At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

1. Define and identify complex needs and how they impact the forensic interview.
2. Assess and mitigate potential biases when working with individuals with complex needs.
3. Differentiate between symptoms and diagnoses to better tailor the interview to each individual’s unique challenges rather than relying on diagnostic labels.
4. Apply strength-based interviewing techniques that build on the interviewee’s existing skills and resilience to foster a supportive and productive interview environment.
5. Tailor your interview to accommodate various impairments (e.g., visual, hearing, verbal) and behavioral challenges (e.g., sexualized or disruptive behavior) to ensure an inclusive and effective interview process.
6. Adapt interviewing strategies to effectively interact with individuals with developmental delays, attention deficits, social deficits, and social anxiety to enhance communication and information gathering.
7. Respond to and manage emotional and psychological challenges (e.g., psychosis, confusion) during interviews, using empathetic and responsive communication techniques.