact
APRI National Center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse
99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 510
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-540-9222
or visit their website listed below.