Investigative Interviewing
Interview Planning and Credibility Assessment in Child and Adult Protective Service Investigations
Learn a science-based approach to collect more relevant information, assess credibility, and enhance investigative decision-making.
Enhancing informed decision-making
This training is designed for non-law-enforcement child and adult protective services caseworkers and investigators who handle child and adult protective services cases and conduct interviews with alleged adult perpetrators.
Trainee Groups Include:
Child Protective Service Investigators
Social Service Assessment Workers
Family Services Specialists
Adult Protective Services Investigators
Community-based Case Investigators
After 57 participants completed this program:
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95%
indicated the program would assist them in their job.
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92.7%
felt better prepared to plan an interview.
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98.2%
indicated that techniques will help them assess credibility and improve information gathering.
Trainee Testimonials
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“Great training. This should be provided to call staff who are incoming/learning interview skills.”
-Child Protective Service Worker
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“I really enjoyed the interview planning tool. I feel that I can be better organized and I can focus on what I want to focus on and plan my day when I have to see clients...”
-Child Protective Service Worker
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“Multiple people expressed that this was the best training they ever received. The presentation was very engaging and interesting throughout. The information is directly relevant to what we do on multiple levels. It was great that presenters were open and receptive to feedback as we went along. Very well done!”
-Child Protective Service Worker
What you will learn
The class combines lecture material, case studies, and practical exercises. All participants receive a certificate of completion.
Plan for an interview using a structured tool
Use rapport-based interview techniques to increase information gain
Elicit a free narrative and develop a questioning strategy to meet interview objectives
Plan for the use of evidence during an interview using the evidence-framing matrix
Apply the rapport-based evidence presentation model
Use statement-evidence inconsistencies to assess credibility
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Duration: 16 hours
Format: In-person instructor-led
Professional Development Credits: 16
Prerequisites: Course 1 is a prerequisite for Course 2 — courses can be scheduled consecutively or separately
Research note: The REP Model was developed through collaboration with Dr. Christopher Kelly of Saint Joseph's University, including literature reviews, focus groups with practitioners from law enforcement, corrections, intelligence, and child protection, and systematic field studies using actual interviews.
This program is available for instructor-led delivery only and is designed for organizational enrollment. Connect with a member of the Second Sight team to learn more about this program, schedule your training, or request a quote. Volume pricing and bundle options are available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
16-Hours | Instructor-Led | Child and adult protective services investigators
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This program is designed for child protective services (CPS) and adult protective services (APS) investigators whose work requires structured, legally defensible investigative interviews with adult subjects.
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This program equips protective services investigators with a structured, research-validated process for interviewing adult subjects of investigations. Participants learn to apply the Evidence Framing Matrix (EFM) and the Rapport-Based Evidence Presentation Model to plan interviews strategically, disclose evidence in a structured sequence, and assess credibility to produce defensible outcomes.
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Yes. This program is available for multi-session delivery for agencies, including scheduling across multiple cohorts. Contact us to discuss your department's needs and timeline.
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Yes. The program is grounded in validated behavioral and investigative research and incorporates evidence-based principles consistent with current best practices in investigative interviewing. It goes beyond technique to teach a structured planning process that supports consistent, defensible interview outcomes.
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The core structured interview methodology is consistent across all three versions. The CPS/APS version addresses the specific operational context, documentation requirements, and population considerations relevant to protective services investigators, including interviews with children and vulnerable adults.