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SAFE Training

SAFE: Safe Accessible Forensic Interviewing for Elders

Developed to meet the growing need for victim-centered interview techniques for use with older adults in criminal contexts, SAFE is grounded in forensic interviewing best practices with considerations and adaptations to account for age-related changes in cognition, underlying neuropathology (e.g., dementia), individual disability, language capacity, and cultural background.  All of the training materials needed to offer SAFE are provided below, with each training curriculum intended for a different audience (see Training Overview).

4-Day Advanced Certificate Training

For more information on receiving the training in your community, contact elder.justice@usdoj.gov

This course is designed for a maximum of 24 participants.

Overview

The 4-Day Advanced Certificate Training is intended to enhance the skills of experienced interviewers. Therefore, this course has two prerequisites:

  • Completion of a training course in interviewing victims and witnesses (min. 32 hours) and
  • Completion of 100 interviews and/or a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with older adults.

The intensive 4-Day course begins with a brief introduction to the concept of elder abuse (history, statistics), then transitions to exploring the ways in which elder abuse dynamics and aspects of aging impact interviewing. Attendees are then introduced to the SAFE Model of interviewing older adults, which includes not only interviewing techniques but consideration of the entire interviewing process including preparation, the setting, respectful closure, and so much more.  In addition to various interactive activities, attendees will practice these newly acquired skills using six scenarios throughout the course. On the 4th day, attendees will participate in a pass/fail practicum. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion.

Note. Completion of this course does not confer expertise as interviewing expertise is attained through repeated training and practice.  However, this course provides the basic tools needed to interview older adults in a person-centered, trauma-informed manner that results in the best outcomes for older victims being interviewed and those interviewing older victims.

2-Day Training on Communicating with Older Adults

For more information on receiving the training in your community, contact elder.justice@usdoj.gov

This course is designed for a maximum of 50 participants.

Overview

The 2-Day SAFE Training is intended for elder justice professionals, including multidisciplinary team members, to effectively communicate with and/or interview older victims. The 2-Day course begins with a brief introduction to the concept of elder abuse (history, statistics), then transitions to exploring the ways in which elder abuse dynamics and aspects of aging impact interviewing. Attendees are then introduced to relevant aspects of the SAFE Model of interviewing older adults. Attendees will practice some of these newly acquired skills during the course and participate in other interactive activities. 

Note. Completion of this course does not confer expertise as interviewing expertise is attained through repeated training and practice.  However, this course provides the basic tools needed to effectively communicate with older victims in the context of an elder abuse investigation.

1-Day Training on Abuse of Older Adults

For more information on receiving the training in your community, contact elder.justice@usdoj.gov

This course is designed for a maximum of 75 participants.

Overview

The 1-Day SAFE Training is intended for professionals seeking to learn more about abuse of older adults, the multidisciplinary team approach, and some general tips on how to communicate with older adults. The 1-Day course begins with a brief introduction to the concept of elder abuse (history, statistics), then transitions to exploring the ways in which elder abuse dynamics and aspects of aging impact communicating with older adults.  The training includes interactive activities.    

Note. Completion of this course does not confer expertise as interviewing expertise is attained through repeated training and practice.  However, this course provides the basic tools needed to understand elder abuse and effectively communicate with older adults. 

Development of SAFE

Updated February 20, 2024