This two-day course is designed for law enforcement-homicide and death investigators, coroner/medical examiner investigators (medico-legal death investigators) and those in the child protection field. The instruction will comprehensively examine all aspects of responding to and investigating cases of child homicide and unexplained deaths of children.
Course Overview:
The Initial Response to the Death Scene
Steps for Initiating the Investigation
Determining Cause and Manner of Death
Infant Death - SUIDI and SIDS Shaken Baby Syndrome - Myths vs. Realities
Doll Reenactments
Determining Accidental vs. Intentional Injuries (Child Abuse)
Falls - Head Injuries and Other Signs
Burns - Patterns, Sparing, Severity, Temperature vs. Time
Common Bone Fractures
Bruises and Contusions
Signs of Wounds in Various
Stages of Healing
Other Common Injuries
Child Neglect Overview - Contributors to Death
Overview of Child Homicide in the United States
Current Trends in Child Abduction
Determining False Reports of Child Abduction
Common Methods of Disposal of Remains of Children
Identifying Unidentified Remains of Children
Interview and Interrogation Strategies
Victim and Family Issues
Interacting with Families in Crisis
An Overview of Children with Special Needs
Unique Risk - Children on the Autism Spectrum
Deaths by Drowning and other High-Risk Behavior
Other Issues
Case Studies