Brief Overview: Historically, forensic interview protocols, training, and practice have focused on conducting forensic interviews with children and adolescents regarding their experiences of abuse, and of conducting such investigations within the context of a multidisciplinary team. The field of forensic interviewing has developed in response to the recognition that these young populations present with unique needs and require specialized approaches. Vulnerable adults who may have experienced abuse also have unique needs, and are similarly deserving of having practices reflective of these needs. Increasingly, individuals or agencies in the role of conducting forensic interviews with children may be called upon to interview vulnerable adults. This presentation will provide an introduction and overview of forensic interviewing with alleged vulnerable adult victims of abuse, through exploring practices that are applicable to conducting forensic interviews with vulnerable adults and discussing how forensic interviewing of vulnerable adults may be incorporated into current practice.
Expert Presenter: Julie is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from St. Catherine University. Prior to joining CornerHouse, Julie was a residential treatment therapist, engaging in therapy with children and their families and providing training and consultation to program staff. Julie joined the CornerHouse staff in 2006. At CornerHouse, Julie conducts forensic interviews with children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults regarding allegations of abuse or witnessing of violent crime; provides training for professionals in basic and advanced forensic interviewing skills and regarding other related topics, conducting training on a local, national, and international level; has co-authored an article on the CornerHouse forensic interview protocol; and has been a co-developer of the CornerHouse MultiSession Forensic Interview process, a modification of the forensic interviewing process designed to meet the unique needs of very young children or individuals with other special needs or concerns.
