News From Thailand
Initialism Edition
in·i·tial·ism: an abbreviation consisting of initial letters pronounced separately.
One of the many unbelievably cool things about my job is the opportunity to participate in trainings by and with local, national, and international law enforcement. July was full of such opportunities, and our team had the privilege of attending workshops conducted by FBI and HSI (two initialisms with whom we work closely) on Child Forensic Interviewing. This month I thought I would share some of what I am learning.
MDT
A Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) focuses on the criminal investigation and prosecution of child abuse while reducing system impact on a child. A Child Advocacy Center (CAC) MDT may include:
- law enforcement
- social services
- prosecutors
- CAC personnel
- medical providers
- legal assistance
- behavioral health/counseling
- others
The goals of an MDT are to:
- Share information through regular meetings.
- Improve the treatment of victims.
- Enhance investigative and legal case strategies.
"Justice is incomplete if victims are pushed to the side during the process."
CFI
The goal of a Child Forensic Interview (CFI) is to obtain a statement from a child in a developmentally sensitive, unbiased, and truth-seeking manner, that will support accurate and fair decision-making in the criminal justice and child welfare systems. A CFI is for the court. Not for police or social workers.
Once again, the goal is to minimize secondary trauma (having to talk about the initial trauma with multiple people).
Some keys for a successful CFI include:
- Do not interrogate the victim. He/she is not on trial.
- Do take the time to establish trust, set ground rules.
- Do not lead or suggest a hypothesis.
- Do remain neutral/objective, truth-seeking.
VCA
A Victim-Centered Approach (VCA) advocates for "what is best for the child" at every step in the process. (Not surprisingly, this often turns out to be "what is best for the case"- as a stronger, more healed victim generally serves as a more capable legal witness.)
Whereas child victims of sexual abuse have been silenced and helpless, a Victim-Centered Approach seeks to offer them:
- A voice.
- A choice.
So, once safety has been established, the next concern is for the child's needs, rights, requirements, goals, and desires. The objective of a VCA is to provide assistance with compassion and dignity:
- No judgement.
- No pressure.
- No shame.
Chasing Failure
I listened to a sermon recently about the power of chasing failure (that is, trying for something that is out of my reach). The idea is that chasing failure (taking chances, making mistakes) will get me farther than chasing perfection ever has. For me, it applies currently to language learning. I have been afraid to practice speaking Thai- afraid of making mistakes, of looking foolish. The truth is that if I am not making mistakes every day, I'm not stretching, not learning, not growing. I have to get over this idea that I need to do something perfectly in order to do it at all.
The Sound of Silence
Travelled farther north to Chiang Dao for a "Silent Retreat" to celebrate my 52nd birthday. It was, ummm, quiet. Grateful for the chance to retreat and reflect for a couple of days. Thank you for sweet birthday wishes, and for your sustaining prayers & support!
Love, Helen
Email: Helen@HUGproject.org
Website: http://theelephantchronicles.com/
Phone: 0953215655
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1007519129342335/