Oregon Child Forensic Interview Training (OCFIT)

Oregon Child Forensic Interview Training (OCFIT) is a specialized forensic interview technique used to gather the greatest amount of reliable information in a child-sensitive, developmentally appropriate, and legally-defensible manner following allegations of abuse. Initial responders and those who talk to children following suspicions of abuse are encouraged to attend, including child forensic interviewers, law enforcement officers, child welfare personnel, and others are encouraged to attend.

No. A Forensic Interviewer must be or have been a law enforcement officer or a DHS Child Welfare worker, or have a master’s degree in a related field and two years of experience working with children, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of experience working with children, or have a combination of education and experience at least equivalent to the aforementioned as determined by the CAC where the forensic interviewer is employed or volunteers; and have completed the Oregon Child Forensic Interview Training. In addition, the forensic interviewer must complete at least eight hours of training in child maltreatment and/or forensic interviewing every two years, and participate in peer review at least semi-annually or more frequently. Those who successfully complete OCFIT will receive a Certificate of Completion indicating they attended the training in its entirety and passed the post-test.

OCFIT in-person is a 5 day training and is held in locations throughout Oregon and online. Specific dates and locations are posted on Oregon Child Abuse Solutions website.

Schedule Overview:

• Day #1: Monday from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Welcome from OCFIT Team
  • Introduction Module
  • Child Development Module
• Day #2: Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Memory & Trauma Module
  • How Children Tell Module
  • Diversity, Equity, & Access Module
  • The Forensic Interview Module Part 1
• Day #3: Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • The Forensic Interview Module Part 2
  • Disabilities Module
• Day #4: Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Peer Review Module
  • Practice Interviews
• Day #5: Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Corroboration Module
  • Testifying in Court Module
  • Final Test

Applications will be available approximately 12 weeks before the training start date, and are accepted for six weeks. Exact release dates are TBA. Applications for OCFIT are due no later than six weeks before the training start date and are completed online. Please email questions to registration@oregoncas.org.

Yes. We cannot process your applications without your supervisor and MDT Chair/DA’s signature.

OCFIT tuition is $358.18 when paid online ($350.00 plus processing fees). Tuition can also be paid by check and must be received before the application deadline for the application to be considered.

If you are writing a check please put the applicant’s name in the subject/memo line. Mail checks to:

Oregon Child Abuse Solutions
Attn: OCFIT
5441 S Macadam Ave
# 4183
Portland, OR 97239

Yes, as long as you can demonstrate that your department has approved the expense and is processing the payment, and we receive payment before the training start date. Email registration@oregoncas.org to coordinate with our team.

You are welcome to have multiple people from your department apply for OCFIT. However, space is extremely limited, and applications are prioritized to meet community needs. If you send more than two applications, please share with us who you would like us to prioritize first, second, third, etc. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee spots due to limited space.

Applications are reviewed and prioritized by Oregon Child Abuse Solutions and Regional Children’s Advocacy Centers based on regional training needs, position, and agency representation. Those who will conduct child forensic interviews in a children’s advocacy center receive priority enrollment.

OCAS will notify each applicant of their acceptance or waitlist status no later than 5 weeks before the training start date.

For in-person trainings, applicants are responsible for their own travel expenses, including the hotel rooms. Lunch are provided Tuesday-Thursday.

Please do NOT book your hotel room until you have received notice that you have been accepted into OCFIT. At that time, you will receive a booking link with the discounted group room rate.

Participants are required to attend the entire training in order to receive the Certificate of Completion. Participants cannot miss more than 30 minutes of the entire training to earn this certificate.