StepWise 360 Tailoring for Complex Needs

The StepWise 360: Tailoring for Complex Needs is an advanced workshop for individuals who have previously completed a basic StepWise interviewing workshop (or an equivalent course). It is suitable for any professional who conducts investigative interviews with children, adolescents, and adults, such as police, mental health specialists, social workers, child protection specialists, correctional officers, lawyers, and judges. It provides participants with the knowledge and skills required to conduct sensitive investigative interviews of adults, youth, and children with complex needs, including various physical, psychological, and behavioural challenges. The topics covered include:

• Complex needs: definitions and abuse risk factors

• Identifying and minimizing biases

• Identifying and adapting to symptoms, not diagnoses

• Preparing for and conducting strength-based interviews

• Tailoring interviews to individuals with:

  • Visual, hearing, verbal impairment

  • Developmental delays

  • Attention deficits and hyperactivity

  • Social deficits and anxiety

  • Emotional reactions

  • Psychosis and confusion

  • Sexualized and other behavioural problems