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Train-The-Trainer Certification Program in Child Protection Special Investigation

OVERVIEW

In 1996, Dr. Monit Cheung, Professor of Social Work and Mary R. Lewis Endowed Professor in Children & Youth, delivered a Child Protection Special Investigation curriculum to train child welfare professionals to conduct evidence-based forensic interviews. It aims to drill interviewing skills to collect and validate the information from child victims or survivors in clinical and judicial practices. Since 2003, the Train-The-Trainers (TTT) Certification Program has used a child-focused and trauma-informed approach to provide training for experienced professionals to become skilled educators in forensic interviews. In the past two decades (2003-2022), this specialized TTT program has helped public child welfare professionals and law enforcement in Hong Kong integrate an interdisciplinary team approach to support using interview protocols that are culturally relevant to the diverse populations they serve.

GOALS

  1. To provide a rich body of knowledge and skills on child protection special investigation, video-recorded interviews, training, and presentation skills.
  2. To certify professionals to be qualified forensic interview trainers in child sexual abuse investigation.

CERTIFICATION BODY

Child & Family Center for Innovative Research, Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

EXPERTISE AREAS

  • Forensic Interviewing Skills in Child Protection
  • Child Sexual Abuse Investigation
  • Incest Survivor Treatment

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

  • Proposal Preparation and Approval
  • Recruitment and Pre-Screening Approval
  • Training Stage
  • Assessment for Certification
  • Practicum and Assessment
  • Renewal Assessment

CERTIFICATION ADVISORY BOARD

  • Monit Cheung, PhD, LCSW, Professor, TTT Lead Faculty, Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston
  • Maureen O’Connell, Former Director, Angela House
  • Patricia Taylor, Curriculum Coordinator, Child Welfare Education Project, University of Houston
  • Arnitia Walker, Consultant (Former CWEP Director), Child Welfare Education Project, University of Houston
  • Renita Laury, PhD, Director, Child Welfare Education Project, University of Houston

This TTT Program is subject to change and approval by the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston.

Please contact Dr. Monit Cheung at 1-713-743-8107 or mcheung@uh.edu for details.