Mandated reporters are an essential part of the child protection system because they have an enhanced capacity, through their expertise and direct contact with children, to identify suspected child abuse and neglect. Reports made by mandated reporters are confirmed at nearly double the rate of those made by non-mandated reporters.

Learn more about spotting the signs of child maltreatment, how to make a report, and responding to a disclsoure of abuse from a child.

Time: 45-60 minutes

Intended Audience: Multidisciplinary Team Members (Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services, Prosecutors, Medical and Mental Health Professionals, etc.), Mandated Reporters, and Community based child-serviing professionals

Pre-requisite training:
Mandated reporter training

This essential training offers guidance on how to navigate disclosures of child abuse with sensitivity and care, using trauma-informed best practices. Participants will learn how to respond appropriately when a child confides in them about abuse, ensuring the child feels safe and heard while gathering the critical information necessary for reporting. The session will cover techniques for collecting the minimal facts needed for reporting child abuse and neglect, as well as strategies for assessing when a minimal facts interview is required.

Tailored for all community members, this training is particularly valuable for mandated reporters, such as teachers and mental health professionals, who may encounter disclosures in their work. Additionally, the training will provide law enforcement and child protective services professionals with important tools for conducting field interviews with children, ensuring their safety and well-being while preparing for a future forensic interview at a Child Advocacy Center. Join us to gain the knowledge and skills to support children in need and ensure that all disclosures are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Time: 75-120 minutes

Intended Audience: Multidisciplinary team members (Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services, Prosecutors, Medical and Mental Health Professionals, etc.), child advocacy center professionals, policy makers

This training explores the vital role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) model used at Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) to enhance community responses and interventions in child abuse cases. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundational components and goals of the CAC-based MDT, as well as how this collaborative approach improves the overall effectiveness of responding to and supporting victims of child abuse.

Attendees will dive into the concept of a community-wide response to child abuse and learn how Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center is working to define and strengthen its community response strategies. A focused discussion will also be held on the critical role of MDT Coordinators, and participants will receive updates on evidence-based practices that optimize the effectiveness of team-based interventions in child abuse cases.

This training is designed for professionals working at child advocacy centers, those directly involved in child abuse case response, and key community stakeholders who are committed to improving outcomes for children and families affected by abuse, as well as enhancing criminal justice outcomes. Join us for an informative session that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to support a more effective, collaborative community response to child abuse.

This training is available on demand for groups upon request, and will be offered yearly for MDT partners. For upcoming events, training opportunuties, and agency updates please be sure to subscribe.