Summary - ChildFirst Christiansburg

Children's Advocacy Centers of Virginia (CACVA) sponsors ChildFirst Virginia, a five day intensive course in which students learn the necessary skills to conduct a forensic interview of a suspected child abuse victim. This interactive course combines lectures and demonstrations supplemented with homework assignments and a written examination at the end of the course. Participants also must conduct a 30-minute interview of a professional actor playing the role of an abused child after which the interviewer is critiqued by a professional forensic interviewer and a group of fellow students.

You must work in a job in which you conduct forensic interviews of suspected child abuse victims or you defend forensic interviews in court. These professionals are law enforcement investigators, DSS caseworkers, CAC Staff and prosecutors.
It is beneficial, but not required, to apply for the course as a multidisciplinary team. At a minimum, a team must include a prosecutor, a law enforcement investigator, and a child protection services worker. If you have any questions about who should be on a team, contact CACVA at 276-644-3371.
You must commit to completing all homework assignments and attending every session. Anyone who misses a session, does not complete homework, or fails the examination will not be awarded a certificate of course completion.
The payment for the training must be paid in full prior to the beginning of the session. Cancellations made at least 14 days prior to the start of the class are eligible for a refund, less a $50 administrative fee, or may transfer the registration to a future ChildFirst® Virginia training or to another eligible staff member within the same organization at no cost. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 14 days of the class start date, regardless of circumstance; however, registrants may still transfer their registration to a future training or to another eligible staff member within their organization at no cost. CACVA operates trainings on a limited budget; therefore, refunds outside of this policy will not be provided.

If you are applying as a member of a multidisciplinary team, please complete the application fully making sure to select 'TEAM member' in the appropriate section and listing the names of other team members who will be applying. Each team member must submit an application.

EACH TEAM MEMBER MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION.
If you are applying as an individual, please complete the application fully selecting 'Individual' on the application.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the training.

This training is limited to 40 participants. Following the application deadline of July 3, a selection committee will review all applications and determine participant selection. Applicants will be notified of their status on July 13, 2026. Individuals who are selected to attend and return a signed training agreement will receive hotel block information, pre-course reading materials, and the training agenda.

Financial Aid:

Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) provides scholarship opportunities for qualified DSS employees. This is handled through VDSS and further information will be provided upon selection of attendees.

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) offers a limited number of scholarships that cover the cost of course registration for sworn law enforcement officers responsible for investigating child abuse allegations. Priority consideration will be given to applicants from rural or underserved areas with limited access to training funds and/or Children’s Advocacy Center resources; however, officers from all agencies are encouraged to apply. The scholarship application is included as part of the course application- no separate application is required.

The Commonwealth Attorney's Services Council offers reimbursement of the course fee for attorneys after successful completion.

Apply by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

Applications due by July 3, 2026.