This workshop will provide an overview of affirmative practices for child abuse multidisciplinary team (MDT) professionals investigating, prosecuting and serving LGBTQIA+ children and families in the systems response to child abuse and maltreatment. In addition to providing an overview of gender and sexuality terminology, some of the topics covered will include cultural considerations, working with non-supportive caregivers, preparing the family and child from the process, preparing the team and court for working with the LGBTQIA+ community, prosecutorial considerations such as witness preparation and jury selection, allyship, pronouns, modifications to the forensic interview process and the use of interview aids. While considerations for the forensic interview will be discussed in this training, the primary focus is on the MDT, as a whole.
Learning Objectives:
Improve outcomes for LGBTQIA+ child victims and their families through culturally informed and affirmative investigations, judicial processes and supportive services
Increase understanding of LGBTQIA+ community, including issues, myths and stereotypes that affect this community and how previous systems history and experiences of polyvictimization affect interactions
Offer concrete tools and strategies for professionals to examine current practices and create more affirmative interactions and environments for LGBTQIA+ children and families
