Training

Missouri KidsFirst training initiatives are designed to enhance the abilities of Missouri professionals who work in response to child abuse and neglect by offering research-based education and by partnering with state agencies to develop specialized training.  For training opportunities, please contact Jennifer Toalson at jennifer@missourikidsfirst.org.

Missouri KidsFirst supports a statewide network for Forensic Interviewers. Support includes:

• Implementation of standardized peer review
• Advanced training in forensic interviewing topics
• Research updates
• Advanced Trial Advocacy Training

Missouri KidsFirst is dedicated to the development and facilitation of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach to child abuse investigations. Specialized onsite training to assist counties in the development of MDT protocols and implementation of the approach in their communities is available upon request.

Missouri KidsFirst is dedicated to working with partnering agencies to develop training in support of child abuse professionals who work in conjunction with Child Advocacy Centers.

Missouri KidsFirst is dedicated to collaboration with partnering agencies in the co-sponsoring of conferences such as the strong professional relationship that lead to the Annual Missouri Statewide Sexual Assault Prevention Conference, in partnership with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Missouri KidsFirst is responsible for the administration of Finding Words Missouri, a nationally renowned forensic interviewing and court preparation training for child abuse investigators and prosecutors who work in collaboration with Child Advocacy Centers.

The Finding Words Faculty is made up of respected child abuse professionals from across the state of Missouri who dedicate their time and expertise to the program. The American Prosecutor’s Research Institute developed the curriculum and though a contractual agreement approves the trainers and provides technical assistance, research updates, and ongoing evaluation for the program.

To date, 340 professionals in Missouri have participated in the training:

• 31% Children’s Division
• 30% Law Enforcement
• 21% Prosecutors
• 18% Other (includes forensic interviewers, juvenile officers, victim advocates, mental health and medical professionals)

The purpose for bringing the Finding Words training to the state was so that children across the state will have access to highly skilled professionals who work together in collaboration with their child advocacy center.  One goal of the training is to have  professionals trained from every county or circuit in the state.  Representatives from 67 counties (in blue) have attended the course.