Cost: $75

Location: Kendall County Sheriff's Office, 6 Staudt St., Boerne, TX 78006

8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

Course Overview

The course on the investigation of child abuse and child death is an intensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle these sensitive cases. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical techniques, participants will learn to identify, investigate, and respond effectively to incidents of child abuse and child fatalities.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the different forms of child abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
• Investigate child abuse and child death cases using appropriate methodologies.
• Conduct interviews with children, caregivers, and potential witnesses sensitively and effectively.
• Collaborate with other professionals such as medical personnel, social workers, and legal experts.
• Understand the legal framework and the importance of evidence preservation in child abuse and child death investigations.

Course Content

Introduction to Child Abuse and Child Death

This section provides an overview of child abuse and child death, including definitions, prevalence, and the various types of abuse. Students will learn about the psychological, physical, and social impacts on the victims and their families.

Identification and Recognition

Students will learn the indicators of different types of child abuse and how to recognize them. This includes understanding the behavioral and physical signs that might suggest a child is being mistreated.

Investigation Techniques

This module covers the protocols and procedures for investigating child abuse and child death cases. Participants will be trained in collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and documenting findings accurately and comprehensively.

Interviewing Child Victims and Witnesses

Effective interviewing techniques are crucial in child abuse investigations. This section will teach students how to communicate with children in a way that is non-threatening and conducive to obtaining accurate information.

Interviewing Suspects

Child abuse and child death investigations are enhanced when a confession can be obtained. This module will cover the best practices for obtaining a confession or admission to the crime being investigated.

Legal Considerations

Understanding the legal aspect of child abuse investigations is essential. This section will cover relevant laws, the importance of safeguarding evidence, and the procedures for court presentations.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Participants will learn about the strategies to prevent child abuse and intervene early when abuse is suspected. This will include community-based programs, public awareness campaigns, and support services for families.

Assessment and Evaluation

Students will be assessed through a combination of class discussion and participation.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for law enforcement officers and investigators who are involved in child protection.

Conclusion

The investigation of child abuse and child death is a challenging but critical responsibility. This course aims to provide comprehensive training to ensure that professionals are well-equipped to handle these cases with the utmost care and effectiveness. Through education and collaboration, we can work towards a safer environment for all children.

Instructor

Dr. Anita Seamans is a veteran law enforcement professional, educator, and investigator with more than four decades of experience in criminal investigations, police leadership, and advanced law enforcement training. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University, along with a master's degree in Human Sciences and a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Dr. Seamans has served in senior investigative and command roles across local, state, and federal contexts, including her current position as a Special Investigator with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Her career includes extensive experience as a senior investigator, SWAT commander and sniper team leader, DEA and FBI task force member, and consulting forensic document examiner. She is also a nationally and internationally recognized instructor, having taught for multiple police academies, universities, the U.S. Department of Justice, and professional law enforcement organizations.

An accomplished author and presenter, Dr. Seamans has written numerous investigative training manuals and has delivered lectures at major national and international conferences on topics including crimes against children, equivocal death investigations, statement analysis, and police leadership. Her work has earned her multiple awards for professional excellence, instructional achievement, and investigative service, including Special Investigator of the Year for the State of Texas.